After two weeks, the NFL is beginning to take shape for the year ahead. Let’s look at the 16 games ahead this weekend and make our Week 3 picks.
As always, all odds are provided by our great partners at WynnBet
NFL Week 3 picks and predictions
Matchup
Carolina Panthers
2-0 
Houston Texans
1-1
Thursday, Sept. 23
8:20 p.m. ET
Davis Mills is involved, and the Panthers look like the surprise team of the NFC. Let’s not overthink this.
Pick: Carolina 27, Houston 7
Matchup
Arizona Cardinals
2-0 
Jacksonville Jaguars
0-2
Sunday, Sept. 26
1 p.m. ET
Does the NFL do the humane thing and black out this game in Jacksonville, or do the Jaguars fans have to watch Urban Meyer go through the seven stages of grief in real time?
Pick: Arizona 33, Jacksonville 19
Matchup
Atlanta Falcons
0-2 
New York Giants
0-2
Sunday, Sept. 26
1 p.m. ET
Oh dear God. The Giants have had 10 days off to figure out everything that went wrong against Washington in the final minutes, while the Falcons just threw another pick-six. This is going to be a circus.
Pick: New York 29, Atlanta 24
Matchup
Baltimore Ravens
1-1 
Detroit Lions
0-2
Sunday, Sept. 26
1 p.m. ET
Baltimore gave us the win of the season by beating the Chiefs in a thriller on Sunday night. Now the Ravens welcome in the Lions, who while feisty are completely overmatched.
Pick: Baltimore 30, Detroit 18
Matchup
Chicago Bears
1-1 
Cleveland Browns
1-1
Sunday, Sept. 26
1 p.m. ET
The Browns are the better team, but be careful here. Odell Beckham Jr. might play, but Jarvis Landry won’t and the Cleveland defense has been really shaky. Also, does Justin Fields get the nod for the Bears?
Pick: Cleveland 26, Chicago 20
Matchup
Cincinnati Bengals
1-1 
Pittsburgh Steelers
1-1
Sunday, Sept. 26
1 p.m. ET
The Steelers have no offense, but the defense is terrific. If T.J. Watt can’t go with his groin injury, maybe the Bengals steal one. Still, Pittsburgh losing two games consecutively at home? Don’t see it.
Pick: Pittsburgh 19, Cincinnati 17
Matchup
Indianapolis Colts
0-2 
Tennessee Titans
1-1
Sunday, Sept. 26
1 p.m. ET
The Titans got off the proverbial mat with a huge win over the Seahawks after trailing 24-9 at halftime. Now they get the injury-riddled Colts. Indianapolis needs to win, but Tennessee is the better team.
Pick: Tennessee 29, Indianapolis 19
Matchup
Los Angeles Chargers
1-1 
Kansas City Chiefs
1-1
Sunday, Sept. 26
1 p.m. ET
The Chiefs have played a pair of top-tier AFC teams and are averaging more than 500 yards per game allowed. Somehow, Kansas City is 1-1. Expect this game to feature some eye-popping numbers, but ultimately, Patrick Mahomes keeps the Chiefs from losing two straight.
Pick: Kansas City 32, Los Angeles 28
Matchup
New Orleans Saints
1-1 
New England Patriots
1-1
Sunday, Sept. 26
1 p.m. ET
This is a third straight week on the road for the Saints. New Orleans played in Jacksonville for the season opener after Hurricane Ida made the league move the Saints’ Week 1 tilt. Last week, it was a date in Charlotte with the Panthers. Tough spot for a tired team.
Pick: New England 22, New Orleans 20
Matchup
Washington Football Team
1-1 
Buffalo Bills
1-1
Sunday, Sept. 26
1 p.m. ET
Buffalo won 35-0 over the Dolphins last week, but all isn’t well. Josh Allen has been hideous, averaging 5.3 yards per attempt. If the Second-Team All-Pro has another clunker, Washington becomes a very live dog.
Pick: Buffalo 24, Washington 19
