NFL Week 3 - Sunday Preview
San Diego Chargers (1-1) @ Indianapolis Colts (0-2) - Lucas Oil Stadium
The Colts are looking to dig themselves out of an 0-2 hole when they host the Chargers on Sunday. For the 3rd consecutive season the Colts have lost their opening 2 games and are sweating on the fitness of banged up quarterback Andrew Luck and his sore shoulder. Luck was sacked 5 times in the loss to the Broncos as the Broncos defence ran rough shod over the Colts front seven. The Colts have allowed a league worst 73 points in the opening 2 games and will be having a rampant Phillip Rivers who is 5-1 all-time against the Colts. Rivers has thrown 5 touchdowns this season in an attack that is averaging 32 points per game through the opening 2 games.
Verdict - Chargers 34 Colts 30
Think there are going to be plenty of points in this game and going for the Chargers to cause somewhat of an upset. Rivers has an outstanding record against the Colts and is a very dangerous commodity when he is playing with confidence. The Chargers have been excellent in both games this year and I just think that despite them playing on the road they are going a bit better than the Colts.
New York Jets (1-1) @ Kansas City Chiefs (1-1) - Arrowhead Stadium
The Jets will be searching for back-to-back road victories when they travel to Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday to take on the Kansas City Chiefs. The Jets' offence sprung to life last week getting 494 total yards in a vital divisional win in Buffalo with Ryan Fitzpatrick having a day out throwing for 3 touchdowns and 374 yards. The Chiefs dropped a road game in Houston thanks to a a couple of uncharacteristic turnovers by quarterback Alex Smith. Both these sides were considered by many to be in the playoff mix this year and despite this only being week 3, it looms as perhaps a clutch early tiebreaker for an AFC Wild Card berth down the track.
Verdict - Jets 25 Chiefs 24
I have liked what I have seen from the Jets so far this year. This is another really tough assignment in Arrowhead, however the Chiefs have been a little off the boil so far this year. Expect this game to go right down to the wire here with both sides having a chance to win it late.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0) @ Philadelphia Eagles (2-0)
The Eagles and Steelers look to maintain their unbeaten records when they meet in Philadelphia on Sunday. The Eagles, behind rookie quarterback Carson Wentz, have been the surprise packets this season so far recording comfortable victories against the Browns and Bears. Wentz has been extremely impressive having thrown 71 passes in his 2 starts without throwing an interception. The Steelers have started the year in impressive fashion scoring comfortable wins against the Redskins and Bengals. The Steelers have given up just 2 touchdowns this year and will be looking to put the rookie quarterback under pressure here. Big Ben and the Steelers offence have been firing early this year averaging over 30 points per game in their 2 victories to date.
Verdict - Steelers 29 Eagles 23
I think the Eagles can give the Steelers a real contest here on their home turf. I think Carson Wentz is a rookie quarterback of some substance and he can back up some solid performances against lesser opposition with a good display here against a really tough defence. The Steelers however are one of the teams to beat this year and I just see them having a touch more firepower than the Eagles here.
Chicago Bears (0-2) @ Dallas Cowboys (1-1) - AT&T Stadium
The Cowboys will be looking for back-to-back victories when they welcome a beat up and winless Chicago outfit to Dallas for Sunday Night Football. The Bears have injuries on both sides of the football and backup quarterback Brian Hoyer is expected to start for the injured Jay Cutler. Hoyer has been a real NFL journeyman having played at 5 clubs in throwing 38 touchdowns and 26 interceptions. The Cowboys rookie quarterback Dak Prescott has started the season in fine style throwing 75 passes without an interception. The Cowboys offensive line has been in excellent form to start the season and have protected their young quarterback extremely well.
Verdict - Cowboys 28 Bears 21
This is a dangerous game for the Cowboys. They have lost their last 8 at home and, despite the Bears being banged up, Brian Hoyer is not a mug. Think the Bears can keep this game competitive right up until the 4th quarter here, however you have to think at home the Cowboys will prevail.