Forecaster Frank Week 3 Picks: Summer's End
Last week, I muddled through with a 7-8-1 record. I am 17-13-2 on the season.
Thursday Night
- NE +6 (o/u 38.5)
- Jets 20 Patriots 16
After splitting their first two games on the road, the Jets come home looking to win their first home game against the Patriots in nine years. The Jets will get the win, but it will be a struggle as the Patriots' defense has been strong in slitting their first two games.
Sunday at 1
- Cle -6.5 (o/u 38.5)
- Browns 24 Giants 9
The Giants are a mess. After losing their first two games, their defense has been soft, and their offense lacks direction. The Browns bounced back from a bad loss in Week 1 and have the type of defense that will give Daniel Jones nightmares.
- Ind -1 (o/u 43.5)
- Colts 23 Bears 20
The Colts have had two frustrating losses to start the season. The Bears' defense has helped them split the first two games, but Caleb Williams has yet to find his groove.
- Min +2 (o/u 46)
- Vikings 27 Texans 20
Both teams have started 2-0. While it was expected in Houston, the Vikings are an early surprise. The Vikings' defense, led by Andrew Van Ginkle, has made several big plays. Look for that trend to continue as they win as a home dog.
- Phi +3 (o/u 49.5)
- Eagles 24 Saints 16
After a stunning Monday night loss, the Eagles need a big bounce back as they the Saints. The Saints have been a firecracker, scoring 91 points in their first two games. This is a game to curb your enthusiasm as the Saints come back to earth and the Eagles get the victory.
- Pit -1.5 (o/u 36)
- Steelers 19 Chargers 13
A pair of 2-0 teams meet as the Steelers come home for the first time. In just two weeks, T.J. Watt has put himself on track for one of the most dominant defensive seasons in NFL history. Look for Watt to continue to lead the way as the Steelers win again.
- TB -6.5 (o/u 39.5)
- Buccaneers 27 Broncos 10
Baker Mayfield is looking like a star quarterback, leaving fans in Cleveland and Carolina wishing they had a quarterback like him. The Broncos have sputtered, as Bo Nix has struggled in his rookie season. Expect the Bucs to continue to roll to 3-0.
- GB +2 (o/u 38)
- Packers 23 Titans 12
The Packers turned to their ground game to win last week, with Jordan Love sidelined. The Titans, meanwhile, have an offense that could be among the worst in the league. Look for another frustrating Sunday in Tennessee.
Sunday Late Games
- Sea -4.5 (o/u 41.5)
- Seahawks 51 Dolphins 0
Skyler Thompson will go down in the pantheon of incapable backups with no chance to win. Along with the Dolphins' porous defense and paper-thin offensive line, this could be over before the first quarter and will be ugly from start to finish.
- LV -5 (o/u 40)
- Raiders 23 Panthers 3
The Panthers have benched Bryce Young in favor of Andy Dalton. The Panthers' problems are more profound than the quarterback. The team is the NFL's worst top to bottom. Comng of a comeback win in Baltimore, look for a big game by the Raiders defense in their home opener.
- Det -3 (o/u 51.5)
- Lions 27 Cardinals 17
Kyler Murray is coming off the finest performance of his career, while the Lions had a frustrating loss against the Bucs. Expect a bounce back for Detroit as the Lions get back on track.
- Bal +1 (o/u 48.5)
- Ravens 27 Cowboys 17
After two frustratingly close losses, it is hard to imagine the Ravens dropping to 0-3. The Cowboys looked terrible last week and could be in for a long season if Lamar Jackson is able to exploit the same weakness that Derek Carr found last week.
- SF -7 (o/u 44.5)
- 49ers 37 Rams 10
The Rams are in trouble. Losing their first two games, their offense has been decimated by injuries. The 49ers have also had several key injuries, but their defense is playing well. The Rams' defense was torn apart by the Cardinals last week and will have another bad week against the Niners.
Sunday Night
- KC -3.5 (o/u 46.5)
- Chiefs 31 Falcons 20
The Chiefs have had two close calls but won their first two games as they seek a three-peat. The Falcons had a surprise win in Philadelphia and have to feel good, but the Chiefs will again find a way to win a close game, as Patrick Mahomes knows how to win in the brightest of lights.
Monday Night
- Jax +5 (o/u 45.5)
- Jaguars 23 Bills 20
The Jaguars have beaten Josh Allen twice, especially when the formerly-named Josh Allen had a monster game in 2021. Look for Josh Hines-Allen to again make Josh Allen miserable as the Jaguars score an upset win to end their recent struggles.
- Cin -7.5 (o/u 47)
- Bengals 38 Commanders 17
The Bengals nearly won in Kansas City last week before a critical pass interference call gave the Chiefs the win. At 0-2, the Bengals need this won and will take advantage of Washington's weak secondary.
