Mattie T’s Week 3 NFL Predictions

Time for a Justice League Update!!!!

Week 2’s game was as close as it could get, as i flip-flopped leads several times with my opponent, Windy City Squares.

Marques Colston saved the day, as his late 30-yard reception helped me edge out a 42-41 win.

Now, i’ll try for my first 3-0 Justice League start ever against a Go Gettas team that i’m only a 2-point favorite against. Stay tuned for another update next week!

Week 2: 8-8

Overall: 17-15 (.531)

Bengals/Panthers:

After an 0-2 start, the Panthers have decided to make a quarterback change to help boost their 28th ranked offense.

Rookie Jimmy Clausen from Notre Dame will start on Sunday, but will have to do so without his left tackle Jeff Otah.

It could be a big week for Cincinnati’s star wideouts, as Chad Ochocinco needs one more touchdown reception to surpass Carl Pickens (63) as the all-time franchise leader.

As for Terrell Owens, he has more career receptions (75) and receiving yards (1,110) against Carolina than any other team.

This all sets up perhaps Carson Palmer’s biggest game of the season, as the Bengals edge out a close road win to leave the Panthers winless.

Mattie T’s Pick: Cincinnati

Bills/Patriots:

After a disappointing second half against the Jets, the Patriots will now get a chance to bounce back in a major way against a Buffalo team that’s averaging under 200 yards per game on offense.

Their run game has been so bad that Marshawn Lynch is the team’s leading rusher with 77 yards…..in TWO games.

New England’s defense hasn’t been spectacular so far this season, but they have a chance to really make some noise on Sunday.

Mattie T’s Pick: New England

49ers/Chiefs:

After a near comeback that fell just short during a Week 2 heartbreaking loss to New Orleans, San Francisco will try to hand Kansas City their first defeat of the season at Arrowhead.

The 49ers’ offense could get another big game out of Alex Smith on Sunday, as their 10th ranked passing attack squares up with the Chiefs’ 25th ranked secondary.

San Francisco’s defense figures to dominate the game against Kansas City’s 30th ranked offense, so look for Mike Singletary’s team to notch their first win of the season.

Mattie T’s Pick: San Francisco.

Titans/Giants:

After an ugly offensive performance that included 7 turnovers against the Steelers, Tennessee looks to get back on track against a N.Y. Giants team that got absolutely blasted against the Colts in Week 2.

It will be an emotional game for Keith Bulluck, as the 11-year veteran will face his former team for the first time after spending 10 seasons with the Titans.

Chris Johnson gets a great opportunity to redeem himself after a 34-yard performance in Week 2, as he goes up against a 24th ranked Giants run defense.

Look for the Titans to run Johnson to a road win.

Mattie T’s Pick: Tennessee

Browns/Ravens:

After two close losses to begin the season, can Cleveland pull off the weekend’s biggest stunner by beating Baltimore?

It all depends on if they can slow down Terrell Suggs & the Ravens’ 2nd ranked defense, as he has more sacks (11) against the Browns than any other team.

Todd Heap has also enjoyed big success (592 career receiving yards) against Cleveland, while Joe Flacco is unbeaten (4-0) as a starter against them & needs just 163 passing yards on Sunday to surpass Vinny Testaverde for 2nd place on the team’s franchise list.

Mattie T’s Pick: Baltimore

Steelers/Buccaneers:

In a battle of 2-0 teams, Pittsburgh will rely on a 3rd string quarterback to try & notch their 3rd straight win without Ben Roethlisberger.

Charlie Batch will get the start on Sunday over Byron Leftwich, who did play 3 games last season as a Buccaneer.

The Steelers should again rely on their strong 6th ranked defense to try & upend Tampa Bay.

The Buccaneers have not allowed a single 2nd half point this season, so we’ll see if the Steelers will be able to accomplish that feat Sunday.

When it’s all said and done, Mike Tomlin’s team will still be unbeaten.

Mattie T’s Pick: Pittsburgh

Falcons/Saints:

Huge NFC South matchup, as the Saints will try to start 3-0 without Reggie Bush, who’ll miss the next 4-to-6 weeks with a fractured fibula.

They will also be without cornerback Randall Gay, who took a blow to the head during New Orleans’ 25-22 win over San Francisco in Week 2.

The Saints’ offense is not where it needs to be yet, but they have a chance to make a statement Sunday against the Falcons’ 26th ranked run defense.

Look for Atlanta to ride Michael Turner to a close road win.

Mattie T’s Pick: Atlanta

Lions/Vikings:

Minnesota should get a big boost in their secondary Sunday, as Chris Cook & Cedric Griffin are set to return from injury.

This could be the game that the Vikings’ offense breaks out against Detroit’s 30th ranked defense, as Brett Favre has more passing yards (8,753), completions (752) & attempts (1,183) against the Lions than any other team.

Minnesota’s defense will be sure to focus on stopping Jahvid Best, who has an NFL-high five touchdowns.

Must-win game for the Vikings, and i don’t think they will disappoint.

Mattie T’s Pick: Minnesota

Cowboys/Texans:

This has all the makings to become a shootout, as the Texans’ top-ranked offense & the Cowboys’ 4th ranked offense will matchup at Reliant Stadium.

Houston’s defense will be tested though by Tony Romo, as they are ranked 31st & is dead-last against the pass.

Dallas knows how to step up when needed, as they went to New Orleans last season & handed the Saints their first loss.

I see something similiar happening on Sunday, as they’ll hand the Texans a loss to save their current season.

Mattie T’s Pick: Dallas

Eagles/Jaguars:

Now that Michael Vick is the starter for the rest of the season, he should have big success against Jacksonville’s 29th-ranked defense.

As for the Jaguars’ offense, they hope to get Maurice Jones-Drew (129 yards in 2 games) back on track against the Eagles’ 23rd-ranked run defense.

I could see this game becoming a shootout, but i think Philadelphia will squeak out a win.

Mattie T’s Pick: Philadelphia

Redskins/Rams:

After a disappointing Week 2 in which they blew a 17-point 2nd half lead during a loss to Houston, Washington will look to get things back on track against St. Louis’ 28th ranked defense.

Steven Jackson needs 97 more rushing yards to pass Marshall Faulk for 2nd place on the franchise’s all-time list.

I could see this turning into a shootout, but the Redskins hold on for a close road win.

Mattie T’s Pick: Washington

Colts/Broncos:

Denver will play this game with heavy hearts following the death of wide receiver Kenny McKinley on Monday.

With these two offenses ranked in the top 10, expect a lot of points to be scored.

However though, with the Broncos possibly starting two cornerbacks in their secondary, look for Peyton Manning to have another big game through the air.

Mattie T’s Pick: Indianapolis

Raiders/Cardinals:

This game will feature the season debuts of both Michael Bush & Beanie Wells, but both men could take a backseat to Darren McFadden (2nd in NFL with 240 yards rushing).

Oakland has the 9th best passing offense in the league, which could find some success against Arizona’s 27th ranked defense.

I see McFadden going off on Sunday against the Cardinals’ 31st-ranked run defense, which should provide the difference.

Mattie T’s Pick: Oakland

Chargers/Seahawks:

The Chargers will be without rookie running back Ryan Matthews for Sunday’s game, but Mike Tolbert is prepared to step in after rushing for 82 yards & scoring 2 touchdowns during their Week 2 win over Jacksonville.

San Diego might not need for Tolbert to do much if Philip Rivers has another big day, as he’ll go up against Seattle’s 26th ranked pass defense.

I think the Seahawks will fall behind big in this one & struggle to play catch-up, as the Chargers could possibly end up in a first-place tie in the AFC West.

Mattie T’s Pick: San Diego

Jets/Dolphins:

Even without Darrelle Revis, the Jets are prepared to handle Brandon Marshall, as Antonio Cromartie gets the defensive assignment after an impressive job on Randy Moss during their Week 2 win.

Miami will need Marshall to boost their 28th ranked pass offense, but they may find tough things going on the ground against the Jets’ 3rd ranked run defense.

In a game that features young & unproven quarterbacks, i think Sanchez will outplay Henne on the national spotlight.

Mattie T’s Pick: N.Y. Jets

Packers/Bears:

The 180th career Green Bay/Chicago matchup should be a dandy on Monday night, as first place will be on the line in the NFC North.

The Packers will surely miss Ryan Grant, who ran for 137 yards & scored two touchdowns in their December 2009 win at Soldier Field.

This game matches the Bears’ 3rd ranked pass offense against the Packers’ 3rd ranked pass defense, but i think Matt Forte will find holes against Green Bay’s’ 28th ranked run defense.

This will be a close game, but the Packers’ inability to run the football will cost them dearly in a critical Monday Night game.

Mattie T’s Pick: Chicago