It was another mixed bag on the predictions front in Week 3 as crazy results continue to rain down on the entire NFL. I went 8-8 last week, giving me a season-long record of 28-20 – not brilliant, but I'm at least on the right side of .500 after a wild couple of weeks across the league.
Here we go again. Let's see if I can get back to winning ways in Week 4.
Dallas Cowboys (1-2) at New York Giants (1-2)
This is a big early-season game in the Meadowlands. The Giants have looked more respectable in the past two weeks, while the Cowboys have suffered back-to-back defeats at home and looked pretty poor in the process. The Giants have Malik Nabers and a good pass rush. Upset, anyone?
Neil's Pick… New York Giants
New Orleans Saints (2-1) at Atlanta Falcons (1-2)
The Falcons seem to be getting up to speed, even though they only have a 1-2 record. They could very easily have beaten Kansas City on Sunday night. The Saints have to find other ways to move downfield if the deep ball is taken away. I fancy the Falcons at home to edge this rivalry game.
Neil's Pick… Atlanta
Cincinnati Bengals (0-3) at Carolina Panthers (1-2)
Who saw this being a fascinating game at the start of the year? The Bengals have their backs to the wall. Joe Burrow can dig them out but a little help from the defense would be useful. Carolina looked completely revitalised with Andy Dalton at QB last week, but this is a step up in class.
Neil's Pick… Cincinnati
Los Angeles Rams (1-2) at Chicago Bears (1-2)
The Rams are banged up, but they always have a chance when Matthew Stafford is at quarterback and Sean McVay is calling the plays for him. Chicago's offense is not all the way there yet but there are signs of life, particularly from rookie QB Caleb Williams. Better O-line play would help him.
Neil's Pick… Chicago
Minnesota Vikings (3-0) at Green Bay Packers (2-1)
The Packers have handled the absence of Jordan Love brilliantly, winning against Indianapolis and Tennessee, but it would be a massive boost if their starter was back to face Brian Flores' defense. Sam Darnold and his offensive weaponry should be good enough to remain perfect after Week 4.
Neil's Pick… Minnesota
Jacksonville Jaguars (0-3) at Houston Texans (2-1)
If this were a Hollywood movie, Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson would make an inspirational speech and his team would deliver a season-saving win. But Pederson himself said this was no time for rah-rah speeches. There is no storybook afternoon in store for the Jags against the Texans.
Neil's Pick… Houston
Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0) at Indianapolis Colts (1-2)
The Steelers are far from flashy, but they are powered by an incredible defense. I really feel like the Colts could be the more entertaining team at home and I'm tempted to pick them. But that Steelers D could do a number on Anthony Richardson. I'm torn. Let's go Steelers to stay unbeaten.
Neil's Pick… Pittsburgh
Denver Broncos (1-2) at New York Jets (2-1)
Bo Nix is developing at a comfortable rate in Denver but faces a stiff test this week in the form of the Jets defense. On the other side of the ball, the Broncos have to pressure Aaron Rodgers like they did Baker Mayfield last week. But NY are heating up offensively and should move to 3-1.
Neil's Pick… New York Jets
Philadelphia Eagles (2-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1)
I'm expecting a bounce-back game from Baker Mayfield, who was pressured far too often last week. Look for Tampa to attack with Mike Evans through the air and Bucky Irving on the ground. Philly can win if Jalen Hurts plays clean football and the D plays like it did in Week 4. Coin toss.
Neil's Pick… Tampa Bay
Washington Commanders (1-2) at Arizona Cardinals (1-2)
An ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷Íøstar was born on Monday night in Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Now, can he back it up? Consistency has been lacking for the Cardinals on offense and the attack led by Kyler Murray goes missing for spells in games. I fancy Washington to continue their nice run here.
Neil's Pick… Washington
New England Patriots (1-2) at San Francisco 49ers (1-2)
The Niners have to start taking care of business in very winnable games, even if they do possess a laundry list of key injuries. They simply cannot lose this one at home. The Pats are not far away from turning to rookie QB Drake Maye. Anything other than a big SF win would be a surprise.
Neil's Pick… San Francisco
Kansas City Chiefs (3-0) at Los Angeles Chargers (2-1)
The Chargers have played the Chiefs tough in recent years, but this one is falling at the right time for KC. Los Angeles have injuries to both starting offensive tackles and quarterback Justin Herbert has a high ankle sprain. That is bad news facing Steve Spagnuolo's aggressive, attacking defense.
Neil's Pick… Kansas City
Cleveland Browns (1-2) at Las Vegas Raiders (1-2)
In a city where everything is about glitz and putting on a show; this is not exactly a headline act. The Raiders laid a massive egg at home against Carolina last week and need to respond behind a Maxx Crosby-led defensive effort. More offensive consistency is needed from both teams.
Neil's Pick… Las Vegas
Buffalo Bills (3-0) at Baltimore Ravens (1-2)
This is going to be a 'hold my beer' game as Buffalo's Josh Allen and Baltimore's Lamar Jackson go blow for blow in a heavyweight fight worthy of pay-per-view. Allen is on an MVP tear. He has thrown seven touchdowns, no picks and rushed for two scores. There is your game winner!
Neil's Pick… Buffalo
Tennessee Titans (0-3) at Miami Dolphins (1-2)
Quarterback questions everywhere – and none of them good. Will it be Will Levis or Mason
Rudolph at QB for the Titans? How about Skylar Thompson, Tim Boyle or Snoop Huntley for the
Dolphins? Miami will be desperate to stop their season sliding away. Somehow, they find a way.
Neil's Pick… Miami
Seattle Seahawks (3-0) at Detroit Lions (2-1)
The Seahawks have not received the attention they deserve for making a 3-0 start. They have been good enough on both sides of the ball, but now comes a tougher test on the road in Detroit. Jared Goff is making some mistakes, but the Lions will show their spirit here and move to 3-1.
Neil's Pick… Detroit
