The Sports Editors’ Week 3 NFL Picks

Stuzin: Kansas City Chiefs (-6) vs. Indianapolis Colts

It’s been the case for several years, but the Kansas City Chiefs are, once again, among the most exciting teams to watch. Quarterback (QB) Patrick Mahomes is off to a strong start (as always), with seven touchdowns in the first two games. Even without star wide receiver Tyreek Hill, Mahomes and the Chiefs have been able to dominate against two solid teams. The Indianapolis Colts, on the other hand, have not had such luck. They got completely shut out by the Jacksonville Jaguars, which I didn’t know was possible. QB Matt Ryan hasn’t proven himself as a quality starter on his new team, and running back Jonathan Taylor can’t do all the work. Look for the dominant Chiefs to cover this spread against the struggling Colts. 

 

Martin: Baltimore Ravens (-3) vs. New England Patriots

Pay that man! Former MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson has looked sharp to start the season and is on track to earn himself a large contract extension. The Louisville product excelled against the New York Jets and accounted for four touchdowns in a close matchup with the Miami Dolphins. The loss of wideout Marquise Brown has been mitigated by the emergence of wide receiver Rashod Bateman and others, and the Ravens’ offense looks as formidable as ever. Frankly put, the 2022 Patriots are not the Patriots of old. While the defense headed by Matthew Judon and Christian Barmore is nothing to laugh at, the offense looks underwhelming under play-caller Matt Patricia. Seriously, why is Matt Patricia calling offensive plays? Look for the Ravens to bounce back on the road in Foxborough.

 

Silverstein: San Francisco 49ers (-1) at Denver Broncos

When your starting quarterback suffers a season-ending injury, it usually feels like your season is ending too. But for the San Francisco 49ers, the devastating injury to young gunslinger Trey Lance isn’t really that devastating at all. Stepping in under center is Jimmy Garoppolo, a proven winner who has guided this team to Super Bowl and NFC Championship berths in two of the last three seasons. Most importantly, Jimmy G is efficient and comfortable as a game manager and is someone who will rarely take unnecessary risks and turn the ball over. This plays to the team’s true strength: defense. Russell Wilson and the Broncos look to be a dangerous offense on paper but were sluggish in their 16-9 win over the lowly Texans. If they are going to turn it around, it isn’t going to be against one of the best defensive units in football that reasserted its dominance last week against Seattle. Give me a low-scoring 49ers win in Denver.  

 

Notis: Los Angeles Rams (-4) at Arizona Cardinals

Both of these teams are supposed to be good, right? The Los Angeles Rams got blown out in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills and then barely squeaked by the ghostly Atlanta Falcons. The Arizona Cardinals have looked distraught in the first two weeks after getting destroyed by the Kansas City Chiefs and barely squeezing out a win over the Las Vegas Raiders. With each team entering this week 1-1, one thing (aside from talent) sets these teams apart: coaching.

Kliff Kingsbury looks generally disengaged on the sidelines. His play-calls perplex even the most casual football fan. When hired, he was supposed to be this offensive guru that could unlock quarterback Kyler Murray’s potential. Even with Murray playing spectacular football, Kingsbury is holding him back and only hindering what could be a top offense in the league. On the other side, Sean McVay only seems to be getting better. Yes, his team is off to a slower start than anticipated. But he’s doing everything imaginable to put the Rams in good positions to win. The play calling is there, and, if the ball security can catch up, the Rams will be at the top of the league in no time. Look for the Rams to charge through Arizona and leave with a win. 

 

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