NFL 2006: Week 3 Picks!
First off... Happy Autumn and a Festive Fall to all! ^_^
NOTE: All scores and records compiled and added.
Byes: Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers
Sunday, September 24, 2006
New York Jets at Buffalo Bills
The Jets took a while to get things going last week, but they still made it interesting against New England. I see them being a team like their Week 3 opponents, the Buffalo Bills, this year. Both will hang tough and play every game through, every opponent tough, but will fall short in a bunch of close games. Still, both these teams are capable of finishing 8-8 on the season. What will make one of them 6-10 may just be the games they play against each other. Buffalo is a bit banged up this week, a couple key cogs sitting this one out, while the Jets seem relatively unscathed. I can see Mangini bringing his troops up to Buffalo, and getting the job done. the Jets are fortunate; they get to visit Buffalo before the ridiculous snow hits this year.
Prediction: NY Jets
Final Score: Jets 28, Bill 20
Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts
The Jags took care of a serious threat in their Conference last week, with Pittsburgh, now they move onto the most serious threat in their own division. Peyton and the Colts look strong as ever, and it's probably a safe assumption Jacksonville feels more pressure than the Colts do this week. After all, they had a chance to stifle the Colts from the start, last season, in Week 1. They fell just short, and the Colts went on to win plenty more games before they were halted. Of course, it doesn't looks like it'll be any easier for JAX to stop Indy this year, either. It should be a great game.
Prediction: Indianapolis Colts
Final Score: Colts 21, Jaguars 14
Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are 2-0, how about that? Brad Johnson has resurrected his career in the place it began, and this team may just be believing they're Playoff-worthy. As far as I'm concerned, this is where they hit their first wall. Now, I'll be honest, I didn't think the Bears were going to have the dominating defense of last year. I thought it'd be a solid unit, and keep them in games. But... 7 points allowed in two games? That's not just solid, that is downright suffocating. Even more surprising to me is they've scored 60 points in Weeks 1 & 2. Granted, they haven't faced the greatest teams, but still, that's impressive. There is no doubt Lovie Smith and the Bears have sent a message to the rest of the NFC, and even the NFL: this team will chew you up and spit you out, on both sides of the football. And Minnesota will get a rude awakening this Sunday.
Prediction: Chicago Bears
Final Score: Bears 19, Vikings 16
Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
These are two disappointing teams of 2006, thus far. Carolina was touted as a Super Bowl contender. Tampa Bay was supposed to be another real contender in the NFC West. Neither has really shown up yet, which heightens the importance of this game. One of these teams will likely have a serious blow dealt to their Playoff hopes. The other will finally get the kickstart to their season they desperately need. Wide Receiver Steve Smith may play for Carolina, though it's no lock yet. Tampa Bay Quarterback Chris Simms needs to find the accuracy he had last season. 'Cadillac' Williams needs his wheels, and the Tampa Bay defense needs to stop looking... well, OLD. Look out for Panthers Running Back DeAngelo Williams, as he may be making a push for the starting job after this week, if he outperforms RB DeShaun Foster again. Unfortunately for these two squads, even if this game does launch the winner's season, it may already be too late, with the way Atlanta and New Orleans are playing. They'll certainly be playing catch-up, at the least, for a good few weeks to come.
Prediction: Carolina Panthers
Final Score: Panthers 26, Bucs 24
Green Bay at Detroit Lions
It's tough to count out anyone in the first two weeks, but I don't see Green Bay even treading water at .500 this year. 6-10 may even be too many wins for them. That's how bad they've looked in the first two weeks. QB Brett Favre looked better last week, but that was about it. RB Ahman Green looked unimpressive, at best; the defense isn't there... there just isn't much good coming out of NFL football in Wisconsin right now. But nonetheless, they play on, and Detroit isn't a lock to beat the Pack, even at home. The Lions haven't exactly been blowing anyone away, and if nothing else, the lack of success of these two teams may keep the game close.
Prediction: Detroit Lions
Final Score: Packers 31, Lions 24
Tennessee Titans at Miami Dolphins
People are getting pretty down on Dolphins QB Daunte Culpepper. I don't think he's done a bad job, really. True, he hasn't been as mobile as he used to be, and in Minnesota that was a large reason for his success. But that's no reason to condemn him yet. It's like a lesser version of what I'd like to call 'Michael Vick syndrome,' where these mobile QBs get ripped by the media for not being pocket passers. Then, when they try being pocket passers, and don't immediately produce, they're ripped for that. Michael Vick had a tough season last year, but now he looks stellar. I think Daunte Culpepper can make the transition from more mobile QB to pocket passer. Every QB needs protection, though, so the Dolphins Offensive Line can't just let defenders by, either. And if Miami needs a reason to feel better about their Quarterback situation, they can just look across the field this week.
Tennessee has looked as awful as I thought they would, and I don't see it ending this week. They traded backup QB Billy Volek, the heir to Steve McNair at one point for the Titans, to San Diego for a mid-round draft pick. It's unbelievable to hear Titans' Head Coach Jeff Fisher talk of how Volek "lied" to him, and "threw the team under the bus," yet doesn't say what he lied about, or how he threw the team under the bus. The Titans are a mess, and Miami should win on their home field this week.
Prediction: Miami Dolphins
Final Score: Dolphins 13, Titans 10
Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers
Rematch of the year! Okay, maybe not, but this is still going to be a great game. Big Ben had some trouble running the Steelers' offense last week. In fact, he couldn't even get them in the end zone. But I'm hoping Bill Cowher was thinking having Roethlisberger get the rust off last week would make him battle-ready for this week and beyond. Still, Cincinnati is going to bring some fight, especially with Carson Palmer running his Bengals offense just fine. If Cincy wins on the Steelers' turf, it'll be a huge win for them. If the Steelers win, it'll keep them on track, and Cincy will still be 2-1 and have their home game against Pittsburgh later on. The Bengals have some injuries, but Troy Polamalu's status is also uncertain for Pittsburgh. It's close, and I could see the Bengals pulling off the win. But don't count the Steelers out, especially their defense versus Cincinnati's Offensive Line. The coaching advantage also goes to the Super Bowl Champions.
Prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers
Final Score: Bengals 28, Steelers 20
Washington Redskins at Houston Texans
If RB Clinton Portis wasn't going to start this week for the Redskins, I'd actually feel pretty confident the Texans would win. However, given he is starting leads me to believe one of two conclusions. Either he's feeling healed up and good to go, which will be a nightmare for Houston, and could allow QB Mark Brunell to find his receivers. Or, Redskins Head Coach Joe Gibbs is feeling a bit of the heat under the collar, and is taking a gamble that Portis can hold up. If it's the latter, then it's a toss up, and the only way to find out will be to watch and see. But since this pick has to be in prior to the game, I'm going to look somewhere in the middle. That being the case, I have more confidence in the Texans ability to win at home than I do in the Redskins ability to win, period.
Prediction: Houston Texans
Final Score: Redskins 31, Texans 15
Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns
And as much a force as the Bears' defense has been, the Ravens' defense has been devastating. They haven't even allowed a Touchdown in the first two weeks. It's not likely they'll be allowing many more points in Week 3, because the Browns will probably be overwhelmed, even at home. Technically, Cleveland used to be the Ravens' home, so... well, it's not really a home-away-from-home when fans feel like you betrayed them by leaving for Baltimore, is it? Anyway, Ravens in a squash to retain their hold on the AFC North division lead.
Prediction: Baltimore Ravens [Suicide Pick*]
Final Score: Ravens 15, Browns 14
St. Louis Rams at Arizona Cardinals
This will be another one of those games that could come down to the final quarter, and will test the Cardinals' mettle. Last week, they didn't do so well against Seattle, but Arizona isn't a Super Bowl team. I do think they can hang tough and be a Playoff team, and this week could be a game where they take a step in maturing into that type of team this season. As for St. Louis? They don't really impress me much. They can play, but don't intimidate me like Rams teams of the late 90s, and QB Marc Bulger just doesn't seem like he's going to take this team anywhere far. They do, however, seem like the perfect type of team for Arizona to build confidence by defeating.
Prediction: Arizona Cardinals
Final Score: Rams 16, Cardinals 14
Philadelphia Eagles at San Francisco 49ers
It's possible I haven't been giving San Francisco enough credit. The Niners have an offensive core in QB Alex Smith, RB Frank Gore, and WR Antonio Bryant. The defense still could use some work, but it's not as horrible as I had assumed. They'll give the Eagles a tough time, in part because Philadelphia's defense took a hit by losing Defensive End Jevon Kearse. That will be one less threat to Alex Smith's health. But the Eagles had their bubble burst by the Giants last week, so they need to reset themselves against the 49ers. That may not be the easiest task anymore, though I do believe they'll get it done by day's end.
Prediction: Philadelphia Eagles
Final Score: Eagles 38, 49ers 24
New York Giants at Seattle Seahawks
Tough test for the Giants this week. I was thoroughly satisfied they came back and took down the Eagles in OT last week, but now they travel to Seattle where they had a similar scenario last year, and fell short then. I don't foresee Kicker Jay Feely having similar kicking woes in Seattle, but I also don't think this game is going to come down to the kicking game. The Giants secondary will have to step up and make some plays on Seattle, knocking down some passes, maybe a key interception or two. Ultimately, I think the Giants can pull it out if the secondary gets help from the front eight, which have looked really good and put plenty of pressure on opposing Quarterbacks thus far. Seattle's put points on the board, but their offense has been said to not have gelled yet. I don't think the Giants will let that offense gel this week, which will in turn take pressure off of QB Eli Manning and the New York offense, who can produce when given time to get going. They won't have too long to get going, though, as Seattle's defense isn't real shoddy themselves.
Prediction: NY Giants
Final Score: Seahawks 42, Giants 30
*Sunday Night Football*
Denver Broncos at New England Patriots
This week, I'm not liking the Sunday Night Football game. I understand these two teams were both in the Playoffs last year, and one would think that would make for a good game here. The parity in the NFL definitely shows up here, as this year the Broncos have looked pretty bad, and the Patriots have a 2-0 record that's better than it looks. The Patriots will more than likely make the Playoffs, helped because they're in a weak division. The Broncos probably won't make it at all. The other factor is, I'm not that excited by either of these teams. Neither of them makes me want to watch them play on national television, because they're both coached somewhat mechanically, and play ugly games. Not that it can't be an effective strategy, but together they don't make the most exciting game is all. So, this is a thumbs in the middle game for me. It could be a good game, and could be a boring game.
Despite Denver's win last week, the pressure still isn't off QB Jake Plummer. The Broncos certainly didn't win because of him, and I doubt Head Coach Mike Shanahan is going to tolerate much more lack of production from the Broncos' offense. Like the Rams, the Patriots don't have the aura of dominance of years past, but I don't think they're going to drop one at home against a struggling team like the Broncos.
Prediction: New England Patriots
Final Score: Broncos 17, Pats 7
Monday, September 25, 2006
*Monday Night Football*
Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints
The Monday Night game is fitting because it marks the Superdome reopening for NFL Football this week, when the Saints host Atlanta in their 2006 home opener. Just a note about the Superdome: last year, it was said the place was doomed. People weren't predicting anyone would be using the Superdome for anything more than a shelter or safehouse, and I mean that completely seriously. It was destroyed by the Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the top literally torn off in many places, among the damages. So it's pretty impressive that, a year later, this city is getting their pro football back. Moreso, it's likely the city realized Saints football could be something for the people of the city to rally around, acting as a haven of unity. I know a lot of NFL athletes, from all different teams, have done good work to help the hurricane relief effort, and it's one good thing to hear about from that unfortunate area. I think it's good to have a Monday Night Football game there, although the NFL shouldn't go using the hurricane relief efforts of players and what happened to their personal gain. Hopefully, they won't.
As for the game itself, these are the two team who were supposed to be at the bottom of the NFC West. Instead, they find themselves at the top, 2-0. I think the Falcons, when they've got things rolling, are an exciting football team. Michael Vick is an exciting QB; Warrick Dunn is the most underrated RB in the NFL, and brings excitement;
and with the addition of DE John Abraham to the Falcons' defense, it's become more than just a unit that can keep the team in games. They've only allowed 9 points in the first two weeks, coming close to matching the Bears and Ravens. I don't believe they're on that level, but they will keep the Falcons in games, giving the offense ample time to put points on the board. The Saints can also be an exciting team to watch, with new QB Drew Brees, RBs Duce McAllister and Reggie Bush, and WR Joe Horn. Plus, their defense is okay. In the end, New Orleans won't contain Michael Vick and Warren Dunn on the ground, and Vick will continue to pass well enough. The result will be an exciting game in New Orleans, and that's bound to entertain the people there.
Prediction: Atlanta Falcons
Final Score: Saints 23, Falcons 3
Week 3 Record: 7-7
2006 Season Record [through Week 3]: 28-18
Suicide Pick Record: 3-0
-Teams Used [through Week 2]: Philadelphia, New Orleans
*The suicide pick means I am picking the selected team as my lock to win for the week. I can't choose any team twice over the course of one season. I'll keep a separate record of these picks, but each one will also be counted in the overall record for the week, and season.
NOTE: All scores and records compiled and added.
Byes: Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers
Sunday, September 24, 2006
New York Jets at Buffalo Bills
The Jets took a while to get things going last week, but they still made it interesting against New England. I see them being a team like their Week 3 opponents, the Buffalo Bills, this year. Both will hang tough and play every game through, every opponent tough, but will fall short in a bunch of close games. Still, both these teams are capable of finishing 8-8 on the season. What will make one of them 6-10 may just be the games they play against each other. Buffalo is a bit banged up this week, a couple key cogs sitting this one out, while the Jets seem relatively unscathed. I can see Mangini bringing his troops up to Buffalo, and getting the job done. the Jets are fortunate; they get to visit Buffalo before the ridiculous snow hits this year.
Prediction: NY Jets
Final Score: Jets 28, Bill 20
Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts
The Jags took care of a serious threat in their Conference last week, with Pittsburgh, now they move onto the most serious threat in their own division. Peyton and the Colts look strong as ever, and it's probably a safe assumption Jacksonville feels more pressure than the Colts do this week. After all, they had a chance to stifle the Colts from the start, last season, in Week 1. They fell just short, and the Colts went on to win plenty more games before they were halted. Of course, it doesn't looks like it'll be any easier for JAX to stop Indy this year, either. It should be a great game.
Prediction: Indianapolis Colts
Final Score: Colts 21, Jaguars 14
Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are 2-0, how about that? Brad Johnson has resurrected his career in the place it began, and this team may just be believing they're Playoff-worthy. As far as I'm concerned, this is where they hit their first wall. Now, I'll be honest, I didn't think the Bears were going to have the dominating defense of last year. I thought it'd be a solid unit, and keep them in games. But... 7 points allowed in two games? That's not just solid, that is downright suffocating. Even more surprising to me is they've scored 60 points in Weeks 1 & 2. Granted, they haven't faced the greatest teams, but still, that's impressive. There is no doubt Lovie Smith and the Bears have sent a message to the rest of the NFC, and even the NFL: this team will chew you up and spit you out, on both sides of the football. And Minnesota will get a rude awakening this Sunday.
Prediction: Chicago Bears
Final Score: Bears 19, Vikings 16
Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
These are two disappointing teams of 2006, thus far. Carolina was touted as a Super Bowl contender. Tampa Bay was supposed to be another real contender in the NFC West. Neither has really shown up yet, which heightens the importance of this game. One of these teams will likely have a serious blow dealt to their Playoff hopes. The other will finally get the kickstart to their season they desperately need. Wide Receiver Steve Smith may play for Carolina, though it's no lock yet. Tampa Bay Quarterback Chris Simms needs to find the accuracy he had last season. 'Cadillac' Williams needs his wheels, and the Tampa Bay defense needs to stop looking... well, OLD. Look out for Panthers Running Back DeAngelo Williams, as he may be making a push for the starting job after this week, if he outperforms RB DeShaun Foster again. Unfortunately for these two squads, even if this game does launch the winner's season, it may already be too late, with the way Atlanta and New Orleans are playing. They'll certainly be playing catch-up, at the least, for a good few weeks to come.
Prediction: Carolina Panthers
Final Score: Panthers 26, Bucs 24
Green Bay at Detroit Lions
It's tough to count out anyone in the first two weeks, but I don't see Green Bay even treading water at .500 this year. 6-10 may even be too many wins for them. That's how bad they've looked in the first two weeks. QB Brett Favre looked better last week, but that was about it. RB Ahman Green looked unimpressive, at best; the defense isn't there... there just isn't much good coming out of NFL football in Wisconsin right now. But nonetheless, they play on, and Detroit isn't a lock to beat the Pack, even at home. The Lions haven't exactly been blowing anyone away, and if nothing else, the lack of success of these two teams may keep the game close.
Prediction: Detroit Lions
Final Score: Packers 31, Lions 24
Tennessee Titans at Miami Dolphins
People are getting pretty down on Dolphins QB Daunte Culpepper. I don't think he's done a bad job, really. True, he hasn't been as mobile as he used to be, and in Minnesota that was a large reason for his success. But that's no reason to condemn him yet. It's like a lesser version of what I'd like to call 'Michael Vick syndrome,' where these mobile QBs get ripped by the media for not being pocket passers. Then, when they try being pocket passers, and don't immediately produce, they're ripped for that. Michael Vick had a tough season last year, but now he looks stellar. I think Daunte Culpepper can make the transition from more mobile QB to pocket passer. Every QB needs protection, though, so the Dolphins Offensive Line can't just let defenders by, either. And if Miami needs a reason to feel better about their Quarterback situation, they can just look across the field this week.
Tennessee has looked as awful as I thought they would, and I don't see it ending this week. They traded backup QB Billy Volek, the heir to Steve McNair at one point for the Titans, to San Diego for a mid-round draft pick. It's unbelievable to hear Titans' Head Coach Jeff Fisher talk of how Volek "lied" to him, and "threw the team under the bus," yet doesn't say what he lied about, or how he threw the team under the bus. The Titans are a mess, and Miami should win on their home field this week.
Prediction: Miami Dolphins
Final Score: Dolphins 13, Titans 10
Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers
Rematch of the year! Okay, maybe not, but this is still going to be a great game. Big Ben had some trouble running the Steelers' offense last week. In fact, he couldn't even get them in the end zone. But I'm hoping Bill Cowher was thinking having Roethlisberger get the rust off last week would make him battle-ready for this week and beyond. Still, Cincinnati is going to bring some fight, especially with Carson Palmer running his Bengals offense just fine. If Cincy wins on the Steelers' turf, it'll be a huge win for them. If the Steelers win, it'll keep them on track, and Cincy will still be 2-1 and have their home game against Pittsburgh later on. The Bengals have some injuries, but Troy Polamalu's status is also uncertain for Pittsburgh. It's close, and I could see the Bengals pulling off the win. But don't count the Steelers out, especially their defense versus Cincinnati's Offensive Line. The coaching advantage also goes to the Super Bowl Champions.
Prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers
Final Score: Bengals 28, Steelers 20
Washington Redskins at Houston Texans
If RB Clinton Portis wasn't going to start this week for the Redskins, I'd actually feel pretty confident the Texans would win. However, given he is starting leads me to believe one of two conclusions. Either he's feeling healed up and good to go, which will be a nightmare for Houston, and could allow QB Mark Brunell to find his receivers. Or, Redskins Head Coach Joe Gibbs is feeling a bit of the heat under the collar, and is taking a gamble that Portis can hold up. If it's the latter, then it's a toss up, and the only way to find out will be to watch and see. But since this pick has to be in prior to the game, I'm going to look somewhere in the middle. That being the case, I have more confidence in the Texans ability to win at home than I do in the Redskins ability to win, period.
Prediction: Houston Texans
Final Score: Redskins 31, Texans 15
Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns
And as much a force as the Bears' defense has been, the Ravens' defense has been devastating. They haven't even allowed a Touchdown in the first two weeks. It's not likely they'll be allowing many more points in Week 3, because the Browns will probably be overwhelmed, even at home. Technically, Cleveland used to be the Ravens' home, so... well, it's not really a home-away-from-home when fans feel like you betrayed them by leaving for Baltimore, is it? Anyway, Ravens in a squash to retain their hold on the AFC North division lead.
Prediction: Baltimore Ravens [Suicide Pick*]
Final Score: Ravens 15, Browns 14
St. Louis Rams at Arizona Cardinals
This will be another one of those games that could come down to the final quarter, and will test the Cardinals' mettle. Last week, they didn't do so well against Seattle, but Arizona isn't a Super Bowl team. I do think they can hang tough and be a Playoff team, and this week could be a game where they take a step in maturing into that type of team this season. As for St. Louis? They don't really impress me much. They can play, but don't intimidate me like Rams teams of the late 90s, and QB Marc Bulger just doesn't seem like he's going to take this team anywhere far. They do, however, seem like the perfect type of team for Arizona to build confidence by defeating.
Prediction: Arizona Cardinals
Final Score: Rams 16, Cardinals 14
Philadelphia Eagles at San Francisco 49ers
It's possible I haven't been giving San Francisco enough credit. The Niners have an offensive core in QB Alex Smith, RB Frank Gore, and WR Antonio Bryant. The defense still could use some work, but it's not as horrible as I had assumed. They'll give the Eagles a tough time, in part because Philadelphia's defense took a hit by losing Defensive End Jevon Kearse. That will be one less threat to Alex Smith's health. But the Eagles had their bubble burst by the Giants last week, so they need to reset themselves against the 49ers. That may not be the easiest task anymore, though I do believe they'll get it done by day's end.
Prediction: Philadelphia Eagles
Final Score: Eagles 38, 49ers 24
New York Giants at Seattle Seahawks
Tough test for the Giants this week. I was thoroughly satisfied they came back and took down the Eagles in OT last week, but now they travel to Seattle where they had a similar scenario last year, and fell short then. I don't foresee Kicker Jay Feely having similar kicking woes in Seattle, but I also don't think this game is going to come down to the kicking game. The Giants secondary will have to step up and make some plays on Seattle, knocking down some passes, maybe a key interception or two. Ultimately, I think the Giants can pull it out if the secondary gets help from the front eight, which have looked really good and put plenty of pressure on opposing Quarterbacks thus far. Seattle's put points on the board, but their offense has been said to not have gelled yet. I don't think the Giants will let that offense gel this week, which will in turn take pressure off of QB Eli Manning and the New York offense, who can produce when given time to get going. They won't have too long to get going, though, as Seattle's defense isn't real shoddy themselves.
Prediction: NY Giants
Final Score: Seahawks 42, Giants 30
*Sunday Night Football*
Denver Broncos at New England Patriots
This week, I'm not liking the Sunday Night Football game. I understand these two teams were both in the Playoffs last year, and one would think that would make for a good game here. The parity in the NFL definitely shows up here, as this year the Broncos have looked pretty bad, and the Patriots have a 2-0 record that's better than it looks. The Patriots will more than likely make the Playoffs, helped because they're in a weak division. The Broncos probably won't make it at all. The other factor is, I'm not that excited by either of these teams. Neither of them makes me want to watch them play on national television, because they're both coached somewhat mechanically, and play ugly games. Not that it can't be an effective strategy, but together they don't make the most exciting game is all. So, this is a thumbs in the middle game for me. It could be a good game, and could be a boring game.
Despite Denver's win last week, the pressure still isn't off QB Jake Plummer. The Broncos certainly didn't win because of him, and I doubt Head Coach Mike Shanahan is going to tolerate much more lack of production from the Broncos' offense. Like the Rams, the Patriots don't have the aura of dominance of years past, but I don't think they're going to drop one at home against a struggling team like the Broncos.
Prediction: New England Patriots
Final Score: Broncos 17, Pats 7
Monday, September 25, 2006
*Monday Night Football*
Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints
The Monday Night game is fitting because it marks the Superdome reopening for NFL Football this week, when the Saints host Atlanta in their 2006 home opener. Just a note about the Superdome: last year, it was said the place was doomed. People weren't predicting anyone would be using the Superdome for anything more than a shelter or safehouse, and I mean that completely seriously. It was destroyed by the Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the top literally torn off in many places, among the damages. So it's pretty impressive that, a year later, this city is getting their pro football back. Moreso, it's likely the city realized Saints football could be something for the people of the city to rally around, acting as a haven of unity. I know a lot of NFL athletes, from all different teams, have done good work to help the hurricane relief effort, and it's one good thing to hear about from that unfortunate area. I think it's good to have a Monday Night Football game there, although the NFL shouldn't go using the hurricane relief efforts of players and what happened to their personal gain. Hopefully, they won't.
As for the game itself, these are the two team who were supposed to be at the bottom of the NFC West. Instead, they find themselves at the top, 2-0. I think the Falcons, when they've got things rolling, are an exciting football team. Michael Vick is an exciting QB; Warrick Dunn is the most underrated RB in the NFL, and brings excitement;
and with the addition of DE John Abraham to the Falcons' defense, it's become more than just a unit that can keep the team in games. They've only allowed 9 points in the first two weeks, coming close to matching the Bears and Ravens. I don't believe they're on that level, but they will keep the Falcons in games, giving the offense ample time to put points on the board. The Saints can also be an exciting team to watch, with new QB Drew Brees, RBs Duce McAllister and Reggie Bush, and WR Joe Horn. Plus, their defense is okay. In the end, New Orleans won't contain Michael Vick and Warren Dunn on the ground, and Vick will continue to pass well enough. The result will be an exciting game in New Orleans, and that's bound to entertain the people there.
Prediction: Atlanta Falcons
Final Score: Saints 23, Falcons 3
Week 3 Record: 7-7
2006 Season Record [through Week 3]: 28-18
Suicide Pick Record: 3-0
-Teams Used [through Week 2]: Philadelphia, New Orleans
*The suicide pick means I am picking the selected team as my lock to win for the week. I can't choose any team twice over the course of one season. I'll keep a separate record of these picks, but each one will also be counted in the overall record for the week, and season.