Week three is here y'all! We have some great division games on the docket and a few 0-2 teams that desperately need to dig out of their hole. Here are the games to watch this Sunday!
(1-1) Tennessee Titans at
(1-1) New York Giants
Both teams were embarrassed last week at the hands of the AFC's elite, so this game has to be a bounce-back win for somebody. Look for Chris Johnson to get back on track running the ball against a Giant defense that still hasn't clicked up front. That should keep Vince Young from making too many mistakes. As highly-ranked as the Titan defense is, they haven't gone up against a decent offense yet, beating Oakland and losing to a Roethlisberger-less Steelers. Eli Manning is the best QB they've faced so far.
(2-0) Pittsburgh Steelers at
(2-0) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
So I didn't quite expect either of these teams to be undefeated, much less the lowly Bucs. Pittsburgh proved they could still win in spite of a putrid offensive performance last week. Charlie Batch will be steady (if he lasts in the pocket) and move the ball well enough, but the Steeler defense will shut down Josh Freeman and the Buccaneer offense and drop them from the undefeateds.
(0-2) Dallas Cowboys at
(2-0) Houston Texans
It's time for a Texas Take-down! A panic-stricken Cowboy squad can't afford to turn the ball over and make mistakes against this Texan offense. Offensive coordinator Jason Garrett may overreact and force the run this week, but it's pretty obvious to me that he should pass the ball against Houston's defense, which has given up more than 400 yards passing in each of their first two games. Look out in Cowboy-land if they start 0-3. My popcorn is ready.
(0-2) San Francisco 49ers
(2-0) Kansas City Chiefs
The Niners get a chance to snag their first win of the season against Matt Cassel, who has played horribly in his first two outings. The Chiefs won't be able to rely on defensive scores and special teams touchdowns all year, so they'll need to mount some offense against Mike Singletary's fuming defense.
(0-2) Detroit Lions at
(0-2) Minnesota Vikings
While Detroit is right in-line with an 0-2 record, no one expected the Minnesota Vikings to start so slow after the season they hard last year. Brett Favre may want to get in-sync with his receivers against the Lion secondary or he might consider heading back down to Mississippi. If Matthew Stafford was starting, I'd strongly consider picking the Lions. With Shaun Hill, they don't have a shot.
(1-1) Atlanta Falcons at
(2-0) New Orleans Saints
Not winning as prettily as they're used to, the New Orleans Saints welcome in the team that's supposedly primed to take over the NFC South. The Falcons just bowled over the Cardinals in week 2, but they won't get the same luck against the Saints. The Saint offense won't be as dynamic without Reggie Bush in the backfield, but Sean Payton will have a few tricks up his sleeve as always. This should be one of the best games of the day.
(1-1) Indianapolis Colts at
(1-1) Denver Broncos
This match-up doesn't work towards Denver's advantage. Corner Champ Bailey will play despite a foot injury, but he'll be tested early and often. Peyton Manning will take advantage of you every chance he gets. Without Knowshon Moreno in the backfield, the Broncos will have to heavily rely on their passing game and expose Kyle Orton to a stingy pass rush. Indy should take this in a cake walk, because Denver doesn't have the offense to match them.
(1-1) New York Jets at
(2-0) Miami Dolphins
Oh Sunday night, how I love thee. In this AFC East contest, expect a low score and tremendous defense. Without Darelle Revis on the field, the Jets' Antonio Cromartie will be locked in on Brandon Marshall all day. This game will prove if Miami is for real at 2-0 or if they fall back in line with the other contenders. If the Jets can get past all their off-the-field distractions and get a win, I'm avoiding every Jets interview this week.
-Quickly, Michael Vick gets the start for the Eagles as they face the Jacksonville Jaguars. With the Philly o-line struggling, Vick gives the Eagles the best shot to win and brings excitement back to the Eagles.
Enjoy the games everyone! I'll be back with a Gameday Preview of Bears-Packers tomorrow night!
Keywords: Atlanta Falcons, Charlie Batch, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Eli Manning, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Joe Anello, Kansas City Chiefs, Mark Sanchez, Miami Dolphins, Michael Vick, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, New York Jets, NFL, Peyton Manning, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans
