FanPost

Week 3 Picks

16-16. Not a horrible first two weeks, but it should be better. The NFL is a crazy place...

By week 3, we fans generally have a decent idea of the "good" teams and the "bad teams." Then the Eagles manage a 2-0 record while committing 9 turnovers, the Cardinals beat the Patriots, and 20 out of 32 NFL teams are 1-1.
And replacement refs are still replacing the refs.

Jump for the picks!

Week3picks2012_medium

Rams @ Bears:
I think the Bears bounce back big-time at home. At least, the offense does. The defense just keeps up its awesome performance, and the Bears cruise to an easy victory.
Predictions: Bears shut-out the Rams. Cutler has a monster game (300-4), due mostly in part to Marshall (9-120-3). Hester has a return TD.

Lions @ Titans:
In all honesty, I could see the Lions bouncing back from a manhandling by the 49ers and thwomping the Titans. I could also see them on the road for a second straight week, facing a team more than capable of winning this game, especially if Chris Johnson can find the success Gore et al had last week.
Predictions: CJ rewards those who drafted him in fantasy land with a 140-yd, 2 TD performance. Kendall Wright has a deja vu moment hauling in a long TD from Locker. Stafford attempts 50 passes.

Eagles @ Cardinals:
These two teams...well...not many expected them to sprint out of the gate 2-0. They may have been lucky in their respective wins, but a "W" is what it is. One team has to taste defeat this week (unless this ends in a tie, a conclusion which, at this point, seems to just fit perfectly). I think Philly's turnover issues finally get them this week as Fitzgerald lights up their secondary with an all-world performance.
Predictions: Fitz's stat-line: 15-180-3. Vick throws two picks, loses a fumble. D-jax takes a punt back to the house.

Patriots @ Ravens:
These two teams are both experienced, talented, and well-coached. Flacco has shown flashes of greatness, mixed in with a few "WTF" moments. Brady is one of the greatest QB's of all time. I think this game comes down to old-school ground 'n' pound, and if it does, the Ravens pull it out.
Predictions: Ray Rice has 200 total yards from scrimmage. Gronk catches 2 TD's. Reed picks off Brady...twice.

Yes, I picked the home team in each of the four match-ups. With the replacement refs "managing" each game, one has to assume that home-field advantage is magnified, and that makes it tough for road teams to win.

This Fanpost was written by a Windy City Gridiron member and does not necessarily reflect the ideas or opinions of its staff or community.