NFL 2010: Week 3

The NFL is back for more action this Sunday as 16 NFL games take place this weekend, and this is the last weekend that all 32 teams will be playing until mid-November, as the anticipated, yet dreaded bye weeks begin next week.

CBS HAS THE DOUBLEHEADER WEEKEND THIS SUNDAY; Fox HAS THE DOUBLEHEADER NEXT SUNDAY

SUNDAY AFTERNOON GAMES:
(1PM Games)
Tennessee Titans (1-1) at New York Giants (1-1)- New Meadowlands Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ)
Last week, both teams got hammered by their opponents. However, only one team will get to turn it around, and the host Giants have the edge in this one.
Pick: New York Giants 28-13

Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0)- Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, FL)- GAME OF THE WEEK # 1
Both teams are a surprising 2-0. Pittsburgh, without suspended quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, is off to a surprising 2-0 start with a little help from their defense, and Tampa Bay is 2-0, courtesy of the heroics of quarterback Josh Freeman. Tampa would love to go 3-0 heading into their bye week, but I don't see it happening as methinks the Steel Curtain will shut down these Bucs.
Pick: Pittsburgh 31-20

Cincinnati Bengals (1-1) at Carolina Panthers (0-2)- Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, NC)
Last week, the Bengals beat the Baltimore Ravens, despite only five field goals and zero touchdowns. The Bengals defense came up big in the second half last week, forcing four interceptions. The Panthers, despite their two-headed running back monster of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, are struggling, and it's because Matt Moore was inept at Quarterback. Now, young Jimmy Clausen will make his debut as the Panthers starting quarterback. Can he win in his debut? No.
Pick: Cincinnati 17-13

Cleveland Browns (0-2) at Baltimore Ravens (1-1)- M&T Bank Stadium (Baltimore, MD)
The Browns, in their first two games, have blown big leads in both games. This week, they'll be even lucky to move the ball down the field against Baltimore's real tough defense.
Pick: Baltimore 30-0

Buffalo Bills (0-2) at New England Patriots (1-1)- Gillette Stadium (Foxboro, MA)
The Bills are the new Rams/Lions. Expect the Patriots to make these Bills extinct.
Pick: New England 27-0

Dallas Cowboys (0-2) at Houston Texans (2-0)- Reliant Stadium (Houston, TX)- UPSET WATCH PICK OF THE WEEK/THE BATTLE OF TEXAS
In the third "Battle of Texas", the Texans are looking to build on their great start. However, America's team is struggling to survive, as a loss to their in-state rivals could send them to 0-3, heading into their bye week.
Pick: Houston 31-14

San Francisco 49ers (0-2) at Kansas City Chiefs (2-0)- Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MO)
The 49ers at 0-2? Kansas City at 2-0? Is this the real NFL? Put down the Budweiser and wake up, because it is actually reality through the first two weeks of the 2010 season. Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis has indeed made his mark in KC as the Chiefs remain unbeaten going into their bye week.
Pick: Kansas City 24-23

Detroit Lions (0-2) at Minnesota Vikings (0-2)- Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome (Minneapolis, MN)
The third time will be the charm for one of these teams full of talent. Detroit lost in Week 1 due to a controversial call, and was held off on a late rally last week. Minnesota was held off in both games. Can Minnesota take the next step with Brett Favre and Adrian Peterson, or will the Lions claw the Vikes, with rookie back Jahvid Best putting his best foot forward?
Pick: Minnesota 17-15

Atlanta Falcons (1-1) at New Orleans Saints (2-0)- Louisiana Superdome (New Orleans, LA)
This is going to be a great showdown between two NFC South rivals.
Pick: New Orleans 24-21

LATE AFTERNOON GAMES (4PM & 4:15PM):
Washington Redskins (1-1) at St. Louis Rams (0-2)- Edward Jones Dome (St. Louis, MO)
The Redskins blew a 17-point lead and lost in overtime to Houston, at home. This week, they go to St. Louis, home of the "Greatest Joke on Turf".
Pick: Washington 27-14

Philadelphia Eagles (1-1) at Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1)- EverBank Field (Jacksonville, FL)
It's official. Michael Vick is the starting quarterback in Philly. The bad news: Jacksonville has more questions than answers.
Pick: Philadelphia 38-20

Oakland Raiders (1-1) at Arizona Cardinals (1-1)- University of Phoenix Stadium (Glendale, AZ)
Bruce Gradkowski will definitely give Oakland an offensive boost against a declining Arizona squad.
Pick: Oakland 19-6

San Diego Chargers (1-1) at Seattle Seahawks (1-1)- Qwest Field (Seattle, WA)
San....Diego....Super.....Chargers!!!! The Chargers will charge up their offense in Seattle, against a resurgent Seahawks team.
Pick: San Diego 42-14

Indianapolis Colts (1-1) at Denver Broncos (1-1)- Invesco Field at Mile High (Denver, CO)- The Battle of the Horses
Last Sunday night, the Colts galloped over the New York Giants in Manning Bowl II. This week in the battle of the horses, Peyton Manning will help the Colts gallop in Mile High.
Pick: Indianapolis 42-14
A side note. Sports Corner's thoughts and prayers go to the Broncos organization, and the family of second year wide receiver Kenny McKinley, who passed away early last week.

SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:
New York Jets (1-1) at Miami Dolphins (2-0)- Sun Life Stadium (Miami, FL)- GAME OF THE WEEK # 2
This rivalry has had great moments. Expect some on Sunday night, as the J-E-T-S, Jets visit sunny Miami and the unbeaten Dolphins. The Jets defense and Miami's wildcat offense will be a great matchup to watch.
Pick: New York Jets 23-13

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:
Chicago Bears (2-0) at Green Bay Packers (2-0)- Lambeau Field (Green Bay, WI)- GAME OF THE WEEK # 3
The NFC North Division has been a very boring division to watch at times. The final NFL game of September, features two NFC North rivals, separated a couple of hours away on I-65. The Packers defense has dominated opponents to date, while the Bears have gotten by their opponents. But anything is possible with rivalry games, just like one of next weekend's games of the week- the Battle of Ohio (Cleveland and Cincinnati).
Pick: Green Bay 37-17

Next week's Marquee Game of the Week....the Eagles foolishly traded him, their quarterback for 11 seasons, to their division rival, the Washington Redskins, and now he returns to the City of Brotherly Love....Donovan McNabb's return to Philadelphia.

Sports Corner's other two picks for Game of the Week next week- the Monday night game between division rivals New England and Miami, and the Battle of Ohio, between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns...could it be another trap game for the Boys from the Jungle as they plan to bury Fido in the Dawg Pound?

The Cowboys, Chiefs, Vikings, and Buccaneers all have byes in Week 4.