2023 Season – Week 3 – Previews & Predictions
Los Angeles Chargers (0-2) at Minnesota Vikings (0-2) 1:00p (ET)
The Minnesota Vikings need to find a way to get back on track in Week 3, but the only problem is they’re facing another team in desperate need of a win – the Los Angeles Chargers. Chargers fans have to be thinking: another season, same old story – very high on promise, very low on delivery. Their defense has been horrible through the first two games, making costly penalties and allowing big plays. Vikings and Chargers are mirror images of each other in their respective conference, making this game a toss-up. We should see some offensive fireworks in what should be an offensive shootout. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison will take advantage of a soft Chargers’ secondary to lead the Vikings to a win at home. Final Score: Chargers – 31, Vikings – 38
New England Patriots (0-2) at New York Jets (1-1) 1:00p (ET)
The New England Patriots face a familiar New York Jets team with Zach Wilson under center at MetLife Stadium. The Pats travel to New York with a 0-2 record, and based on what we’ve seen from both offenses so far, we might be in for a classic defensive showdown here. And there’s also the possibility of entertainment value from the running game on both teams. The Patriots aren’t exactly the Cowboys, but Wilson isn’t reading basic defensive schemes properly. In the end, we’ll likely see New England get their first win of the season in a crucial road game. Final Score: Patriots – 17, Jets – 16
Buffalo Bills (1-1) at Washington Commanders (2-0) 1:00p (ET)
The Bills didn’t get off to a great start against the Jets in Week 1 but last Sunday, they were able to get back on track with a blowout win over the Las Vegas Raiders at home. QB Josh Allen was almost perfect, throwing for 3 TDs with just six incompletions. Washington erased a 21-3 deficit and ended up defeating the Broncos 35-33 with some late drama. QB Sam Howell threw for 299 yards and 2 TDs, and he was just out there assuredly ripping the ball downfield against some very good Denver defensive backs. The Commanders shouldn’t be a major roadblock to the Buffalo Bills. However, a confident and poised Howell has the potential to keep the final score close. Final Score: Bills – 28, Commanders – 25
Chicago Bears (0-2) at Kansas City Chiefs (1-1) 4:25p (ET)
The reigning Super Bowl champions got back on track following the season-opening loss at Arrowhead Stadium against the Lions. And the returns of Travis Kelce and Chris Jones had the impact many hoped it would have. Chicago started off the 2023 campaign 0-2 and it’s seems that a lot of people over-hyped Justin Fields going into this season. The Bears are still a young team with a coaching staff that’s only been in town for a year and change, so nobody is expecting them to avoid their first 0-3 start since 2016. The Chiefs have yet to play to their full potential this season. With Travis Kelce and Chris Jones shaking the rust off Week 2, Mahomes and company should have no problem winning this game. Final Score: Bears – 13, Chiefs – 31
Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) at Las Vegas Raiders (1-1) 8:20p (ET)
Against the Broncos in Week 1, the Raiders had an impressive game, but were shipwrecked in Buffalo in a 38-10 thrashing by the Bills. The Steelers seem to have a defensive unit ready for prime time, but the offense clearly is not. If Pickett doesn’t show improvement quickly, his audition to be the long-term QB for Pittsburgh could be over sooner than most people expect. Las Vegas might very well win because they’re at home, and they have an experienced offense, but the Steelers’ defense makes them contenders whether they’re playing in Pittsburgh or on the road. The Raiders are a better team than what they have shown in Buffalo. Expect them to regroup, play better and beat the Steelers at Allegiant Stadium. Final Score: Steelers – 21, Raiders – 24
Philadelphia Eagles (2-0) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0) (Mon) 7:15p (ET)
After upsetting the Minnesota Vikings, the Buccaneers were solid and effective in Week 2 against the Bears. The Eagles have benefitted from turnovers from both the Patriots and Vikings to win their first two games of the season. Most people assumed the Eagles would be excellent, but a fair amount of NFL pundits predicted the Buccaneers would be very lucky to win two games all season much less in the first two weeks. Tampa’s defense had a great day against the Bears, racking up 10 QB hits and 6.0 sacks, which may have a huge impact on this matchup. The Buccaneers could pose an interesting threat against the Eagles, and an upset here wouldn’t surprise me, but I’m taking Philadelphia to win by a touchdown. Final Score: Eagles – 27, Buccaneers – 20
Los Angeles Rams (1-1) at Cincinnati Bengals (0-2) (Mon) 8:15p (ET)
The Bengals are out of sorts going into Week 3, and to make matters worse, QB Joe Burrow re-aggravated his injured calf and at this point is considered day-to-day. The Rams’ defense has weaknesses, but it will be difficult to exploit them with Jake Browning or a less than 100 percent Joe Burrow. It will be very interesting to see how these two teams respond in Week 3 coming off of rough losses. And it’s another game where we’ll have to wait for the injury report. But, at this moment, you have to go with the Bengals. I see them getting the win with a late field goal. Final Score: Rams – 24, Bengals – 26
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