NFL Week 3 Pick'em

The big news in the NFL was Trent Richardson being dealt to the Indianapolis Colts for a first round draft pick.  When I saw this I didn't believe it.  T-Rich was the #3 overall pick in the 2012 draft and he's already been traded.  If the Browns are interested in rebuilding wouldn't you want to do that around a great running back like Richardson?  I'm kind of confused but I do know that the Browns will have a hard time winning games now and I guess they are in a fight for the #1 pick in the 2014 draft with Jacksonville.

It was a struggle last week as we needed the Sunday and Monday night games just to get back to .500 for the weekend.  However, the SuperContest stats were improved going 3-2.  It could have been better but the New Orleans Saints won and didn't cover as they couldn't finish in the redzone.  The Tennessee Titans and San Diego Chargers both covered big numbers again.  They look like projected bad teams to keep our eye this year.  The Buffalo Bills and New York Jets are also 2-0 ATS (against the spread).  Let's get back on track in Week 3.

SuperContest Picks (Home team in CAPS)

VIKINGS -6.5 over Browns

I liked this game before Richardson was traded and like it even more now.  The Browns offense has been inept in its first two games and losing their best offensive player won't help.  Neither will starting the third string quarterback Brian Hoyer.  Cleveland's defense is definitely better than average and have the ability to stop Adrian Peterson.  But they will be on the field a lot since their offense will have a hard time controlling the ball.  This also will be Minnesota's first home game as they are only one of three teams yet to play at home.  AP will eventually find holes in the defense and Christian Ponder will play well enough in the dome to cover by a touchdown. 

Bills +2.5 over JETS

Even though the Jets covered and could have won last week at New England I still have no faith in this team.  Both are led by rookie QB's but EJ Manuel has looked better for Buffalo than Geno Smith has for New York.  Last week was a perfect example of this.  Smith had the opportunity to make a comeback against the Patriots but threw three 4th quarter interceptions to lose 13-10.  However, Manuel went 80 yards in 1:36 to throw the game winner to Steve Johnson with two seconds left as the Bills beat the Panthers 24-23.  I'll take the better QB and the points.

DOLPHINS -2.5 over Falcons

I totally doubted Miami coming into this year.  I had no faith in Ryan Tannehill, Lamar Miller, or Mike Wallace.  But after two road wins to open the season I'm starting to come around.  Tannehill has managed games well and not made too many bad decisions.  Miller is still struggling but Wallace had 115 yards and a TD last week after complaining about not getting enough targets in week 1.  Atlanta comes into this game after being hit with the injury bug.  They will be without starting running back Steven Jackson, defensive end Kory Biermann, linebacker Sean Weatherspoon and possibly cornerback Asante Samuel.  Wideout Roddy White has been battling an ankle injury to start the season and has been a none factor.  Too many problems for the Falcons so go with Miami.

Packers -3 over BENGALS

The Green Bay Packers absolutely dismantled the Redskins defense as Aaron Rodgers was on point all day.  Green Bay also found new life at the running back position.  After rookie Eddie Lacy went down on his first run of the game with a concussion, James Starks entered and went wild.  Starks finished with 132 yards and one TD.  The Bengals looked good last week as well taking down the Steelers.  Their defense has been solid and Andy Dalton seems to be clicking with AJ Green and his tight ends.  This could turn into a shootout between these two QB's and if it does Rodgers has a lot more weapons to choose from.

Cardinals +7.5 over SAINTS

I felt with Sean Payton back this year the New Orleans Saints would be back to playoff form from two years ago.  They are 2-0, so definitely on pace to make the postseason after missing it in 2012, but have not looked convincing especially after squeaking by the Bucs.  Drew Brees isn't off to his best start either, throwing three touchdowns and three INT's.  For Arizona, Carson Palmer led a late touchdown drive against the Lions to take a 25-21 victory.  The Cardinals might not win enough games to make the playoffs but they will play a lot of teams tough.  Getting a touchdown for an Arizona offense that can put up points is a good reason for me to take the underdog.


Other NFL in 10 or less

Chiefs +3 over EAGLES    Andy Reid comes back to Philly and gets a win.

TITANS -3 over Chargers    Tennessee finally gets a home game and have looked good.

Bucs +7 over PATRIOTS    If Gronk doesn't play Pats still have offensive struggles.

RAVENS +2.5 over Texans    Rice's health a concern but Texans have been sloppy.

Rams +4 over COWBOYS     Rams passing attack keeps it close in big D.

Lions +2.5 over REDSKINS    Skins have worst defense in NFL, Stafford has field day.

PANTHERS -1 over Giants    Panthers should have won last week, bounce back at home.

Colts +10 over 49ERS    Colts pumped by getting T-Rich, Niners on a short week.

Jaguars +19 over SEAHAWKS    Getting 3 touchdowns is hard to pass up.

STEELERS +2.5 over Bears     Tough to see the Steelers start 0-3 even with injuries.

BRONCOS -15 over Raiders    Rolling with Peyton until their offense slows down.


SuperContest
Last Week:  3-2
Season Total:  7-3

Overall
Last Week:  8-8
Season Total:  17-13-1