NFL Week 3 Preview

The third week of the NFL season is here and with it brings a couple of interesting storylines. Will the Lions finally win? Are the Titans not as good as they showed last season? Will Drew Brees have yet another 300 yards/3 TD performance? Here a quick look at today's and tomorrow night's slate of games.

Green Bay (1-1) @ St. Louis (0-2)

Green Bay: Maybe all the preseason hype on QB Aaron Rodgers got to him last week against the Bengals. Oh, wait. That was Bengals DE Antwan Odom that got to him to the tune of 5 sacks. Thins don't look much better on the O line but the Rams don't have the front seven do threaten Rodgers and the Packers offense. On D, if you stop Rams RB Steven Jackson, you stop the Rams.

St. Louis: Did anyone tell Rams fans that this rebuilding process could take longer than expected? It will. RB Steven Jackson had a good game last week and the Rams could only muster 7 points and take yet another loss. Teams know Jackson is the man so they divert their full attention to him...and it works. The defense was solid in the 9-7 loss to the Redskins in week 2. That's better given the 28 points they gave up in week 1. Find a passing game (and you need receivers) and all will be better.

San Francisco (2-0) @ Minnesota (2-0)

San Fran: RB Frank Gore is prbable with an ankle injury. That's important as Gore is the key to a 49ers win. You don't want QB Shaun Hill to have to be the one to get you a win, but Hill did show a bit of tenacity in week 1 with the last minute drive to guide the Niners to a win. These guys are letting the absence of WR Michael Crabtree hinder them and that is a bad sign for the rest of the league. They're maturing. But San Francisco is doing it on the defensive end, too. The D has allowed only 13 points a game and wins will come about easily when holding the opposition that low.

Minnesota: The 49ers D will be gearing up for RB Adrian Peterson, but that may be a mistake. We've yet to see QB Brett Favre really unload for a game. Maybe the arm's not as sound as we're meant to believe. Favre is the key for the Vikes O today, not Peterson. AD will get his yards. The rest is up to Favre. With Niners RB Frank Gore being the main offensive threat, the Vikings will look to stop him. Gore ran for 207 yards on only 16 carries last week against Seattle before leaving with an ankle injury. The secondary has been a soft spot in the past for Minnesota but this week should prove different.

Atlanta (2-0) @ New England (1-1)

Atlanta: We'll see what the Falcons are made of today. Going to Gillette Stadium is usually a tough task. If the Falcons establish RB Michael Turner early, Atlanta can win. Rain is in the forecast and that favors New England since the Falcons play half of their games indoors at the Georgia Dome. The offense will get a stern test from the New England defense. It's simple on defense: don't let the Pats get a running game. Atlanta is a little weak up the gut and New England will try to exploit that.

New England: A few are questioning QB Tom Brady. Don't. It's a mistake. I don't look for Brady to even come close to duplicating his 2007 season. Coming off his knee injury, Brady will struggle this year. Pats fans can already say "Wait 'til next year" and be right. But it's this year we're playing. The Pats have solid running backs but no one back that would take most of your gameplan. That's where the Patriots can get you on offense. Despite the number of defensive departures and injuries, the Pats D has been good. Good enough to be 2-0.

Washington (1-1) @ Detroit (0-2)

Washington: Both QB Jason Campbell and RB Clinton Portis are banged up. Not a good sign for the Redskins faithful especially since many are saying this is the week the Lions break the string. Don't be too sure to write an L for the Redskins quite yet. While the Redskins only managed 9 points on the Rams D last week, the were able to move the ball. The red zone was their weakness. Just ask former QB Sonny Jurgenson and he'll tell you. WR Santana Moss has a history of big plays against the Lions. Defensively, the Redskins know the Lions have no real threat...except WR Calvin Johnson.

Detroit: If RB Kevin Smith gets over 100 yards, the Lions will stop the slide of the decade. Write it down. If Smith gets his 100, QB Matthew Stafford will have his best game as a pro. The Lions must get the offense going because the defense is extremely nicked. LB Ernie Sims is doubtful, CB Phillip Buchanon, DT Grady Jackson, CB Eric King, and S Marquand Manuel are also on the injury report. I don't totally buy into the hype but the Lions do have a chance.

Tennessee (0-2) @ New York Jets (2-0)

Tennessee: 0-2? Titans fans, you may be looking at 0-3, a legit reality. But the Titans will not forget that it was the Jets that snapped their undefeated roll from a year ago. Could the Titans return the favor? If RB Chris Johnson has anywhere close to a game like he had last week, the Jets are in trouble. Johnson had 3 TD and almost 300 yards of total offense...by himself. It was the defense that allowed 34 points. And Johnson doesn't play defense. Keep the Jets D guessing is a key to a win at the Meadowlands.

Jets: How will the rookie QB Mark Sanchez play this week? There's a possibility of a letdown after the Jets win last week against hated rival New England. The Jets cannot let up now, and head coach Rex Ryan won't let them. The offense could use a little kickstart but will the Titans D allow that? RB Thomas Jones will set the tone for the Jets. The only thing that will stop the Jets this week...themselves.

Cleveland (0-2) @ Baltimore (2-0)

Cleveland: Is QB Brady Quinn the answer? He has to be this week. RB Jamal Lewis, K Phil Dawson, G Rex Hadnot, and G Floyd Womack will not suit up for the game. With Lewis and Dawson, that's most of the Browns offensive production. Who will protect Quinn? In all seriousness, does it matter? The Browns have no offense as they can account for 19 points (1 TD, 4 FG). The other TD was a return by WR Joshua Cribbs. Speaking of Cribbs, maybe integrate him more in the offense? Just a suggestion.

Baltimore: Have the Ravens become an offensive team? After years of relying on the D, LB Ray Lewis must relish the fact that there's an offense now. QB Joe Flacco didn't havve the numbers last week, but he still helped get the W. It was Lewis that stopped Chargers RB Darren Sproles on a 4th-and-2 running play (What was Norv Turner thinking on that?) to preserve a Ravens win. This game looks like a laugher but that's where teams get in trouble. Baltimore must stay focused.

Jacksonville (0-2) @ Houston (1-1)

Jacksonville: For all of you that have RB Maurice Jones-Drew on your fantasy team, this is a dream matchup. The Texans have the worst run defense in the league and look for Pocket Hercules to get the ball moving early and often. QB David Garrard could also have a breakout game as Houston is also weak against the pass. For Garrard to do so, it wil have to be via short and intermediate routes. That plays into his strength as a QB. The once vaunted Jags D isn't what it used to be and head coach Jack Del Rio is a candidate for "first to be let go".

Houston: QB Matt Schaub rebouded from a horrible week 1 performance and lit up the Titans D. That will give the Texans O something to build on. For Texans fans, they hope RB Steve Slaton can get going. You don't want defenses pinning their ears back and going after oft-injured Schaub. Slaton is the key. The Jags don't pose a major offensive threat, but Houston must contain the run and keep Garrard in the pocket.

New York Giants (2-0) @ Tampa Bay (0-2)

Giants: It should be no surprise that QB Eli Manning lead the G-Men on that FG winning drive to win last week. He's slowly building his resume'. WRs Steve Smith and Mario Manningham showed, for one game, that they are reliable, but that's a trend that the Giants need every week. We know they can run. We know they can play defense. It will be consistency in the passing game that takes the Giants far into the playoffs. Stopping Tampa Bay's running game will take the focus off a beat up secondary.

Tampa Bay: Growing pains can be...painful. The Bucs secondary will be the difference in today's game. If they can limit New York's passing attack, Tampa Bay can make a good showing. With a rainy forecast, that favors the home team, Tampa Bay, because they are aware of how the wet conditions affect their home turf. But not so much here as the Bucs had such a large roster turnover from last year. If the Bucs can run, it will set up the pass against a depleted Giants secondary.

Kansas City (0-2) @ Philadelphia (1-1)

KC: I was "troubled" when I heard that head coach Todd Haley said he would bench QB Matt Cassel if the offense struggled. You fired your offensive cordinator before the season even began and now you may sit your $60 million dollar man? I know Haley's an offensive coach, but is this really happening? The Chiefs cannot afford to let this be a distraction. The Saints torched the Eagles for 48 points last week. If the Chiefs can get half that total, they have half a chance.

Philadelphia: How much will Philly use QB Michael Vick? Who cares, but they say about 10-12 plays. The bigger question is can QB Kevin Kolb take care of the ball? Three picks last week didn't help matters for the Eagles. Eliminate the turnovers and the Eagles offense, despite numerous injuries, can have a good performance. The D shouldn't have it hands near as full as they did last week. The Chiefs don't offer the firepower in either the rushing or passing games.

New Orleans (2-0) @ Buffalo (1-1)

New Orleans: Another week, another defense for QB Drew Brees and his receiving corps to torch. RB Mike Bell is out and RB Pierre Thomas is till a question mark. RB Reggie Bush will be the guy out of the backfield. That makes the offense scarier as far as the passing attack goes since Bush is a better receiver that both Bell and Thomas. Heck, I'd line up 5-wide with Bush as the fifth receiver and let Brees play catch with his receivers. We don't mention the Saints D, and that's how they like it...I think.

Buffalo: Has T.O. blown up yet? It's coming...before week 9, the Bills bye week. How do the Bills stop the Saints? If this game were in December, a foot of snow was on the ground,  and near blizzard conditions, the Bills would have a chance to stop them. But it's late September and the forecast calls for sprinkles...of Saints TDs.

Chicago (1-1) @ Seattle (1-1)

Chicago: QB Jay Cutler got his act together last week and I look for him to do the same this week. The concern for the Bears (and Seahawks D) is RB Matt Forte. He's looked nothing like he did during his excellent rookie season last year. For the Bears to be a legit playoff contender, Forte must return to that form. The Seahawks are among the league's worst rushing defenses. Good news for Forte. No rush and teams will be gunning for Cutler.

Seattle: QB Matthew Hasselbeck will most likely not play and that leaves Seneca Wallace as the Seahawks starter. That should threaten the Bears as Wallace is a dual threat and the Bears don't possess as much team speed on defense. It's defense where Seattle should be concerned. LB Leroy Hill will miss a second straight game with a groin injury and fellow LB Lofa Tatupu is listed as doubtful with a hamstring issue. That leaves the Seahawks middle vulnerable.

Pittsburgh (1-1) @ Cincinnati (1-1)

Pittsburgh: Strange that this is a critical game for the Steelers. It is especially following last week's loss to the Bears. Cincy might be exactly what the doctor ordered for the defending Super Bowl champs. Recently, the Steelers have beaten up on their divisinal foe. The Steelers have a history of running against the Bengals and RBs Willie Parker and Rashard Medenhall must be the offense this week as Pittsburgh has shown no signs of a running game. We know what the D can do.

Cincinnati: Strange that this is a critical game for the Bengals. Wait, I said that about the Steelers, too. But it's more critical for Cincy as they want to establish themselves as a major playoff contender. A win against Pittsburgh will do that but a ket to Cincy's offense, RB Cedric Benson, is listed as probable. Cincinnati must control the game offensively, either rushing or passing, to win this. The matchup to watch Bengals CB Leon Hall against Steelers WRs Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward. Hall is establishing himself as a legit corner and by containing the Steelers WRs will do nothing but help his rep.

Miami (0-2) @ San Diego (1-1)

Miami: The Dolphins are looking at a potential 0-3 start and you know that won't sit right with Bill Parcells...or Tony Sparano. But that threat is real and teh Dolphins must be aware of the Chargers thirst for a win after they threw away a golden oppotunity last week against the Ravens. Miami did every thing to win last Monday night...except score touchdowns. Again, they can't settle for field goals and the Chargers did allow 31 points to Baltimore.

San Diego: The offense is fine...even without LT. RB Darren Sproles looks like he's ready to take over permanently. It's the defense that should have Chargers fans on edge. They escaped teh Black Hole with a win and they almost pulled off a last minute charge last week. The Bolts more be more consistent and win this week. They go the Heinz Field for a date with the Steelers next week. Don't look ahead.

Denver (2-0) @ Oakland (1-1)

Denver: Are the Broncos really 2-0? Hard to believe after the preseason they went through, but it's true. Maybe all the "distractions" brought these guys together. It looks like it. And now they get a divisional rival that's got no identity whatsoever. QB Kyle Orton maintains his ability to take care of teh ball and not turn it over. That will win you a few games in the NFL. Not to rain on Broncos' fans parade, but your boys did play the Browns last week. Just food for thought.

Oakland: Who are these guys? Really, they couldn't run or pass on the Chiefs last week. But maybe that game winning drive led by QB JaMarcus Russell will give the Raiders something to build on. They did almost beat the Chargers and the Broncos aren't as much of a threat offensively. If the Raiders are to win, the offense will be the key. Getting RBs Darren McFadden and Michael Bush going is critical.

Indianapolis (2-0) @ Arizona (1-1)

Indy: The Colts wrote the book on lsong time of possession in the worst way but still winning the game. It was a trick that even Criss Angel was proud of. QB Peyton Manning wil get his share of yards, but it will be the RB combo of Joseph Addai and rookie Donald Brown that will make the difference. The Colts have to keep the Cards offense off the field...just like teams try to do to them.

Arizona: The Cards showed signs of a running game against the Jags last week. But can you keep the Colts offesense off teh field and win? No, and the Dolphins proved it last Monday night. So how can Arizona, or anyone else for that matter, stop the offense of Indy? Get QB Peyton Manning. That's it.

Carolina (0-2) @ Dallas (1-1)

Carolina: The Panthers offense is good enough to concern the Cowboys defense. They have two great RBs with DeAngelo WIlliams and Jonathon Stewart. But everyone in the league knows you beat the Panthers by getting to QB Jake Delhomme and make him throw picks. The Panthers D is banged up with LB Na'il Diggs out and LB Jon Beason healing from a knee injury. That could make for a long night in Jerry Jones' palace.

Dallas: We know how this goes...if QB Tony Romo plays well, the Cowboys will win. If not, then every former Cowboy will come out and question his validity. Being without RB Marion Barber is not as bad as you think. You are a bit more limited running between the tackles, Barber's specialty; however, you are then able to get RB Felix Jones more touches and RB Tashard Choice proved last year he can be a integral player for the Cowboys. Now that they got a game under their belt in their new home, things should go back to normal, if there's such a thing in Dallas, for the Cowboys.