Baltimore Ravens (2-1) @ Cleveland Browns (2-1): The Ravens suffered a bad loss at home against the Colts last week with backup QB Gardner Minshew under center. On the other hand, the Browns have only given up six points at home this season (this game is in Cleveland) and arguably have the best defense in the league. The Browns have won two of their last three games against Baltimore and both wins were in Cleveland. The Ravens were my pick to win the division, but Cleveland will shut me up at least for this week.
My Pick: Cleveland Browns
Cincinnati Bengals (1-2) @ Tennessee Titans (1-2): Cincinnati was able to pick up a win against the Rams on Monday night behind their defense. Even though the offense wasn’t what we expected, Joe Burrow played the entire game and they won so that’s a good sign. Tennessee’s offense is centered around Derrick Henry and he has struggled mightily this season. The wide receiver group hasn’t looked that impressive either. This feels like it’ll be a gritty, hard-fought defensive battle, but I’ll take Cincinnati.
My Pick: Cincinnati Bengals
Miami Dolphins (3-0) @ Buffalo Bills (2-1): I picked the Dolphins to win the AFC East, but they look like the best team in the league right now. While the Dolphins did put up a historic performance last week, the Bills also showed they can score points, too. They beat the Commanders 37-3. Buffalo had nine sacks, four picks, and one interception returned for a touchdown so their defense is going to be the first real test for Miami. Give me the Bills.
My pick: Buffalo Bills
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1) @ New Orleans Saints (2-1): The NFC South is shaping up to be tougher than we thought. Despite the Saints’ offense being pretty stale, the defense has been strong this year. They are ninth in total defense and sixth in scoring defense, they’re also the only team to hold every opponent under 20 points this season. The bad news for the Saints is Derek Carr’s status is unknown, the good news is Alvin Kamara returns this week to give the offense some extra juice.
The Bucs looked like world-beaters in their first two games but came back down to earth against the Eagles on Monday Night Football. The Bucs have also been solid defensively only giving up 19.3 points per game and sitting at 11th in scoring defense. I also have to give Baker Mayfield credit, he’s played well so far this season. He has thrown for 636 yards, four touchdowns and only one interception while completing 66.7% of his passes.
The Bucs won both matchups last year, but here’s a fun fact: the Bucs have never beat the Saints three times in a row. I think they’ll continue this trend.
My Pick: New Orleans Saints
Las Vegas Raiders (1-2) @ Los Angeles Chargers (1-2): These teams have split their matchups ever since the Raiders moved to Vegas. Neither team has a great defense, but both offenses have shown potential to be dangerous. I’m going with the Chargers for a couple of reasons: Justin Herbert has played excellent so far this year, Jimmy G is out, and the Raiders haven’t had success running the ball this year. We all know DaVante Adams will be great, but if Jacobs continues to be a non-factor, it could be a long day.
My pick: Los Angeles Chargers
New England Patriots (1-2) @ Dallas Cowboys (2-1): The Cowboys are the better, more talented team, but this won’t be easy. The Pats may have a sluggish offense but their defense is up to the task every week. The Patriots are fifth in total defense, fifth in passing defense and 11th in scoring defense. I think it’ll be a low scoring game between two great defenses, but I’ll take New England with the upset on the road.
My pick: New England Patriots
Overall record: 11-7
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