The highest tier of the NFL seems clearly established. The Payments are transcendent. The Chiefs have been undeterred by the lack of Patrick Mahomes' greatest receiver. The Bucs, Eagles and Dolphins have appeared dominant at instances.
However hey, we have seen solely two weeks of soccer. Lots can change — for these groups, and 27 others.
FOX Sports activities' employees of NFL writers has assembled a information to each recreation that can be performed in Week 3. Make sure that to test the location and app all through the season for previews and predictions every week.
Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns (8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video)
Overview: The Browns should be reeling after a horrendous loss to the Jets final week, during which they blew a 13-point lead within the ultimate 1:55 and misplaced 31-30 proper once they had been on the verge of a surprising 2-0 begin. If they'll recover from that, although, they're going to see their offense remains to be clicking. They've the No. 1 speeding assault within the NFL behind an amazing offensive line and the dynamic duo of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. They're going to additionally see a Steelers workforce that is not clicking offensively in any respect behind QB Mitch Trubisky, who hasn't topped 200 passing yards in both of his first two video games. Pittsburgh has additionally given up 257 speeding yards within the first two video games towards groups not practically pretty much as good on the bottom because the Browns.
Matchup to observe: Steelers LT Dan Moore Jr. vs. Browns DE Myles Garrett
Trubisky has sufficient issues already. He definitely would not want Garrett forcing him to hurry his throws. Garrett, with three sacks within the first two video games, remains to be one of many premier game-wreckers within the league. He additionally gave Moore suits final season, significantly of their first assembly. Moore was a rookie then, so he must be higher this time round. Garrett, by the way in which, is coping with a neck harm, however he's nonetheless anticipated to play.
Key stat: The Steelers are 0-5 within the 5 video games T.J. Watt has missed in his profession. They're only a completely different protection with out him — and a special workforce total. And whereas they might most likely reside with out his pass-rushing abilities on this recreation, they positive might use his total skill as they attempt to cease a Browns workforce averaging an NFL-best 200.5 yards per recreation on the bottom.
Prediction: Even when he is given on a regular basis on the earth, Trubisky has but to point out he is able to doing something with it. What he must win this recreation is for the Steelers' protection to maintain the scoring within the teenagers, prefer it did towards the Patriots final week.
However that is not simple to do towards a Browns groups with weapons, significantly on the bottom. The Chubb-Hunt tandem is hard to cease, and they are often harmful within the quick passing recreation, too. They are going to have the ability to transfer the ball and rating factors. Perhaps the Steelers can duplicate what the Jets did within the ultimate two minutes towards the Browns final week. However the Jets' offense really appears much more harmful than the Steelers' offense proper now.
Browns 24, Steelers 17 — Ralph Vacchiano
Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022
Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings (1 p.m. ET, FOX)
Overview: One among these groups is trending upward, and it most likely is not the one you'd have thought initially of the season. By two video games, the Lions are tied for second in scoring offense, averaging 35.5 factors per recreation, they usually have scored not less than 35 factors in every of their first two video games for the primary time since 1952. They're additionally main the league in yards per speeding try with 7.2, thanks largely to working again D'Andre Swift and the most effective offensive strains within the league.
The Vikings, then again, simply bought handed a really high-profile loss on Monday Evening Soccer by the Philadelphia Eagles, who appear to be what we thought the Vikings may be. The Vikes will attempt to proper the ship at house as they tackle their second division workforce in three weeks. The one factor that would make a second straight loss worse is shedding to a division workforce.
Matchup to observe: Jeff Okudah vs. Justin Jefferson
Detroit might have simply seen the blueprint for easy methods to restrict Vikings extensive receiver Justin Jefferson. The query can be if Amani Oruwariye and Okudah are as much as the duty. Honorable point out: the flip facet of that equation in Lions extensive receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown towards cornerbacks Patrick Peterson and Cam Dantzler. Do not sleep on St. Brown.
Key stat: St. Brown has tied an NFL document with not less than eight receptions in eight straight video games. No participant has ever completed it in 9 straight video games.
Prediction: Fireworks! Each groups have come a good distance from their conservative offensive reputations. They've loads of weapons and belief them in practically each scenario. Detroit retains this way more aggressive than most would have anticipated earlier than Arduous Knocks started, however however…
Vikings 32, Lions 30 — Carmen Vitali
Associated: Lions are enjoying nicely behind younger stars. Is it time to consider?
Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots (1 p.m. ET, FOX)
Overview: Baltimore actually collapsed final week. There's plenty of fanfare in regards to the Dolphins' skill to beat a 21-point deficit, but it surely takes two to tango, and the Ravens botched the end to that recreation. They struggled with busted coverages and the Dolphins' explosive receiving threats. And on offense, they did not generate sufficient yardage or factors to fend off Miami's comeback. So the Ravens are possible rattled after such a troublesome consequence in Week 2. That mentioned, they're a uniquely proficient roster with Lamar Jackson on the middle. They're going to have that benefit over the Patriots.
New England's protection has been its guiding drive, however that is not saying a ton. The Patriots haven't got a lot in the way in which of Professional Bowl expertise at any spot on their roster, apart from Matthew Judon and special-teams ace Matthew Slater. They're restricted in top-end expertise on either side of the ball. However it reveals extra on offense, the place they've put up simply 24 factors in two weeks. Yikes! Mac Jones would possibly look worse than he did final yr. And the speeding assault hasn't hit its stride to compensate. Invoice Belichick's squad is off to a very sluggish begin.
Associated: What's flawed with the Patriots' passing recreation and easy methods to repair it
Matchup to observe: Ravens QB Lamar Jackson vs. Patriots CB Jalen Mills
New England is not prone to match up Mills on Rashod Bateman for the whole day. Mills would possibly spend time protecting a smattering of various pass-catchers. However he's the highest cornerback on the depth chart. And whereas Jackson may also be a nightmare for linebackers Mack Wilson and Ja'Whaun Bentley, the Patriots have to fret in regards to the move first with Jackson. Mills could also be an important defender, however he is not precisely an elite nook. So it is going to be attention-grabbing to see how New England's secondary holds up.
Key stat: With 119 speeding yards in Week 2, Lamar Jackson set an NFL document for many 100-yard speeding video games by a QB (11), passing Michael Vick (10).
Prediction: Are there two groups which might be more durable to get a beat on? The Ravens appeared like one of many NFL's greatest groups after six quarters of the season. Then they'd a complete meltdown. New England has merely performed ugly, defensive soccer and scrapped its technique to a 1-1 document. The Patriots have not instilled confidence. Then once more — neither have the Ravens. However Baltimore has Jackson. He must be an issue for the Patriots. That may tip the dimensions on this matchup.
Ravens 21, Patriots 20 — Henry McKenna
Houston Texans at Chicago Bears (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
Overview: Each groups are coming off a loss, although Chicago quarterback Justin Fields mentioned the Bears' loss "hit completely different." It could be as a result of Fields himself performed poorly, not aided by a gameplan that noticed him try simply 11 passes. He accomplished simply seven and had solely 4 makes an attempt in the whole second half, with Chicago favoring the run and seeing yet one more 100-plus-yard David Montgomery efficiency.
It is exhausting in charge the Bears when the run was nearly the one factor working. And in a recreation during which they solely ran 41 offensive performs, interval, that is saying one thing. Fields has tried solely 28 passes by two video games this season. Each different workforce within the league has extra completions than that. The Bears have put up solely 76.5 passing yards per recreation, which is lower than half as many because the next-closest workforce (Giants, 159). There have been extenuating circumstances in Week 1 with the climate. The Packers are nice, and have tended to play Chicago significantly nicely these days.
However now, towards a Houston workforce that's giving up the second-most yards per recreation and the sixth-most passing yards per recreation, the Bears have an actual alternative to let Fields sling it. They are going to have to guage him in the end, and this looks like a great time to do it.
Matchup to observe: Bears LB Roquan Smith vs. Texans RB Dameon Pierce
Pierce leads all rookies in speeding yards by two video games, registering 102 yards on 26 carries thus far. It may be time for him to get his welcome-to-the-league second, and Smith has been much less efficient than ordinary — particularly contemplating he is enjoying for his subsequent contract. Smith might use this recreation to make a press release.
Key stats: The Texans are 0-6 of their previous six video games towards NFC opponents. Additionally, by the primary two video games, Houston has been outscored 27-0 within the fourth quarter.
Prediction: The Bears are early in a rebuild, however so are the Texans. In the end, I feel Chicago has just a bit extra expertise on its roster.
Bears 17, Houston 13 — Carmen Vitali
Las Vegas Raiders at Tennessee Titans (1 p.m. ET, FOX)
Overview: It is a battle of two of essentially the most disappointing groups within the NFL. The Titans had been the AFC's high seed final season, and the Raiders thought they had been a Tremendous Bowl contender after loading up within the offseason with WR Davante Adams. But each are 0-2. The Raiders not less than misplaced two shut video games to 2 good groups, the Chargers and Cardinals. The Titans misplaced to the Giants after which had been blown out by the Payments. Perhaps most regarding for the Titans is that RB Derrick Henry has simply 107 speeding yards by two video games. If he would not get going, the Titans are completed. He is the one advantage of Tennessee’s offense now, and he hasn't been good in any respect.
Matchup to observe: Titans RB Derrick Henry vs. the Raiders’ protection
It takes a village, and it will take the whole Raiders protection to cease Henry, even when he hasn't appeared just like the "King" he was. The excellent news for the Raiders is that defensive coordinator Patrick Graham's group has completed an amazing job towards opposing working backs by the primary two video games, holding the Chargers' Austin Ekeler and Arizona's James Conner to 36 and 25 speeding yards, respectively. Henry had 82 yards on 21 carries towards the Giants and 25 yards on 13 carries vs. the Payments. He has to get going in some unspecified time in the future, proper?
Key stat: WR Davante Adams had two catches for 12 yards in Week 2 towards Arizona – his lowest totals since Week 7 in 2017. That is a great cause why the Raiders could not maintain onto their 20-point lead (their largest blown lead in franchise historical past) and had solely 324 whole yards of offense. Adams, who was focused seven instances, must be far more concerned.
Prediction: It was considerably predictable that the Titans' passing offense would wrestle after they traded WR A.J. Brown a yr after letting WR Corey Davis stroll. However Derrick Henry struggling? That is a foul signal. He's not often made to look as human as he did the primary two weeks, and the Las Vegas protection is able to making it three in a row. In the meantime, the Raiders' offense has proven it could possibly transfer the ball. QB Derrick Carr has thrown for 547 yards, and he even had 252 towards the Cardinals with out getting a lot from Adams. The Raiders have the weapons, and Adams is an elite one once they use him. If the Titans cannot get Henry on monitor, there's simply no manner they'll sustain.
Raiders 27, Titans 13 — Ralph Vacchiano
Associated: NFL energy rankings — who's ascending, who's descending?
Kansas Metropolis Chiefs at Indianapolis Colts (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
Overview: The Chiefs might have come away from the primary two weeks beneath elevated scrutiny for deciding to commerce away their second-best participant, Tyreek Hill, who is flourishing with the Miami Dolphins. However Kansas Metropolis actually solely appears to wish their greatest participant, Patrick Mahomes, to stay Tremendous Bowl contenders. In Week 1, the Chiefs fully blew out the Arizona Cardinals. In Week 2, Kansas Metropolis held off the Los Angeles Chargers, one other really distinctive workforce. So in principle, the Indianapolis Colts should not be too massive of an issue.
Indy is off to an unceremonious begin for 2022. They tied the lowly Texans, which left some questioning whether or not Houston may be higher than anticipated. However when the Jacksonville Jaguars shut out the Colts 24-0, it was abundantly clear that the Colts are literally worse than everybody anticipated. Matt Ryan is not getting the safety he wants, with the offensive line permitting seven sacks, tied for fifth-most within the NFL. That's, partly, why Ryan all of a sudden appears like he and his arm have aged at an sadly accelerated tempo. After all, Ryan was enjoying with out Michael Pittman and Alec Pierce in Week 2. Maybe their return can inject some life into the offense.
Matchup to observe: Chiefs DT Chris Jones vs. Colts QB Matt Ryan
There was a rising sentiment that sacks are a quarterback stat. I am not in 100% settlement with that, however I'm curious to see whether or not Ryan can get the ball out rapidly sufficient to neutralize the pass-rush. So, in fact, Jones will line up towards the Colts' inside offensive linemen. However speeding the passer is all about timing. And if Ryan is in rhythm — in contrast to he is been within the first two weeks — he might decrease Jones' impression on the sport.
Key stat: Patrick Mahomes (19,586 profession passing yards) wants 414 passing yards to turn into the quickest participant in NFL historical past to succeed in 20,000 passing yards (can be his 66th recreation).
Chiefs & Payments headline Nick's NFL Tiers heading into Week 3
Nick Wright locations the Patrick Mahomes-led Kansas Metropolis Chiefs atop the tiers, adopted by the Buffalo Payments, Los Angeles Chargers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Prediction: There's simply no predictable manner for the Colts to remain aggressive. They're outmatched. The Chiefs may be proper up there with the Buffalo Payments as the 2 greatest groups within the NFL. And contemplating how shaky Indy has appeared by two weeks, there is no manner they'll cease Mahomes. He will mild up the Colts' protection. The Kansas Metropolis protection might have some points with the Colts passing assault if Pittman and Pierce are again in motion. However it will not be sufficient.
Chiefs 30, Colts 17 — Henry McKenna
Buffalo Payments at Miami Dolphins (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
Overview: The Payments have established themselves as the most effective groups within the NFL. A case might simply be made that they are the most effective workforce within the league. They've ripped up their two opponents; the defending Tremendous Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams and the AFC's high seed in 2021, the Tennessee Titans. Josh Allen is the centerpiece round which the offense revolves. He's merely a generational expertise, with distinctive arm expertise and a knack for choosing up first downs together with his legs. On protection, there's Von Miller, one other generational expertise with a knack for inflicting quarterback meltdowns. However it's hardly about these two gamers. The workforce is spectacular from high to backside.
The Dolphins have the herculean job of knocking off the workforce I simply raved about. Miami has appeared surprisingly spectacular. However their win over the Patriots wasn't as clear because the scoreline confirmed, with Tua Tagovailoa getting sloppy with the soccer. The Ravens made him pay for that within the first half with two interceptions — after which Tagovailoa stepped into an otherworldly mode the place he performed at a degree that we have by no means seen. He completed that recreation with six touchdowns, two interceptions and 469 passing yards. So will we see Tua in God Mode? Or will he regress to the imply, significantly towards a staggeringly proficient entrance from the Payments? That is what's going to make Sunday so attention-grabbing.
Payments dominate Titans 41-7, Craig points an apology
After a decisive victory over Derrick Henry's Tennessee Titans, Craig Carton locations the Payments on the high of his checklist of the groups to beat.
Matchup to observe: Dolphins OT Terron Armstead vs. Payments edge Von Miller
After all, I am to see if a quarterback duel materializes between Allen and Tagovailoa — however there is no saying whether or not that can occur. So I will choose Armstead and Miller as the 2 gamers I am watching closest. This offseason, the Dolphins signed Armstead at about the identical time that the Payments signed Miller throughout free company. That arrange this epic matchup, which must be fascinating contemplating Miller has terrorized his opponents and Armstead is coping with a toe harm.
Key stat: The Payments have gained seven straight matchups towards the Dolphins, their longest-ever profitable streak towards Miami.
Prediction: You possibly can depend me as a believer within the Dolphins. It's also possible to depend me as a believer that the hype has gone just a little too far. They're good. They are not but the most effective groups within the NFL. I do not suppose their fiery fourth quarter towards the Ravens will carry into their matchup towards the Payments. Buffalo ought to eke out a win in Miami.
Payments 27, Dolphins 24 — Henry McKenna
Associated: Warren Sharp tells you why the Dolphins are on the rise
Cincinnati Bengals at New York Jets (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
Overview: What has occurred to the Bengals? They cannot shield Joe Burrow, who has not appeared like himself. In Week 1, he threw 4 interceptions towards the Pittsburgh Steelers, who I feel would possibly find yourself being one of many worst groups within the NFL this yr. Then he threw for simply 199 yards and a landing in a blowout towards Cooper Rush's Cowboys. It has simply been ugly for Cincy, which seems to be recovering from final yr's Tremendous Bowl loss. Burrow spent the week telling the media he is not nervous, which is nice. However I am nervous. The Bengals want to repair their points rapidly.
It would not assist that Cincy is taking over the Jets, who miraculously pulled off a 14-point comeback within the ultimate two minutes of their recreation towards the Cleveland Browns. Joe Flacco performed out of his thoughts. Coach Robert Saleh dealt with the late-game conditions to perfection. And the Jets are sitting at third within the AFC East — above the New England Patriots. New York appears prefer it has momentum and confidence heading right into a recreation towards a Cincinnati workforce that is missing in each departments.
Matchup to observe: Jets CB Sauce Gardner vs. Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase
Gardner, the 2022 fourth total choose, has shifted between receivers, by no means getting assigned to the WR1 and shadowing him for the sport. So we might solely see a snap right here and there the place he and Chase match up towards one another. However once we do, it is going to be fascinating to observe. Gardner has been very stable to start out his NFL profession. However he additionally hasn't been examined within the methods Chase, one of many league's greatest wideouts, will take a look at him. I am seeking to see whether or not Chase can ship a welcome-to-the-NFL second — or whether or not Gardner can show he belongs.
Key stat: By two video games, the Bengals rank thirty first in first-half scoring margin (-25) and second in second-half scoring margin (+22).
Prediction: The Bengals are going to should work exhausting to battle their technique to a win. These Jets are pesky, they usually badly need to be playoff-relevant this yr. You get the sense they're really bored with being backside feeders they usually're simply gaining confidence that they'll compete. It is simply that the Bengals are a greater soccer workforce. I feel they win ugly in New York.
Bengals 17, Jets 10 — Henry McKenna
Associated: AFC East notes — is Garrett Wilson ascending?
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Commanders (1 p.m. ET, FOX)
Overview: The Eagles and QB Jalen Hurts placed on a present Monday evening, hammering the Vikings and looking out like true Tremendous Bowl contenders. They've a dangerously numerous offense that, for one recreation, clicked in every single place, and their protection stepped up after a horrible Week 1. It is one recreation, however they might actually be an issue for a Washington protection that has been significantly weak on the bottom, permitting 314 yards in two video games. The excellent news for the Commanders is that additionally they have a harmful offense. QB Carson Wentz is second within the league in passing yards (650) and tied for first in landing passes (7). However his three interceptions have definitely stored issues attention-grabbing for Washington.
Matchup to observe: Eagles WRs A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith vs. Commanders CBs William Jackson and Kendall Fuller
Detroit's Amon-Ra St. Brown went off on the Commanders for 9 catches, 116 yards and two touchdowns. Every week earlier, Jacksonville's Christian Kirk had six catches for 117 yards. It will assist if the Commanders get S Kam Curl again, however thus far Washington has given up seven move performs of 20 yards or extra, together with two longer than 40. And with Brown and Smith, the Eagles have two receivers able to racking up massive performs.
Are the Eagles the workforce to beat within the NFC?
Emmanuel Acho, Pleasure Taylor, LeSean McCoy and David Helman debate whether or not the Philadelphia Eagles are the most effective workforce within the NFC.
Key stat: The Eagles rank second within the NFL in speeding (189.5 yards per recreation) whereas the Commanders are giving up an NFL-worst 7.5 yards per speeding try this season. There's your uh-oh stat of the week. The Eagles might have a harmful passing assault now, however working is their bread and butter. If the Commanders can’t cease the run, they do not have a lot hope of profitable.
Prediction: The Eagles (2-0) look able to roll, whereas the Commanders (1-1) appear to be they're nonetheless looking for their footing. There is not any query Washington has the offensive weapons to maintain up with Philadelphia. However the Commanders do not appear to be they've a protection able to slowing the Eagles down. Perhaps if they'd Chase Younger and a few semblance of a move rush, however proper now they do not. Count on the Eagles' offensive line to dominate this matchup, organising one other massive recreation by Hurts. And whereas the Philly protection will not have as simple a time because it did towards the Vikings, the secondary ought to be capable of trigger a few errors by Wentz. That'll be the distinction in a recreation that can really feel like extra of a blowout than the ultimate rating signifies.
Eagles 31, Commanders 23 — Ralph Vacchiano
Associated: Eagles consider they've the expertise for a ‘dominant’ protection
New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers (1 p.m. ET, FOX)
Overview: The Panthers have but to win a recreation with quarterback Baker Mayfield. Although they're going to be on house turf for Week 3, the Saints come to city with as scary a protection as Carolina has turn into accustomed to seeing. New Orleans ranks high 10 in yards per play towards and is tied for eighth in third-down conversion charge. Conversely, the Saints are giving up a mean of 23 factors a recreation, which might bode nicely if Mayfield is as productive because the Panthers hoped he can be once they signed him in coaching camp.
New Orleans' offense was additionally simply stifled by the Buccaneers, scoring simply 10 factors of their Week 2 matchup. They had been notably lacking working again Alvin Kamara, a focus of the offense and quarterback Jameis Winston's de facto security web. Winston accomplished simply 25 of 40 move makes an attempt for 236 yards and a landing towards three interceptions in Kamara's absence — trying just like the Winston the Panthers have been accustomed to seeing lately. Winston additionally took six sacks within the recreation, which has to have Panthers move rusher Brian Burns rubbing his arms collectively Birdman-style watching the movie. Burns had two sacks final weekend towards the Giants (who may be sort of good?) and can search for his third straight recreation with a sack when internet hosting the Saints.
Is Baker Mayfield in charge for Panthers 0-2 begin?
The Panthers are 0-2 to start out the season after shedding to each the Browns in Week 1 and the Giants in Week 2. How prominently does their QB issue into that?
New Orleans might get again on monitor with the return of Kamara, whereas the Panthers will want extra from their very own do-it-all ball provider in Christian McCaffrey. The now-healthy McCaffrey had 128 all-purpose yards final recreation, which was his twenty sixth recreation with greater than 125 yards from scrimmage since 2017. That is essentially the most within the NFL.
Matchup to observe: Cam Jordan vs. Ikem Ekwonu
Jordan has been identified to offer rookies (and actually, any offensive linemen) actuality checks when lining up throughout the road of scrimmage from him. Ekwonu was the primary sort out taken on this yr's draft and appears to have taken a few lumps towards the Giants. Doing that once more could possibly be pricey for the Panthers, particularly Mayfield.
Key stat: The Panthers have misplaced 9 straight video games, which is the longest lively shedding streak within the NFL. The largest statistical indicator of win/loss information? Takeaways. The Panthers are twenty sixth within the league in turnover margin. They're the one workforce that has didn't document a takeaway by the primary two weeks of the season and have given up three of their very own.
Prediction: I simply do not see Carolina getting previous a Saints workforce that's nonetheless reeling from their final division loss simply days in the past. Their greatest wager is that if Winston continues his regression they usually lastly flip that takeaway stat round.
Saints 28, Panthers 13 — Carmen Vitali
Jacksonville Jaguars at Los Angeles Chargers (4:05 p.m. ET, CBS)
Overview: Sunday marks the thirteenth matchup between the Jaguars and Bolts. L.A. has gained 9 of the previous 12 and all 5 house contests. The Chargers earned their first win at SoFi Stadium towards Jacksonville, a 39-29 victory in Week 7 of the 2020 marketing campaign. Additionally, former Chargers head coach Mike McCoy, now the quarterbacks coach of the Jaguars, faces his outdated workforce.
Matchup to observe: Chargers LT Rashawn Slater vs. Jaguars DE Josh Allen
In accordance with Professional Soccer Focus, Slater allowed zero pressures on 51 pass-blocking snaps in a loss to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs. Will probably be vital that Slater protects a banged-up Justin Herbert, who fractured rib cartilage final weekend. Slater possible will see a great little bit of Allen, who leads Jacksonville with two sacks and two compelled fumbles on the yr. Defensively, the Jaguars have 5 interceptions and 6 sacks. After ending with the worst turnover differential (-20) within the league final season, the Jaguars have the most effective (+5) within the NFL by the primary two weeks this season.
Jay Glazer solutions questions on Justin Herbert, the New York Giants, and extra following NFL Week 2
What’s the most recent with Justin Herbert’s harm? With Dak out, what strikes will Jerry Jones make? Are the Giants for actual?
Key stat: The Jaguars have misplaced 18 straight street video games, relationship again to 2019.
Prediction: The Chargers might discover robust sledding on the bottom, with Jacksonville giving up simply 69.5 speeding yards a recreation. L.A.'s 2.75 speeding yards per play is already second-worst within the NFL. Nonetheless, the Bolts ought to transfer the ball by the air and make sufficient performs on protection with Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack and Derwin James Jr. for a victory at SoFi Stadium.
Chargers 24, Jaguars 20 — Eric D. Williams
Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals (4:25 p.m. ET, FOX)
Overview: Sean McVay's Rams have owned the Cardinals. Since 2017, when McVay took over the workforce, L.A. is 10-1 towards Arizona and now leads the all-time series 47-39-2. The final time these two groups met, the Rams humbled the Cardinals 34-11 within the NFC wild-card recreation final season.
Matchup to observe: Rams DL Aaron Donald vs. Cardinals’ offensive line
Donald wants only one sack to succeed in 100 in his profession. The disruptive defensive lineman has 15 sacks towards the Cardinals, his most towards any opponent, and has 12 in his previous six video games at Arizona. Thus far, the Cardinals have completed a good job of defending cat-quick quarterback Kyler Murray up entrance, giving up 4 sacks by two video games.
Jalen Ramsey on the Rams' victory over Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey speaks with FOX Sports activities' Laura Okmin on the Los Angeles Rams' win over the Atlanta Falcons. "We nonetheless have loads to right," he mentioned.
Key stat: The Cardinals have misplaced six straight house video games, tied for the workforce's longest house shedding streak because the franchise moved to Arizona in 1988.
Prediction: Until the Cardinals get one other otherworldly efficiency from Murray, it is exhausting to see them shifting the ball towards an L.A. protection that appeared significantly better in Week 2 towards the Atlanta Falcons. Sooner or later, search for the Rams to run the soccer higher with the workforce's one-two punch of Darrell Henderson Jr. and Cam Akers.
Rams 30, Cardinals 23 – Eric D. Williams
Associated: Eric D. Williams' weekly NFC West inventory watch
Atlanta Falcons at Seattle Seahawks (4:25 p.m. ET, FOX)
Overview: The Falcons are nonetheless in search of their first win, they usually journey to the Pacific Northwest to face the Seahawks for the primary time since 2017. The Seahawks lead the all-time series 12-6 and have gained 4 of the previous 5 video games between these two groups. The Falcons stayed on the West Coast after their loss to the Los Angeles Rams final week and practiced on the College of Washington to prepare for Sunday's recreation.
Matchup to observe: Falcons QB Marcus Mariota vs. Seahawks’ defensive position
Mariota has been so-so throwing the ball this season (411 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions), however he has completed a great job working the ball, with 88 speeding yards by two video games. Mariota faces a Seattle protection permitting 145 speeding yards a contest, No. 25 within the NFL.
Key stat: Since Pete Carroll took over in 2010, the Seahawks are 18-2 within the month of September at house.
Prediction: The Falcons have began 0-2 for the third straight season and could possibly be taking a look at 0-3. The Seahawks common a league-worst 56 speeding yards a contest however ought to get the bottom recreation going towards an Atlanta protection giving up 4.8 speeding yards per play, No. 21 within the NFL.
Seahawks 23, Falcons 21 — Eric D. Williams
Inexperienced Bay Packers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4:25 p.m. ET, FOX)
Overview: May this be the final time we see Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers face off? Will probably be the fifth all-time assembly between the 2 and Brady has a 3-1 benefit, which may't sit nicely with Rodgers. If that does not present sufficient of a chip on his shoulder, Rodgers has extra to show coming into this recreation. Although the Packers beat the rival Chicago Bears in Lambeau Area final Sunday evening, Rodgers was lower than complimentary of his personal play — particularly within the second half. Inexperienced Bay leaned closely on its run recreation, with Aaron Jones going off for 132 yards on 15 carries and scoring each a speeding and receiving landing on the evening, which is strictly what the Packers mentioned they'd do as they attempt to discover their offensive identification within the post-Davante Adams period.
Operating the ball labored towards the Bears, however the Packers are about to face a Buccaneers protection that's predicated on stopping the run at first. Head coach Todd Bowles mentioned that the Bucs can really be higher towards the run and that might be the main target this week. Tampa Bay is uncharacteristically ranked nineteenth in speeding yards towards per play by two video games. However the Bucs have clamped down the place it issues — specifically, in factors. The Bucs have given up a league-low 6.5 factors per recreation and but, they nonetheless have one thing to show.
Can Rodgers' legacy transfer up with win vs. Brady, Bucs in Week 3?
Aaron Rodgers will face Tom Brady this Sunday because the Inexperienced Bay Packers tackle the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Matchup to observe: Packers RBs Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon towards Bucs LBs Devin White and Lavonte David
White and David are nice matchups for working backs, and with the intention to maintain Inexperienced Bay from being profitable, they're going to have to cease each Jones and Dillon from doing what they did final week towards the Bears.
Key stat: The Bucs' protection leads the NFL with 10 sacks by Week 2. They've racked up 9 sacks on Rodgers of their previous two conferences with the Packers.
Prediction: If I've discovered something about this league, it is to by no means wager towards Tom Brady. On this case, the Bucs' protection deserves inclusion. Brady is enjoying with a depleted offensive line and receiving corps, however this protection has been dominant by the primary two video games. With Bowles as head coach, the Bucs wish to get again to their hallmark run-stopping prowess. I feel they do this towards the Packers, who attempt to drive the run figuring out their receivers aren't there but.
Buccaneers 19, Packers 17 — Carmen Vitali
San Francisco 49ers at Denver Broncos (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC)
Overview: After a disappointing begin to their season, even drawing boos from the house crowd final week, the Broncos face one of many NFL’s stingiest defenses within the Niners. They lead the league in whole protection (210 yards allowed per recreation), passing protection (142.5 passing yards allowed per recreation) and are third in factors allowed per recreation (13). The all-time regular-season series is tied at 7-7, however San Francisco has gained three of the previous 4 matchups.
Matchup to observe: 49ers security Talanoa Hufanga vs. Broncos RB Javonte Williams
Denver want to get the working recreation going, creating steadiness on offense and taking some strain off Russell Wilson to hold the offense, and Williams is the workforce's most explosive runner. The North Carolina product has 118 speeding yards (5.4 per carry) by two video games. New beginning security Hufanga leads the Niners in whole tackles with 17, together with three tackles for loss, and has been a drive within the run recreation defensively.
Is new Denver coach Nathaniel Hackett overmatched?
The Broncos had been booed at house final week and needed to rally to beat the Texans 16-9. Colin Cowherd explains how Hackett is in "over his head."
Key stat: The Broncos have been penalized 25 instances by two video games, essentially the most within the NFL and essentially the most in a two-game span in workforce historical past.
Prediction: With Jimmy Garoppolo taking on for the injured Trey Lance at quarterback, anticipate San Francisco's offense to get off to a quick begin on the street, leaning on Deebo Samuel, Jeff Wilson and the working recreation. The Broncos should restrict their errors and play a clear soccer recreation to have an opportunity on this one.
Niners 28, Broncos 23 — Eric D. Williams
Associated: How Trey Lance's harm impacted Niners' betting odds
Monday, Sept. 26, 2022
Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants (8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Overview: That is what you name a rewrite of a well-recognized script. The NFL loves pitting these groups towards one another early within the season, as that is the eighth time prior to now 11 years that the Cowboys and Giants have confronted off in September.
The plain distinction lies in how this season has began for the Giants, who're 2-0 for the primary time since 2016. For the previous 5 years, it has felt like New York was already out of the working by Week 3. This week, it is the Giants who're favored to win this division rivalry, which might be simply their second win towards the Cowboys since that 2016 season, once they famously swept Dallas en path to a playoff look.
The Cowboys had been left for lifeless with out Dak Prescott per week in the past, and it will even be attention-grabbing to see how they observe up their upset of Cincinnati. A 2-1 begin would do wonders for a workforce that is nonetheless not less than a number of weeks away from getting Prescott again within the lineup. If backup QB Cooper Rush and the Dallas protection can put up one other effort like they did final week, crazier issues have occurred.
Matchup to observe: Cowboys LB Micah Parsons vs. Giants' offensive line
It is a little bit of a simplification, as a result of clearly there are extra items to the Dallas move rush than Micah Parsons. However in the event you watched the Cowboys' 20-17 win towards the Bengals final week, you certainly seen the way in which Parsons was in a position to wreck Cincinnati's gameplan virtually single-handedly.
Daniel Jones has confronted strain on a league-worst 49% of his dropbacks, in keeping with Professional Soccer Focus. The Giants' inside offensive line has appeared tough by two weeks, and first-round choose Evan Neal is making simply his third profession begin at proper sort out.
Parsons and the Dallas move rush had been the catalysts for the win towards Cincinnati. It is on the Giants' offensive line to guarantee that would not occur once more.
Steve Younger suggests Dak Prescott ought to research Cooper Rush. How absurd is that?
Emmanuel Acho, Pleasure Taylor, LeSean McCoy and David Helman focus on Steve Younger's recommendation to Cowboys QB Dak Prescott. "I need [Dak] to actually research Cooper Rush," the Corridor of Fame QB mentioned.
Key stat: It is uncommon to see a division rivalry look this lopsided. For the reason that Giants swept the Cowboys in 2016, Prescott is an ideal 9-0 in begins towards New York, and the Cowboys are 9-1 — with that one Giants win coming on the finish of 2020 towards Andy Dalton.
It isn't the Giants' drawback that Prescott is unavailable this week, and nobody in New York goes to complain a few 3-0 begin. It could be their first since 2009.
Prediction: My greatest guess right here is that factors can be exhausting to return by. The Cowboys' ceiling on offense is probably going restricted with Rush working the present, whereas the Giants determine to have their arms full slowing the Dallas move rush. If the Cowboys can maintain Saquon Barkley in test, it’s cheap to suppose they'll coax some turnover-worthy performs out of Daniel Jones and the New York passing recreation. That seems like simply sufficient to spice up the Cowboys.
Cowboys 16, Giants 14 — David Helman
FOX Sports activities’ Week 3 NFL preview was compiled by:
AFC East reporter Henry McKenna (atMcKennAnalysis)
NFC West reporter Eric D. Williams (ateric_d_williams)
NFC East reporter Ralph Vacchiano (atRalphVacchiano)
NFC North reporter Carmen Vitali (atCarmieV)
Dallas Cowboys reporter David Helman (atdavidhelman_)
