Week 3 NFL Picks

By Denny Basens, Sports Talk Philly staff writer 

After two weeks of football, only eight teams were left with 2-0 records. That number is already down to seven after Thursday night's game, a New England Patriots win over the now 2-1 Houston Texans. 

The other six unbeatens take the field on Sunday, looking to move to 3-0 on the season and make a huge statement early in the season. Here are this week's picks.

Arizona at Buffalo

The Rex Ryan ship is sinking quickly. Tyrod Taylor will struggle against the Arizona defense, Ryan gets himself one step closer to the unemployment line with another bad loss. 

Pick: Arizona 30, Buffalo 17

Minnesota at Carolina

Sam Bradford had a cute little debut against a Green Bay team that underachieved offensively. The Carolina defense will bring Sam and Minnesota fans back to reality. 

Pick: Carolina 27, Minnesota 10

Denver at Cincinnati 

Denver goes on the road for the first time this season, and suffers its first loss. The Cincy defense won't let Trevor Siemian make it three in a row. 

Pick: Cincinnati 23, Denver 13

Detroit at Green Bay

Matt Stafford predictably reverted back to his inconsistent form against the Titans in a crushing loss for the Lions. The Packers will be hungry to get back in the win column after suffering an upset against the Sam Bradford-led Vikings, and will win easily at home. 

Pick: Green Bay 24, Detroit 16

Baltimore at Jacksonville

I thought the Jaguars were on their way to much better things before the season. After two weeks, I'm conflicted. On one hand, they played a strong effort in a loss against a Packer team that few expected them to win. On the other, they looked absolutely miserable in their loss to San Diego a week ago. It's now or never for the Jags at home. 

Pick: Jacksonville 27, Baltimore 23

Cleveland at Miami

What a miserable start to the season for the Browns. They'll now start their third quarterback in as many games, with Cody Kessler taking over for the injured Josh McCown. Miami will come out firing on all cylinders to avoid a crippling 0-3 start. 

Pick: Miami 30, Cleveland 10

Washington at New York

The Redskins are in a full-blown panic while the Giants are at a comfortable 2-0. New York's defense has been playing very well, and with Kirk Cousins ripe for turnovers these days, I'd expect the Giants to claim another division win. 

Pick: New York 23, Washington 16

Oakland at Tennessee 

The Titans have looked pretty mediocre through two weeks, while the Raiders look like they actually have a chance to be competitive. Oakland can't afford to lose this game if they want to keep pace with the Broncos. 

Pick: Oakland 24, Tennessee 20

San Francisco at Seattle

This game may not be the blowout I initially expected it to be, given that the Seahawks have been looking so wretched offensively. Still, after a humiliating showing to the Rams a week ago, they should be ready to bounce back against another division foe. 

Pick: Seattle 23, San Francisco 10

Los Angeles at Tampa Bay

The Rams defense may be good enough to keep them in this game, but I think the Bucs snap out of last week's funk for a big win at home. 

Pick: Tampa Bay 27, Los Angeles 6

San Diego at Indianapolis

If the Colts don't win this game, Chuck Pagano could well be out of a job on Monday morning. 

Pick: Indianapolis 30, San Diego 27

New York at Kansas City

The Chiefs don't have enough explosiveness on offense to take advantage of the struggling New York secondary. Ryan Fitzpatrick and his weapons cruise to 3-0 with an impressive road win. 

Pick: New York 24, Kansas City 20

Pittsburgh at Philadelphia

The Steelers are a clear upgrade in competition from the Browns and Bears, but the Eagles are playing very well on both sides of the ball, and determined to make a statement that they're for real going into their bye week. 

Pick: Philadelphia 24, Pittsburgh 23

Chicago at Dallas

How did the NFL allow the Bears to play prime-time games in back-to-back weeks?

Pick: Dallas 23, Chicago 13

Atlanta at New Orleans

The Saints handed the Falcons their first loss of the season a year ago, and now playing at home to avoid 0-3, should do the same this year. 

Pick: New Orleans 33, Atlanta 27