qbgirl

The story of Week 3 is which teams will break their losing streak and which teams will fall deeper in the hole.  Five unexpected teams face an 0-2 start; the Cleveland Browns, the San Diego Chargers, the Minnesota Vikings, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Seattle Seahawks.  

Which one of these teams most needs to get their first win?  I think it is a toss up between the Seahawks and the Vikings.  The Vikings face the surprise success story that is the Carolina Panthers.  The Panthers are high on life right now.  They also will have star receiver Steve Smith back from a 2-game suspension for punching a teammate. Minnesota is favored to win this game with their home-field advantage and formidable defense.  However, I’m not completely sold as we all saw that crumble in their face off with the Colts last week.

My bet; the Panthers streak is over.  Minnesota by 4.

The Hawks have a lot at stake tomorrow.  If they lose they go into a bye with an 0-3 start and come back in Week 5 to face the Giants.  That is a really undesirable situation for Seattle to be in, but I think it somewhat unlikely.  The Rams seem so beaten down, I’m not sure if they will muster the strength to mount a Seattle upset.

My prediction; Seattle by a landslide.

Meanwhile, the Jags are going to see a golden opportunity in their face-off with the beleaguered Colts.  It’s a divisional game, and if Jacksonville hopes to make a serious bid for the play-offs they need this win.  Will they be able to pull it off?  Well, history is not in their favor.  The Colts have never had a 1-2 start with Peyton Manning in the captain’s seat.  And the boys in blue have won five out the last six meet-ups with Jacksonville.  The present is also not so good for the Jags, who have their own offensive line injuries to worry about.

My bet; Colts by 2.

Elsewhere in league, the Browns face the Ravens in Baltimore.  The Ravens are coming off a surprising bye week courtesy of Hurricane Ike.  This is another divisional game with a fair amount at stake for both teams.

My take;  Ravens by 4.

The game I am the most excited to see this week is the Monday Night match up between the Chargers and Jets.  San Diego has had victory in their sights for the past two weeks, only to see it slipped (or ripped) away at the last moment.  If I was of the Bolt-persuasion I would have an attitude of complete befuddlement and be hungrier than ever for a win.  It won’t be a piece of cake, however, with the Jets coming off a loss to New England and LT with a bum toe.  Brett Farve has an incredible record against San Diego (though obviously not as a Jet) and he is no stranger to the high profile of the Monday Night Lights. Either way it all adds up to great football!!

My prediction;  SD will get their win, but not by much.

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