The Bucs (2-0) and Rams (2-0) had a great game last season with the Rams winning it by a 27-24 score in late November. This season the Rams feel they have an upgrade in quarterback with Matthew Stafford now behind center and former QB Jared Goff now taking the snaps for the Detroit Lions. Meanwhile, Bucs QB Tom Brady just keeps on rolling along and is coming off a FIVE touchdown pass performance in a rout of the Atlanta Falcons last week.
Both of these teams feature strong defenses as well, especially against the run. The Rams seem to have the edge in passing defense, but both teams can get after opposing quarterbacks as well. In addition, the Rams defense has been more stingy on the scoreboard, allowing only 38 points through the first two games, compared to 54 points allowed by Tampa Bay.
Brady and the Buccaneers offense seems to have more weapons than do the Rams, but wide receiver Antonio Brown could be out after a COVID-19 concern that came about this week. Even without him, the Bucs feature Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and tight end Rob Gronkowski. Stafford's go to guy so far this season has been WR Cooper Kupp, who has 16 receptions for 271 yards with three touchdowns in just two games.
The Kansas City Chiefs will be back at home this Sunday to face the Los Angeles Chargers, an AFC West divisional rival. Kansas City squandered a double digit lead in the fourth quarter last Sunday night and lost to the Baltimore Ravens. The Chargers lost a heart breaker to the Dallas Cowboys, 20-17 on a game winning 56-yard field goal by Greg Zuerlein as time expired. The Bolts and Chiefs are both 1-1 and need to win to keep pace with both the Las Vegas Raiders and Denver Broncos, who are both 2-0 so far this season.
Kansas City's defense has been among the worst in pro football through the first two games, especially against the run. The Chiefs have been gouged to the tune of allowing 202 yards rushing per game. At the same time, Kansas City is averaging only 67.5 YPG on the ground. The Chargers would be wise to follow the trend and keep it on the ground and control the clock. Either way, these two teams usually wind up in a shootout by the end of the game.
The Sunday night game features the Green Bay Packers (1-1) at the San Francisco 49ers (2-0) and both teams are coming off wins. The 'Niners squeaked out a road win Philadelphia last Sunday by six points while the Packers crushed the Detroit Lions, 35-17 on Monday Night Football with QB Aaron Rodgers throwing four TD passes.
The rest of the action for Week Three in the capsule style format is featured and then the Heftyinfo picks for the games follow up.
Indianapolis (0-2) at Tennessee (1-1) - The Titans got it rolling last week with Derrick Henry. The Colts lost a tough one at home in the final minutes.
Atlanta (0-2) at N.Y. Giants (0-2) - Who cares?
L.A.Chargers (1-1) at Kansas City (1-1) - Two teams that know each other very well. The Chiefs are smarting after blowing a big lead last week.
Cincinnati (1-1) at Pittsburgh (1-1) - The Steelers had better be ready for this game. The Bengals are an improving team.
Chicago (1-1) at Cleveland (1-1) - Bears rookie QB Justin Fields makes his first start in this one. The Browns can score points, but they also allow a lot of points.
Baltimore (1-1) at Detroit (0-2) - The Ravens should win this game, but the Lions will put up a fight.
New Orleans (1-1) at New England (1-1) - Two teams with solid defenses go at it in New England. Take the Pats in a squeaker.
Arizona (2-0) at Jacksonville (0-2) - Cardinals roll !
Washington (1-1) at Buffalo (1-1) - Can the Bills keep things rolling after putting up 35 points last week? The Washington Football Team has a good defense, so it could be a close one.
N.Y. Jets (0-2) at Denver (2-0) - On paper, the Broncos should crush the Jets on Sunday, but they have to play the game on the field.
Miami (1-1) at Las Vegas (2-0) - Two teams that are out to prove the doubters wrong this season go at it in this one. Take the Raiders.
Seattle (1-1) at Minnesota (0-2) - Will the Vikings lose at home and start the 2021 season at 0-3?
Tampa Bay (2-0) at L.A. Rams (2-0) - This game should go down to the wire. Take the Buccaneers in a tight one as Brady and company pull it out late.
Green Bay (1-1) at San Francisco (2-0) - Green Bay needs to win a road game against a tough opponent and this is their chance. The 49ers are a hard team to figure out so far this season.
Philadelphia (1-1) at Dallas (1-1) - The Monday night game with two NFC East rivals going at it in Big D. Take the Cowboys.
The Heftyinfo predictions for Week Three . . . . . . . . (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)
Carolina over Houston
Tennessee over Indianapolis
N.Y. Giants over Atlanta
Kansas City over L.A. Chargers
Pittsburgh over Cincinnati
Cleveland over Chicago
Baltimore over Detroit
New England over New Orleans
ARIZONA over Jacksonville
Buffalo over Washington
Denver over N.Y. Jets
Las Vegas over Miami
Minnesota over Seattle
Tampa Bay over L.A. Rams
Green Bay over San Francisco
Dallas over Philadelphia
Last Week's Record - 10-6
SEASON RECORD - 19-13
Lock of the Week Record - 2-0
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