NFL - Week Three Preview

There are some big games this weekend, but none bigger than the rematch of last season's Super Bowl as the Denver Broncos travel to face the defending champion Seattle Seahawks.
We all remember the dismantling the Seahawks gave the Broncos in Super Bowl 48 in a 43-8 win for their first ever Super Bowl title.
Seattle's young quarterback Russell Wilson was able to beat the old pro, Peyton Manning in that one.
But, as the old saying goes, that was then and this is now.
It should be a more exciting game than the one football fans witnessed last February. There are some other games on tap this week that should definitely be interesting as well.
San Diego, fresh off their 30-21 upset win over Seattle, travels to play the undefeated Buffalo Bills. Meanwhile, the Washington Redskins will be in Philadelphia to play the unbeaten Eagles. Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson will have the chance (provided he plays after a shoulder injury last weekend) to burn his former team.
With what has been going on around the NFL with all the domestic abuse cases against numerous players in recent weeks, the league could use a boost with some exciting football games. Hopefully, these issues will be thoroughly addressed as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell talked about in his 45-minute rambling speech on Friday afternoon.
The first two weeks have provided both surprise and excitement on the field and this week should be no different. Here is a capsule style look at the games with the Heftyinfo predictions following.

San Diego (1-1) at Buffalo (2-0) - This game could come down to whoever has the football last.

Dallas (1-1) at St. Louis (1-1) - Can the Rams carry on without QB Sam Bradford? They will get a real test this weekend with the Cowboys coming to town this Sunday.

Washington (1-1) at Philadelphia (2-0) - Eagles looking to go 3-0 and possibly get a firm hold on the NFC East.

Houston (2-0) at New York Giants (0-2) - Will this be the week the Giants get off the mat and play some football? Houston has beaten two sub-par teams.

Minnesota (1-1) at New Orleans (0-2) - The Saints need to beat the Vikings or they may be in for a long season.

Tennessee (1-1) at Cincinnati (2-0)  - The Bengals are looking for a 3-0 start while the Titans look to rebound after getting spanked at home by Dallas last week.

Baltimore (1-1) at Cleveland (1-1) - Break up the Browns? This game will be a good one and the home team might win this game. The key is getting pressure on Ravens QB Joe Flacco.

Green Bay (1-1) at Detroit (1-1) - The Lions are tough at home... the Packers are not a real good road team.

Indianapolis (0-2) at Jacksonville (0-2) - Both these teams need a win to avoid the dreaded 0-3 start. Something has to give.

Oakland (0-2) at New England (1-1) - The Patriots should bury the Raiders in this one.

San Francisco (1-1) at Arizona (2-0) - The 49ers let one get away last week at home. The Cardinals have their chance to prove they are the real deal if they win this one.

Denver (2-0) at Seattle (1-1) - Super Bowl 48 rematch ... Look for a much closer game than the last time these two teams met.

Kansas City (0-2) at Miami (1-1) - Once upon a time, these two teams played the longest game ever in NFL history (1971 playoffs) ... take the Dolphins at home.

Pittsburgh (1-1) at Carolina (2-0) - The Steelers appear to have some real issues so far this season ... the Panthers get after it on defense and that should be good enough in this game.

Chicago (1-1) at New York Jets (1-1) - Two teams that went in opposite directions last weekend ... The Bears stormed back to surprise the 49ers while the Jets blew a big lead and lost at Green Bay.


The Heftyinfo picks for Week Three  . . .     (Home teams are listed in BOLD type and Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)

Atlanta over Tampa Bay
San Diego over Buffalo
St. Louis over Dallas
Philadelphia over Washington
NY Giants over Houston
New Orleans over Minnesota
Cincinnati over Tennessee
Cleveland over Baltimore
Detroit over Green Bay
Indianapolis over Jacksonville
NEW ENGLAND over Oakland
San Francisco over Arizona
Seattle over Denver
Miami over Kansas City
Carolina over Pittsburgh
Chicago over NY Jets


Last Week's Record:  9-7

SEASON RECORD:  18-14

Lock of the Week Record:  1-1