Week 3 NFL Games To Watch - Brendan Darr's Blog

Brendan Darr's Blog

Week 3 NFL Games To Watch

Posted on September 23, 2012 at 02:07 AM.

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Cardinals-Eagles

Why to watch:

Of the six undefeated teams remaining, two of them face off this week. Both the Cardinals and the Eagles have had games down to the wire and this week should be no exception.

X-Factor

Matt � QB Kevin Kolb, Arizona Cardinals

Last year, the Cardinals beat the Eagles 21-17. While Kevin Kolb was hurt on the sidelines, he still helped his team by recognizing coverage and plays that the Eagles were running.

Similarly, this year�s match up will ride on Kolb again. However, this time he�ll be under center. If Kolb plays well enough to not put his defense in a hole, the Cardinals have a serious chance in beating the Eagles.

Brendan - Philadelphia Eagles Offensive Line

The Cardinals have done a good job of shutting down opposing running games. Michael Vick has been wildly inconsistent so far, and could use some help up front to get some time in or out of the pocket.

Somehow the Eagles are 2-0, despite having what seems like a million turnovers. If the Eagles can establish the run game, and cut down on Vick�s attempts to throw interceptions, they should be able to improve to 3-0. That will mean a big game from the offensive line.

Prediction:

Matt � I like the Cardinals to beat the Eagles this week. If there�s one thing that Kolb is good at, it�s knowing the Eagles. The game should be close, with Arizona pulling it out. Prediction: 24-21 Cardinals

Brendan -- I think Arizona�s inept offense means that Philadelphia improves to 3-0. Darnell Dockett and the Arizona defensive line will make it difficult for Michael Vick, but LeSean McCoy will need a big game. Prediction 20-17 Eagles.

Bucs- Cowboys

Why to watch

It�s always interesting to watch a team with incredibly high expectations against a potential dark horse. When the Cowboys face off against the Buccaneers, that�s exactly what we�re getting. Josh Freeman and the Bucs have played well, but couldn�t hold it together last week. The Cowboys played great against the Giants, although they look to be inconsistent again. This is a game that could tell us a lot about both teams.

X-Factor

Matt- TE Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys

Witten has been dealing with a spleen injury the first two weeks, but it�s time Tony Romo gets his favorite target back. Through two games, Witten has had 6 receptions for 68 yards. In the first two games of 2010 and 2011, he had 12 receptions for 91 yards and 11 receptions for 93 yards respectively.

Brendan - RB Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Martin will need to have a big game to help the Bucs control the clock and keep the Cowboys offense off the field. The Cowboys gave up 182 yards to the Seahawks last week and Martin needs to have a big game. He�s averaging just 3.7 yards per carry and needs to do better than that on Sunday.

Prediction:

Matt - Tampa Bay seems like a talented team that doesn�t know how to win just yet. While the Cowboys are inconsistent, they seem good enough to get a win at home. Prediction: 23-14 Cowboys

Brendan - Tampa Bay needs the win to stay within striking distance of Atlanta. It�s early in the season, but Atlanta looks like one of the teams to beat in the NFC. I think Martin can take advantage of this Cowboys defense. Prediction: 24-23 Tampa Bay.

Broncos - Texans

Why to watch:

The Texans� stellar defense goes up against Peyton Manning�s work in progress. The Texans will be a huge test for the Broncos this week, but have always struggled against Peyton Manning. Will Manning figure out the Texans again or will he fall to perhaps the best team in the NFL?

X Factor � Denver�s defense

Matt - This might be a surprising answer considering Peyton�s struggles against Atlanta. However with a rushing attack of Arian Foster and Ben Tate, it�ll be crucial for Denver�s reworked defensive line to stop them.

Brendan - QB Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos

Manning needs to rebound after a tough game against Atlanta. There are no two ways about it. Eric Decker has struggled so far with just 107 yards through two games, and Manning will have to get the ball in his hands if they hope to beat Houston.

Predictions:

Matt - Houston�s defense will face its first real test after facing Miami and Jacksonville. Something tells me Peyton Manning will re-find his mojo this week after last week�s debacle. Prediction: 26-20 Broncos

Brendan - I think Houston�s defense continues to shut down opposing offenses and while Manning will have a decent game, he�ll get no help from the running game. Prediction: 17-10 Texans.

Patriots - Ravens

Why to watch

Not only is this a rematch of last year�s AFC championship game, both teams disappointed last week. The Ravens will be looking for revenge at home after feeling like they gave away last year�s game. There are also questions to see if Brady and the offense can get going.

X Factor:

Matt - The Patriots Offense

The Patriots need to find its rthyhm. Last week, they were held to 9 points into the fourth quarter by the Arizona Cardinals. This week, they face a (presumably) much tougher defense.
If Brady and the Patriots can survive without Aaron Hernandez and blossom, then the team�s best offense on paper will be fine.

Brendan - WR Wes Welker, New England Patriots

Welker has to be more involved now that Aaron Hernandez is down for a few weeks. We don�t know how Kellen Winslow will be worked into the offense, and Welker hasn�t exactly lit the world on fire so far. He needs to breakout against the Ravens.

Prediction:

Matt - It�s hard to pick against the Ravens at home. Tom Brady has struggled against this defense in recent years and the Ravens are still hurting from last year�s loss. The Patriots might find their offense in this game, but it won�t be enough to beat out Baltimore. Prediction: 30-21 Ravens

Brendan - Like Matt, I find it hard to pick against the Ravens at home given the Patriots offensive struggles last week. With that in mind, I see the Patriots falling to 1-2. Prediction: Ravens 31-28