WEEKS TWO’S RECORD AT STRAIGHT PICK-EM (12-4)

We improved by one game from week 1 to week 2. Our best pick week 2 was riding the Colts over the Broncos. We went with the fins at home versus the Patriots that bit us on the rear.

SEASON RECORD: (23-9)

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL RECORD: (1-1)

SUNDAY NIGHT RECORD: (1-1)

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL RECORD (2-0)

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS RECORD (0-1)

NFL WEEK 3 STRAIGHT PICK-EM

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

MIAMI DOLPHINS (0-2) AT BUFFALO BILLS (2-0)

The Bills beat up the Jets last week, running the ball and playing better defense. The Dolphins finally had a pulse as they fought back in a game at home versus the visiting Patriots. Tua Tagovailoa’s last drive resulted in a interception to give the Patriots their first victory of the year. The Dolphins are desperate for a victory and heading to Buffalo on a short week does not sound like a good idea. Tua has never won a game in Buffalo. He is 1-8 all-time versus the Bills. The Bills are very hard to beat at home. I don’t like the Dolphins chances. The Bills defense has always contained Tua’s air and water show. Josh Allen will use bad Dolphin defense to keep the Bills perfect after three weeks.

OUR PICK: BILLS

THE SUNDAY TILT

ATLANTA FALCONS (1-1) AT CAROLINA PANTHERS (0-2)

The Falcons shocked the Vikings last week as their defense tallied 6 sacks versus Minnesota. The Panthers once again are off to a bad start but played better in week 2 than week 1. Bryce Young had his best game of his career in the 2024 finale versus these Falcons. He threw three touchdown passes and tallied 252 passing yards. The Falcons did not pressure him which I expect to change in this early season meeting. Young played better in week 2 for the Panthers. Michael Penix Jr. has been more of a game manager than elite passer. He is completing 63.5% of his passes and making no mistakes. The Falcons rely on their strong running game that features Bijan Robinson. The Panthers are allowing an average of 141 rushing yards per week. I like the Falcons to get off the bus running. Falcons played well in both games so far. Their defense made a statement versus the Vikings which should carry over on the road.

OUR PICK: FALCONS

GREEN BAY PACKERS (2-0) AT CLEVELAND BROWNS (0-2)

The Packers first road game of the season will be heading to the DAWG POUND in Cleveland. Some experts are picking the Packers to march themselves all the way to the Superbowl, they have played so well in the first two games. The Packers running game has not done very well. Josh Jacobs is scoring rushing touchdowns but has averaged only 3.6 yards per carry. The strength of Cleveland is their rushing defense. They have only given up 92 rushing yards in the first two games. Jordan Love will have to beat the Browns with his arm. The Browns squeezed anything good they had out of Joe Flacco in the 2023 season. Flacco is 40 years of age and is playing like a 40 year old virgin.

Flacco already has racked up 3 interceptions in two games. Did I forget to mention the Packers have Micah Parsons who will have no problem chasing Joe down on the field as he is a statue back there? The Browns defense keeps this game close most of the way until the Packers blow open the doors of the Dawg pound late in the game.

OUR PICK: PACKERS

HOUSTON TEXANS (0-2) AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS(1-1)

This is the game where two young QB’s have peaked early in their careers and right now are playing on a down slope. CJ Stroud has not got that running game that he’s been used to and has a bad offensive line. For Jacksonville they can run the ball very well and that gives Trevor Lawrence’s Jaguars a well balanced attack. The Jaguars should be 2-0 right now as they knocked Joe Burrow out of the game last Sunday. Then they picked off the Bengals second string QB, Jake Browning, three times and lost that game to Cincinnati. If Stroud finds time, he can exploit the Jaguars pass defense. He can also turn over the ball because the Jaguars are creating turnovers. The Texans have played in close games because of their defense. The offense has been held under 20 points in the first two games. Look for the Jaguars to run the ball down the Texans’ throat in this one. Lawrence will make a few good throws to put the Jaguars back in the win column. I think Stroud will continue to have issues with his O-Line.

OUR PICK: JAGUARS

CINCINNATI BENGALS (2-0) AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS (1-1)

The original match up in this one quarterbacks-wise was going to be Joe Burrow vs rookie JJ McCarthy. Changes have been made due to injuries as two back up QBs are behind center. For the Bengals, Jake Browning is the guy that engineered a comeback win over the Jaguars last week despite throwing three picks. Everyone remembers Carson Wentz who has been collecting uniforms around the league since he was traded away by the Eagles. Can Browning get the ball to those big receivers while under duress by the Vikings blitzing defense? For Wentz, what does he have left in the tank? A QB that has only played two games in the last two seasons? The Bengals could right now be 0-2. I think the Bengals defense has played better than what people expected. The Vikings offensive mastermind QB whisperer and head coach in 2023, got two wins out of Joshua Dobbs at quarterback. He will insert Wentz into the Vikings system like a light bulb and watch him light it up. Wentz has plenty of weapons. He has a solid running game. Browning will continue to make mistakes and that will give Vikings a home win.

OUR PICK: VIKINGS

PITTSBURGH STEELERS (1-1) AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (1-1)

The Steelers steel curtain defense has turned into a shower curtain. In the first week, Justin Fields carved up the Steelers defense. In the second week, Sam Darnold did the same thing. In New England, the Patriots are responding to their new head coach Mike Vrabel. Drake Maye is making progress not regressing in his second year in the NFL. The Patriots knocked off the Dolphins for their first win of the year on the road. The Steelers were blown up by the Seahawks. This game could go either way. It should be a close game and decided in the last few minutes of the contest. I have to believe Mike Tomlin, head coach of the Steelers, will figure out what needs to be done for his defense to get better. Aaron Rodgers has not been horrible. I know this is not one of Rodgers’ revenge games. I think father time will out-duel the young Maye at the end of regulation. Not by much as Steelers win another road game.

OUR PICK: STEELERS

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (2-0) AT TENNESSEE TITANS (0-2)

We know the Colts are the first team of the Superbowl era not to punt the ball after the first two games of a season. The Titans offensive line has been a turnstyle for the defense opponents. Such a bad recipe – a bad offensive line and rookie quarterback. Sounds like a play out of the Chicago Bears book. Jonathan Taylor gashed the Titans defense for over 200 yards the last time these two teams met last year. the Titans defense played well week 1 and week 2 – gave up a ton of points to the Rams offense. Daniel Jones has played well for the Colts. They have the bionic leg in their kicker.

Spencer Shrader has been money from long distance including a game winner over the Broncos. I like the Colts to continue to roll like a well-oiled machine versus a bad team in their division.

OUR PICK: COLTS

NEW YORK JETS (0-2) AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (2-0)

I did not know Tyrod Taylor is still in the NFL. This will be Taylor’s first start in the NFL since week 18 of the 2023 season. Justin Fields suffered a concussion last week versus the Bills, so now Taylor will get the nod. The Buccaneers have won two thrillers to start their season off undefeated. Baker Mayfield led two impressive drives each game at the end to help the Buccaneers prevail. Taylor is 28-28-1 as a starter in the NFL. He will make his first start with the Jets, a team he’s played for the last two seasons. In a Jets uniform he has only been called upon for mop up duty. Taylor is a dink and dunk kind of QB that can’t throw downfield consistently. This should be an easy challenge for the Buccaneers defense. The Buccaneers should be able to run the Jets defense out of the stadium as well. Baker will be Baker and keep the Buccaneers perfect for the season.

OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS

LA RAMS (2-0) AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (2-0)

The Rams meeting up with the Eagles in week 3 is a rematch of the NFC Divisional game of last year’s post-season. As you know, that went the Eagles way. The Rams did make that game interesting at the end. The biggest question: Can the Rams stop Eagles running back Saquon Barkley? In two games versus the Rams last year, Barkley gashed LA in those games for 460 yards on the ground. That is not counting receiving yards. The Rams will bring their new weapon to this gun fight. Davante Adams had a big game last week for the Rams versus the Titans. Adams, one of the best receivers in the NFL, for most of his career was a former Packer, Raider, and Jet. It gives Matthew Stafford two big targets in the Rams aerial game that are hard to defend. The Eagles offense early on has been rolling. This game and Monday night’s game will be the top two games of the week at least on paper right now. I like the Rams flipping the script here on the Eagles. Sean McVay is one of the best young minds in the game. He will have a better plot this go around to finally beat a team that has been a thorn in his side the last few meetings. This game will live up to the hype as the Rams get an impressive road win while containing Barkley in a close game. Won at the end as LA escapes Philadelphia and gets their revenge. Best served cold with a Philly Steak sandwich.

OUR PICK: RAMS

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (1-1) AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (1-1)

The Commanders will be without their starting quarterback this Sunday as they lose Jayden Daniels to a knee sprain. Next man up for Washington is veteran QB Marcus Mariota who last started a game back in 2022 when he wore a Falcons uniform. In 13 starts he went 5-8 for the dirty birds that season. The Raiders offense was not very good on Monday night versus the Chargers. Geno Smith threw three picks. The Commanders did not play well in Green Bay. The Raiders defense has played solidly in their first two games. Mariota is capable of coming in and righting the ship. I think Smith can rebound and make some nice deep passes off the Commanders defense . Jordan Love exploited the Commanders secondary. This will be a close game. It would not surprise me to see Pete Carol turn this Raiders team around after a bad loss. I think that Raiders defense will be the difference in this one.

OUR PICK: RAIDERS

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (0-2) AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (1-1)

Spencer Rattler is still looking for his first win as a starting QB and first victory for New Orleans. Rattlers is now 0-8 as a starter. The Seahawks were road warriors on the road last week & blew the doors off the Steelers. Sam Darnold got his first victory in a Seattle uniform. The Saints have been in both games they have played so far. Going to Seattle is a hard place to win. The Seahawks defense has played well as one of the better units in the league. Rattler played his best game as a starter last week where he did throw three touchdown passes. Darnold is getting in rhythm with the Seahawks’ best receiver, Jaxon Smith-Njigba who will be seeking his third straight 100 plus yard receiving game to open the season up with. If he can do it, that would be a new franchise record for Seahawks. I don’t see Rattler being able to pull off a victory in Seattle. The Seahawks defense will force Rattler into a few mistakes that Darnold will capitalize on.

OUR PICK: SEAHAWKS

DENVER BRONCOS (1-1) AT LA CHARGERS (2-0)

Can the Chargers win their third division game to start the season? In Brazil week one, they down the Chiefs. In week two, their defense snuffed out the Raiders on Monday night. Could it be the Broncos turn? The Broncos will be going on the road for their second straight week. They lost to the Colts in Indianapolis. A game they could have won getting a penalty on a missed kick by the Colts at the end of the game. The penalty made the re-kick easier and the Colts kicker nailed it for the win. The Chargers did sweep the Broncos last season winning both games. The Broncos defense coming into the season was supposed to be lights out. Daniel Jones threw for over 300 yards on them last week. The Chargers will be without one of their star edge rushers, Khalil Mack, who will miss time with an elbow injury. Bo Nix has not done well against zone coverage, he has three interceptions. Is he regressing his second season? The Chargers defense has played well. Justin Herbert has completed 72.1% of his passes, no interceptions, and 5 touchdown passes. Should be a well fought battle between these two teams. I give the Chargers the edge here in this one.

OUR PICK: CHARGERS

DALLAS COWBOYS (1-1) AT CHICAGO BEARS (0-2)

The return of Bears X head coach Matt Eberflus to Chicago. Eberflus is now the D-coordinator of the Cowboys and he knows Caleb Williams’ weaknesses. The Bears new head coach is supposed to be the QB whisperer and offensive genius. Ben Johnson’s offense has not played the part of what Bears fans were expecting. The Cowboys defense was torched by Russell Wilson last week. Yes, he’s still in the league with the Giants. The Bears defense were sliced and diced by Johnson’s old team, the Lions, as they gave up 52 points. The Cowboys offense has been better than the Bears with all the weapons Dak Prescott has & will be a challenge to the Bear defense. Can Caleb Williams have a big day versus a suspect defense that the Cowboys come in with? Should be a shootout. Watch this one become a defensive struggle. You know Johnson is gathering all the inside information on Eberflus’ defensive schemes. Eberflus was a bad head coach in general. The Bears defense played better with Eberflus than Dennis Allen, now the Bears D-coordinator. I don’t trust the Bears. I can see Prescott winning a shoot out over second year QB Williams. I don’t like the Bears offensive line. They still are dealing with the same problems they had last year. Only difference they are paying Johnson a lot more money than Eberflus as head coach.

OUR PICK: COWBOYS

ARIZONA CARDINALS (2-0) AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (2-0)

The Cardinals are 2-0 despite being out-gained in both games this season. The 49ers will go with Mac Jones former Patriot again at quarterback for the injured Brock Purdy. Kyler Murray lifetime is 4-4 as a starter against the 49ers. The big problem always with the 49ers is they can not contain Murray and keep him in the pocket. Kyle Shanahan works his magic again as one of the best quarterback whisperer in the NFL.

Jones in his first start ever for the 49ers completed 66.7% of his passes and threw for 3 touchdown passes. The Cardinals offense have not been very good. It’s their defense that has carried this team on their shoulders. I like this game being close. In the end Jones pulls out another victory for the 49ers filling in for Purdy.

OUR PICK: 49ERS

THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (0-2) AT NEW YORK GIANTS (0-2)

Dating back from last season from the Superbowl, Patrick Mahomes for the first time in the pros has lost three straight games. You have to go back to Mahomes’ college days playing for Texas Tech when he lost three straight games. The Giants found some offense last week as Russell Wilson had a monster day on the Cowboys offense. The Chiefs defense is a different animal. The Giants still lost the game and their defense gave up 40 points. The Chiefs start the season 0-2 losing to two playoff teams from last year, the Chargers and Eagles. I can’t see the Chiefs losing to the Giants. This is a game where the Chiefs put everything together and it will once again look like a well-oiled machine. Look for Mahomes to have a big night as he is licking his chops playing the Giants defense. Even Kelce Swift will rebound from having two bad games making two bone headed mistakes. The Meathead will thrive in the Big Apple.

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

DETROIT LIONS (1-1) AT BALTIMORE RAVENS (1-1)

Both the Ravens and Lions feasted on division meat to notch their first wins of the year. The Ravens ate dog meat of the Cleveland Browns putting up 41 points on them. The Lions ate well eating the Bears and rattling off 52 points. This should be an epic Monday Night battle between these two teams. Last time these two teams met in Baltimore, the Ravens destroyed the Lions 38-3 in 2023. I think this game has shoot out all over it. Both defenses will be scored upon. One defense will make the one stand that will be needed to win this game. I can see the ending coming, whoever has the ball last wins. I don’t see either team putting up 40-50 points. I can see the game being in the high 30’s. The stat line I have to go by is Lamar Jackson’s sick record versus the NFC Conference. He is 24-2 all-time versus the NFC. Plus, I have to go with home team on this one. I like Ravens even though I’d rather see the Lions win this one. Hope I’m wrong on this pick.

OUR PICK: RAVENS