NFL - Week Three Preview

 

The third week of the 2024 NFL season started on Thursday night with the New York Jets blasting the New England Patriots, 24-3 for the home win. There are some games that look to be solid matchups, including a pair of games between 2-0 teams as the Minnesota Vikings host the Houston Texans while the Los Angeles Chargers face the Pittsburgh Steelers for a road game. 

The Vikings won a close one at home against the San Francisco 49ers last Sunday while Houston held off the visiting Chicago Bears, 19-13 on Sunday night. Both teams have been playing good defense through the first two weeks and turnovers will likely dictate the outcome in this game. Minnesota quarterback Sam Darnold so far has been very impressive as he replaced Kirk Cousins (now with Atlanta) as the QB for 2024. 

The Chargers beat up on weak sister team Carolina last week, 26-3 with running back J.K. Dobbins going over the 100-yard rushing mark again and scoring another touchdown while QB Justin Herbert tossed two touchdown passes to wide receiver Quentin Johnston. Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh has had an impact already it seems with his emphasis on running the football as the 'Bolts are right up there in rushing yardage leaders in the NFL. The Steelers defense has been stingy (second only to the Chargers in points allowed in first two games) and they can shut down the run and pressure the quarterback, led by All-Pro defensive end T.J. Watt. This game will likely be a lower scoring one with the Steelers rating a slight edge if Herbert (high ankle sprain) cannot start on Sunday. 

The rest of the action for Week Three around the NFL is featured in the capsule style format and the Heftyinfo picks (admittedly a little lackluster so far this year) follow up. 

N.Y. Giants (0-2) at Cleveland (1-1) - The Browns should win this game, but one never knows the fickle nature of pro football. 

Chicago (1-1) at Indianapolis (0-2) - The Colts desperately need a win in this one. Bears defense is among the best in the NFL so far. 

Philadelphia (1-1) at New Orleans (2-0) - Can the Eagles go into The Big Easy and steal this one? The Saints are averaging 45.5 points per game so far. Take the Saints! 

Denver (0-2) at Tampa Bay (2-0) - The Broncos have had big time problems scoring so far while the Buccaneers are riding high with QB Baker Mayfield. Bucs rate the edge. 

Green Bay (1-1) at Tennessee (0-2) - Is it possible that Packers QB Jordan Love could play this week after only missing one game with a serious knee injury? Titans will be looking to pressure whoever the Pack has playing quarterback. 

Carolina (0-2) at Las Vegas (1-1) - The Raiders should have their way at home against the worst team in the NFL. 

Miami (1-1) at Seattle (2-0) - It's simple for the Dolphins in this one . . . No Tua (concussion) at quarterback, no win. 

Detroit (1-1) at Arizona (1-1) - The Lions got a big slice of humble pie in their home loss to Tampa Bay last Sunday while the Cardinals offense exploded with QB Kyler Murray playing a perfect game. 

Baltimore (0-2) at Dallas (1-1) - Both of these teams have under achieved so far this season . . .  So something has to give. 

San Francisco (1-1) at L.A. Rams (0-2) - Both of these teams are banged up, especially on offense. 49ers are down three starters (McCaffrey, Samuel and Kittle) while the Rams are without their dynamic duo wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. 'Niners have a better defense so they rate the edge here. 

Kansas City (2-0) at Atlanta (1-1) - The Sunday night game between two teams that can move the football. Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is far better than (Atlanta QB) Kirk Cousins, so take the Chiefs. 

Jacksonville (0-2) at Buffalo (2-0) - One of two Monday Night Football games this week. The Bills are rolling early on this year while the Jaguars cannot get out of their own way. Game could be closer than most people might think, but the Bills should get the win. 

Washington (1-1) at Cincinnati (0-2) - Can the Bengals get off the schnide? The Commanders will be a tough opponent, but Burrow and company simply cannot afford to drop to 0-3 this season. 

The Heftyinfo predictions for Week Three        . . . . . . . . . . . . .  (Home teams listed in bold; Lock of the Week listed in BOLD CAPS) 

N.Y. Jets over New England 

Cleveland over N.Y. Giants 

Indianapolis over Chicago 

Houston over Minnesota 

New Orleans over Philadelphia 

Pittsburgh over L.A. Chargers 

Tampa Bay over Denver 

Green Bay over Tennessee 

LAS VEGAS over Carolina 

Seattle over Miami 

Arizona over Detroit 

Baltimore over Dallas 

San Francisco over L.A. Rams 

Kansas City over Atlanta 

Buffalo over Jacksonville 

Cincinnati over Washington 

Last Week's Record - 8-8 

SEASON RECORD - 18-14 

Lock of the Week Record - 0-2