All-Pro Reels
Two weeks into the NFL season, opinions are being formed about each NFL team. So far, we’ve seen some teams shock the football world by getting off to a hot start. The Saints and Vikings are both undefeated with wins over elite opponents. Others, like the Ravens and Bengals, have fallen flat early. For a few teams, this week will be a crucial step in determining their path for the remainder of the season. Week 3 is loaded with intriguing matchups. I’ve listed my top 5 games heading into the weekend.
5. Jaguars @ Bills
This game makes my list mostly because of the potential aftermath of a Jaguars loss. After their collapse late last season, Jacksonville doubled down by extending Trevor Lawrence to a massive deal and retaining Doug Pederson as their head coach. The Jags revamped their receiving core by adding Gabe Davis and rookie Brian Thomas Jr. to the mix. After an 0-2 start with close losses to Miami and Cleveland, Jacksonville is desperate for a win. Victory won’t come easy as they travel North to face the Bills on Monday night. Buffalo has bullied opponents on the ground early in the season. The linebacking core of Jacksonville should slow the Bills’ run game down, but I expect Buffalo to pull out the win.
BUF 25-18 JAX
4. Texans @ Vikings
Can I take a second to pat myself on the back? In my preseason predictions, I claimed that Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold would play well enough this season to earn himself a starting-level contract in the 2025 offseason. Through two weeks, it’s looking like a pretty good call. Darnold has led the Vikings to a 2-0 start, including an upset win over San Fransisco. Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores has reminded the league what he can do with players that fit his system. On the other side, Houston has lived up to the high expectations set for them so far. After earning wins against Indianapolis and Chicago, the Texans are slight favorites in this matchup. C.J. Stroud is already one of the best in the league at deciphering complex defensive looks. I expect him to do just that on Sunday, leading to a Texans win.
HOU 28-25 MIN
3. Ravens @ Cowboys
After a crushing loss in last season’s AFC Championship Game, Baltimore has started the year with two frustrating losses. It’s not quite time for the Ravens to panic, as both games went down to the wire. Dallas, on the other hand, has me worried. Sure, the defense looked impressive against the Browns in Week 1, but it’s looking like that was more a product of Deshaun Watson’s incompetence than of any proficiency from Dallas. Last week, the Cowboys got blown out by the Saints in a game where the Dallas defense looked completely lost. I expect the Ravens to get back on track in this one.
BAL 24-23 DAL
2. Chiefs @ Falcons
What is Kirk Cousins at this point in his career? After looking completely helpless in the Falcons’ opener against an elite Steelers defense, Cousins led a game-winning drive to beat the Eagles in Week 2. He seems to lack any sort of mobility in the pocket but shows the processing and arm talent to lead an efficient offense. If we’re still unsure about who Kirk Cousins is, we certainly know who Patrick Mahomes is. Mahomes and the Chiefs look like the clear best team in the league after defeating tough opponents in weeks one and two. Kansas City’s difficult start continues this week, but I see them remaining undefeated here in their quest for yet another Super Bowl.
KC 31-24 ATL
1. Eagles @ Saints
The Saints are… good? In all honesty, I expected another boring, near-.500 season for New Orleans. The Saints’ first two performances have been anything but boring. Through two weeks of NFL action, the New Orleans Saints have by far the highest-scoring offense in the league. Let that sink in. The Eagles’ defense has the horses to match up with New Orleans’ explosive attack. Philadelphia so far has looked as expected: an elite roster struggling to put the pieces together. My hot take heading into this game is that New Orleans won’t score 40 points. I have the Eagles winning in what would apparently be an upset.
PHI 24-23 NO
