It’s already week 3. And the best thing about a new slate is that it brings another opportunity to do a better job of guessing game results.
Which is also a reminder that – especially in the early stages of the season – it’s virtually impossible to know what’s going to happen. This is another reminder that, if you’re going to give in to the incessant advertising and put any of your hard-earned money into it, beware. It should come from your entertainment budget. All the money you make is found money, which will eventually lose money if/when you convince yourself you’re the next Greek Jimmy.
Here is another reminder. Don’t rely on me when you are figuring out how you want to go about turning your found money into your lost money. Last week I was a pathetic 9-7.
Best choice: None of them. Worst pick: Texans over Bengals. Fly-to-close-to-the-sun-on-wings-of-pastrami pick: Giants over Rams.
For the year, I’m 19-13.
So here we go for week 3. The goal is 16-0. Fear is 0-16.
Falcons at Packers (Thursday night)
The Packers get a homecoming game for their home opener against a Falcons team that will be knocking its third quarterback in three games, hoping he’s ready to go after his latest ACL tear. Green Bay will need to show a little more consistency — and a dominance or two — in order to keep the boo birds at bay after a slow 1-1 start to the season.
Packers 27, Falcons 13.
Loaders on invoices
It would be fitting for the Chargers to dig deep and stun the Bills, especially as the pressure to get a win mounts. But the Bills are still basking in the glow of their new building, and the Chargers have done little to inspire confidence that they can fly across the country to beat a team that had three extra days to prepare.
Bills 34, Chargers 20.
Panthers at Browns
For Deshaun Watson, it will be easier to win the game than to win the crowd. And it won’t be easy to win the match.
Panthers 28, Browns 20.
Airplanes in Luans
Aaron Glenn returns to Detroit, where he did well enough as a defensive coordinator to become head coach. He may wish he never left. And if he leaves in a huff, Dan Campbell can tell Glenn, “Take me with you.”
Lions 30, Jets 22.
Texans at Colts
It’s not an elimination game, just because the AFC South suddenly doesn’t seem poised to become one of the toughest divisions in the league. However, 0-3 becomes a much more difficult hole to climb out of. The Texans seem better equipped to pull it off.
Texans 20, Colts 10.
Patriots at Jaguars
The Patriots need 2026 Drake Maye to start playing like 2025 Drake Maye. And the Jaguars need Week 2 Trevor Lawrence to play more like Week 1 Trevor Lawrence.
Jaguars 23, Patriots 16.
Chiefs at Dolphins
In 1971, these two teams played the longest game in NFL history. For Dolphins fans attending this one, it will feel even longer.
Chiefs 27, Dolphins 9.
Titans in Giants
Jaxson Dart’s absence gives John Harbaugh a chance to have some of the best workouts of his career. This helps keep the schedule consistent for the next two weeks. Even if Titans offensive coordinator Brian Daboll knows the personnel well enough to help Robert Saleh and company craft an effective game plan.
Giants 16, Titans 13.
Bengals at Steelers
If Mike Tomlin were still the coach, this would be a game-winning drive for the Steelers. Sunday’s game may be the most tangible evidence that Mike Tomlin is no longer a coach.
Bengals 24, Steelers 14.
Seahawks at Commanders
Once upon a time, Dan Quinn was the Seahawks defensive coordinator. Those days are gone forever. (Though he might be a defensive coordinator again, starting next year.)
Seahawks 24, Commanders 7.
The Cardinals at age 49
As long as they stay healthy, the 49ers will keep rolling.
49ers 30, Cardinals 13.
Vikings at Buccaneers
It’s even harder to imagine the Vikings as 3-0 as it is to imagine the Bucs at 0-3. If so, Vikings might be real. And the stadium in Tampa could be empty (except for Packers fans) in Week 4.
Buccaneers 23, Vikings 20.
Ravens at Cowboys (in Brazil)
A sloppy pitch can benefit guys who know where they’re going, to the detriment of those who try to keep up.
Ravens 34, Cowboys 30.
Strikers at Saints
Could this be a preview of a Super Bowl in the not-too-distant future? (Maybe not, but both teams are better than expected.)
Saints 24, Raiders 20.
Rams at Broncos (Sunday Night)
The Broncos will apparently have a plan to cover Davante Adams. The noise at Mile High Stadium will help, too.
Broncos 27, Rams 24.
Eagles at Bears (Monday Night)
The Eagles catch a break if they end up facing Case Keenum. Who last threw a regular season pass in 2023.
Eagles 24, Bears 20.