Week 3 Football Picks

The Jets and Giants play at the same time this week due to Yom Kippur. The Jets were originally scheduled for the late afternoon, but people would not get home before sunset. The Yankees-Red Sox was also move to 1:00 for this reason. I'm taking the Titans (+3) over the Jets because their defense needs to get back on track. Kerry Collins will have a hard time throwing against Darrelle Revis, but he is a smart quarterback with good running backs behind him. The Giants (-7) should take care of the Buccaneers fairly easily. Derrick Ward has not done anything to emerge as the clear number-one RB and Byron Leftwich is only serviceable.

For the survivor pick this week, I go against my own rules and pick an in-division matchup, as the Ravens should blow away the Browns. I'm also taking the Ravens (-13) against the spread. Their rushing game and defense is dominating, as expected. They might even be able to knock Brady Quinn out of the game in favor of Derek Anderson. For the rest of the picks:

Lions (+6.5) vs. Redskins: good chance to break the losing streak with Redskins struggling

Rams (+6.5) vs. Packers: injuries to Packers should make this close; Packers win outright

49ers (+6.5) @ Vikings: 49ers have played well and could win this one behind Frank Gore

Patriots (-4.5) vs. Falcons: Patriots will definitely be out to avenge last week's close loss

Eagles (-9) vs. Chiefs: Michael Vick is back and the Chiefs are a mess

Texans (-3.5) vs. Jaguars: surprised this line is so low as the Texans should roll

Saints (-4) @ Bills: the Saints' traveling offensive show continues

Bears (-1) @ Seahawks: starting quarterback Matt Hasselbeck out for the Seahawks

Steelers (-4.5) @ Bengals: Steelers have looked shaky, but should be in top form in division

Broncos (+2.5) @ Raiders: Raiders looked awful in a win last week, especiall JaMarcus Russell

Chargers (-6.5) vs. Dolphins: very shaky on this one, as the Dolphins could actually win

Colts (+1) @ Cardinals: also could go either way, but Peyton Manning performs in primetime

Panthers (+10) @ Cowboys: should be close with Cowboys winning outright