I can’t believe it’s already Week 3! Here is a compilation of my thoughts regarding the week’s most interesting games, along with schematic information and what to watch for this weekend! Each matchup has a score prediction with reasoning. Skip to the end to learn about the most intriguing game this weekend!
Jump to any game!
*Click here for an in-depth breakdown of Chiefs-Bears, not included in this article*
Most Intriguing Matchups
Falcons at Lions
Sunday | 1:00 ET
Falcons-Lions will be an enjoyable watch. The Falcons come in with a surprising 2-0 record, coming off of a hard-fought win at home against the Packers. They have exciting players on offense, headlined by first round rookie running back Bijan Robinson, who has looked phenomenal in his first two NFL games. Atlanta will have a tough task in Week 3, however, as they will head into a raucous Ford Field. Lions fever has never been stronger in Detroit. An overtime loss in Week 2 against a good Seahawks team won’t be enough to rattle their spirit quite yet. The Falcons will have to deal with a hostile environment, in addition to the efficient offensive attack that the Lions boast.
The Falcon offense revolves around its rushing attack. Atlanta drafted Bijan 8th overall, and he has lived up to the hype. Just last week, he accounted for 170+ scrimmage yards and a touchdown. Fellow RB Tyler Allgeier is still heavily involved as well. After racking up 1035 rushing yards in 2022, he has received at least 15 carries in both games this season. In a very small sample size, the Lions are 13th in PFF run defense grade. They finished 24th in 2022. In order to stop the Falcons, Detroit has to stop (or at least slow down) the running backs. QB Desmond Ridder doesn’t seem to have gained much of head coach Arthur Smith’s trust. If Atlanta is productive through the air on Sunday, they’ll have a good chance to win. However, I don’t for-see this, and expect the Falcons to heavily lean on the run game.
Detroit’s offense is off to a great start in 2023. They are ranked 2nd in PFF overall offensive grade two weeks in. The unit is firing on all cylinders, though RB David Montgomery’s possible absence could hamper them this week. Still, the way to attack the Falcons is through the air. CB AJ Terrell is one of the best in the league, but the rest of the secondary could be better. In fact, the Falcons ranked 26th in PFF coverage grade last season. As long the Lions keep the turnovers to a minimum, they should be able to put up some points on Sunday. Atlanta’s run defense is stout. Even if Montgomery is good to go, expect the Lions to rely on QB Jared Goff’s arm.
Ultimately, I think that even though Atlanta’s defense is solid, Ben Johnson and the Lions’ offensive attack will be able to put up a few touchdowns. On the other side of the ball, the Falcons’ running game will only be able to take them so far.
Score Prediction: Lions 27 Falcons 21
Rams at Bengals
Monday | 8:15 ET
The Bengals’ season has been extremely underwhelming thus-far. They are 0-2, and haven’t looked good doing it. QB Joe Burrow is playing injured, and the Cincinnati offense has been underperforming as a result. They have put themselves into a position in which Monday Night’s matchup against the Rams is pivotal. The story of the 2023 LA Rams has been nearly the exact opposite of the Bengals. They were expected to be one of the NFL’s bottom-feeders, but have come out of the gates strong. LA destroyed the Seahawks in Seattle in Week 1, and put up a good fight versus the 49ers (who may be the best team in the NFL) last week. They are looking to take their good vibes into Cincinnati and bury the Bengals.
It’s no secret why the Bengals have struggled on offense this year. The offense finished 1st in PFF passing grade in 2022. In 2023, they rank 27th in the same stat. Now, whether this is due to Burrow’s health, a rainy Week 1 game, the strength of the opposing defenses, or a combination of the three, is yet to be determined.
This week, LA’s defense will provide much less of a challenge than Baltimore or Cleveland’s. The Bengals need to use this as a get-right game. The Rams are dead-last in PFF coverage grade this season. Week 3 provides the perfect opportunity for Joe Burrow to regain some confidence. Ja’Marr Chase has had a slow start to the season. I expect him will be a massive part of Cincy’s gameplan in Week 3. From the Rams’ perspective, it is vital to stop the pass. I expect them to sit back and play a conservative form of defense in an attempt to make Burrow beat them by a thousand paper cuts.
The 2023 Rams offense can be summarized in two words: Puka Nacua. With star WR Cooper Kupp out with an injury, the rookie has slid right into his vacated role. In fact, he’s done much more than that, breaking the NFL record for the most catches in a player’s first two games (30). He has been QB Matt Stafford’s security blanket, and I don’t expect this to change in Week 3. Led by the now-healthy Stafford, LA’s offense has been been great so far. They’ve been able to both run and pass the ball well. Cincinnati plays a lot of cover 2, so they may try to lean into Kyren Williams and the ground game. Still, expect to see lots of passes (many of them to Puka Nacua) from Stafford and the Rams, who will probably be trailing.
In all, this is a fun matchup. Both quarterbacks are quick, efficient throwers. Monday Night should bring fans a clean, entertaining game. I expect the Bengals offense to explode. They will feast upon a weak, young Rams secondary. Ja’Marr Chase will have his first big game of the year, and Cincinnati will leave the stadium with their first win of the 2023 campaign.
Score Prediction: Bengals 31 Rams 24
Bills at Commanders
Sunday | 1:00 ET
I’m actually excited for this game. I thought that people were severely underrating the Commanders coming into the season, and they are continuing to do so even after their 2-0 start. With their impressive defensive line and former Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy calling plays on offense, they’ve got a lot going for them. At home, they’ll try to knock off the Buffalo Bills. The Bills had a tough time in Week 1 against a phenomenal Jets defense, but took out their anger on the Raiders last week. They are trending up.
The Bills offense was firing on all cylinders last week. QB Josh Allen threw for 274 yards and 3 touchdowns, and RB James Cook racked up 123 rushing yards. They will have much more resistance in Week 3, however, against Washington. The Commanders’ pass rush is legit. Edge rusher Montez Sweat already has four sacks on the season. Josh Allen will need get rid of the ball quickly. The line is also good at stopping the run, and the secondary is solid. There is a lot to like about the Washington defense. Josh Allen might have to work some of his magic on Sunday.
Commanders QB Sam Howell is a key factor in this game. If he is able to get the ball into WR Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson’s hands, the Commanders have a chance. This week presents a great opportunity for Howell to introduce himself to the league with an upset win.
I expect the Commanders defense to limit Buffalo. Josh Allen will still do Josh Allen-things, but he won’t be able to put up 38 points like last week. The Bills won’t score more than 24. The question then becomes: can the Commanders get to 25? I think that they can get it done. Whether it’s due to a Sam Howell blow-up game, or an Emmanuel Forbes pick-six, I have the Commanders with the upset on Sunday.
Score Prediction: Commanders 27 Bills 23
Honorable Mentions
Colts at Ravens
Sunday | 1:00 ET
If rookie QB Anthony Richardson is good to go on Sunday, this will be a fun game. He has proven to be an immediate threat on the ground, with three rushing touchdowns already to his name. The Ravens are strong on both sides of the ball. With QB Lamar Jackson and budding WR Zay Flowers, their offense is entertaining to watch. They should win handily, but hopefully AR plays and makes it interesting.
Score Prediction: Ravens 24 Colts 14
Patriots at Jets
Sunday | 1:00 ET
Unlike my Game of the Week, Patriots-Jets will present a great defensive battle. I have a tough time choosing a winner, as I believe the Jets defense has an edge over the Patriots’, but the Patriots offense has the edge over the Jets’. Both defensive units will dominate; the question is ‘who’s will dominate more‘. For this reason, I believe that the Jets will come away with a hard-fought win, even with Zach Wilson at QB.
Score Prediction: Jets 17 Patriots 14
Game of the Week
Chargers at Vikings
Sunday | 1:00 ET
Normally, there wouldn’t be much interest in a Week 3 matchup between two winless teams. However, with these explosive offenses on display, there will be fireworks in Minneapolis on Sunday. The 2023 Vikings and Chargers have a lot in common. They rank 6th and 7th in overall offensive PFF grade, respectively. Meanwhile, they rank 21st and 31st in overall defensive PFF grade. The Chargers have given up the third most points in the NFL, only behind the Bears and the Giants. Both teams are in desperate need of a win, and I expect their offenses to leave it all on the field.
The Chargers offense is packed with playmakers. However, after missing Week 2, star RB Austin Ekeler is still questionable for Sunday. Still, their two games under OC Kellen Moore, the Chargers have scored 34 and 27 points. The Vikings’ biggest weakness on defense is their inability to stop the run (31st in PFF run defense grade). LA was able to run the ball very well in Week 1, but struggled last week without Ekeler against a strong Titans defense. Whether or not the Chargers will be efficient on the ground is one of the major keys of this game. If Ekeler plays, they might dominate the run game like Week 1. This would make shots to Keenan Allen and Mike Williams much tougher to defend for the Vikings.
On offense, the Vikings have the best wide receiver in the game on their roster in Justin Jefferson. With him suiting up every Sunday, opposing defenses are faced with a monumental challenge. Unfortunately for LA, the Chargers have the 3rd worst coverage grade in 2023. With JJ, TJ Hockenson, and Jordan Addison to worry about, S Derwin James and the secondary will have their hands full. Minnesota has not been happy with its rushing attack, proven by the addition of RB Cam Akers on Wednesday. Expect QB Kirk Cousins to absolutely air it out.
This could be one of the highest-scoring games of the entire season. I expect it to be a back and forth battle, with both teams trading haymakers. Ultimately, Minnesota comes out on top. Home field advantage will play a big part in this. In a game where both teams are so evenly matched, the deafening noise that Vikings fans are able to create may be what tips the scales.