2021 Week 3 Predix: NFC Battle in San Fran

Courtesy of San Francisco Chronicle

Written by Sam DeCoste

The 2021 season is already taking shape. Only 7 teams are still unbeaten, including some notable surprises. The Panthers, Broncos, and Raiders are among the squads that won both their opening games, and they each face opportune matchups to extend their undefeated streak to 3-0. 

Week 3 is set to kickoff, and there is no shortage of high octane conference matchups. The Packers and 49ers play on Sunday Night Football, while the Chargers visit the Chiefs in the early window, and the Bucs take on the Rams in the late afternoon slate. 

Week 2 was easier to read than opening weekend, and it reflected in my Predix. I finished the week 11-5 and even correctly predicted the Bengals to defeat the Bears 20-17. I was also one point away from notching the Rams-Colts score on the dot, but you can't win them all. The Bengals-Bears game is already in the Scores of Fame, and I already have my sights set on predicting a scoreline exactly correct for the 3rd straight week. If I can successfully predict a Week 3 score correct, it would mark the first time in blog history I can notch a score for 3 consecutive weeks. Let's see if I can pull it off. Enjoy the picks!

Here are my records from last week:

Week 2 record: 11-5
Lock of the Week record: 0-2
Regular season record: 20-12

Panthers @ Texans

Don't look now, but the Panthers have the chance to move to 3-0 in the blink of an eye. The team followed up an opening day win over the Jets with an impressive, comfortable win over the Saints. Sam Darnold looked sharp against the Saints, and Christian McCaffrey tallied 137 scrimmage yards on 29 touches. Early on, the Panthers are finding their zen with Darnold leading an efficient offense and McCaffrey leading the charge from the backfield. Matching up with the Texans defense opens opportunity for the Panthers to tap into their downfield offense, and let the likes of DJ Moore and Robby Anderson tee off. On the flip side, the Panthers defense flashed legitimate playmaking ability in Week 2, holding the Saints to 128 yards of offense. The Panthers also recorded 4 sacks and forced the Saints to punt 6 times. They have the capability to collapse the pocket on the Texans quarterback and wreak havoc.

David Hills will be Houston's starting quarterback indefinitely, as Tyrod Taylor recovers from a hamstring injury he suffered against the Browns. Losing Taylor this early on is evidently a significant blow, especially considering Taylor's level of play just 2 games into the season. Taylor completed 10 of 11 passes for 125 yards and threw a touchdown pass, leading the Texans up and down the field until he was taken out before the second half. David Mills was unable to hold down the fort, and was much less efficient. The Texans will look to lean on the ground game, and lead with Mark Ingram. In an uber-crowded backfield, Ingram has emerged as the number one option ahead of Philip Lindsay and David Johnson, and the Texans will hope to feed him early and often. But if the Panthers jump out to an early lead, the Texans could veer away from the run and force Mills to throw them back in the contest. But Mills did not project to bring that level of arm strength to the NFL, and the Texans did not expect to have to throw him into the fire this early into his career.

If Taylor was healthy, this game would have sneaky potential to be enthralling. Now that Mills is under center, the Panthers are hefty favorites, and they should stroll to a comfortable away win. 

Prediction: Panthers 27, Texans 14

Chargers @ Chiefs

The Chiefs fell asleep at the wheel in Baltimore. Uncharacteristic mistakes cost the Chiefs a 2-0 start, including an ugly Patrick Mahomes interception and Clyde Edwards-Helaire fumble in the second half. After jumping out to a 14-0 lead, the Chiefs folded and allowed the Ravens to crawl back and win. Nobody is hitting the panic button after a Week 2 loss, but the sensation is unfamiliar. For the first time in Mahomes' career, he has lost a game in September. They have to come out swinging against the Chargers to bolster their confidence and set them back on track. As potent as the passing attack is, it would be wise for Andy Reid to integrate Edwards-Helaire into the offense as a prominent figure. He carried the ball just 13 times last week despite the Chiefs leading most of the night, when the ground game should be paramount. The pass to run imbalance ratio has worked fine for Mahomes and the offense for long enough, but Edwards-Helaire could change the scope of the offense if he totes the rock more often.

Another year, another heartbreaking loss for the Chargers at the hands of special teams. The Chargers fought hard in a field goal loss to the Cowboys, putting up over 400 yards of offense but scoring just 17 points. Justin Herbert turned the ball over twice, and the offense lacked the finishing touch on the Dallas side of the field and in the red zone. The Chargers have to be at the top of their game on offense as they face a potential shootout with the Chiefs. Herbert cannot afford to turn the ball over, and he has to be dialed in with Keenan Allen for 4 quarters. Allen caught just 4 balls against the Cowboys, but needs more receptions to have a serious impact on the opposing defense, and controlling the game on offense. Austin Ekeler tallied 115 scrimmage yards on 18 touches, and is undoubtedly the engine of the Chargers offense. Feeding him out of the backfield early and often will keep the Chiefs defense on their toes. On defense, the Chargers can swing the game in their favor with takeaways, and give Herbert short fields to work with while stealing possessions from Mahomes.

Excluding the Chargers win over the Chiefs in Week 17 last season in which the Chiefs benched the majority of their starters, the Chargers are 1-5 at Kansas City going back to 2014. This is a perennial pitfall for the Chargers every year, and it will take a complete performance in all 3 phases of the game to have the last laugh. The Chiefs will rebound from their Week 2 loss and move to 2-1. This is my Lock of the Week.

Prediction: Chargers 20, Chiefs 31

Saints @ Patriots

The biggest emotional letdown of Week 2 was the Saints performance in Carolina. Jameis Winston reverted back to his dangerously aggressive and turnover-prone self with 2 picks and completing just 50 percent of his passes. The Saints offense couldn't pass 130 yards of offense on the day, and Alvin Kamara was contained to 30 yards from scrimmage. When Kamara slows down, the Saints offense floats in a black hole, and does not have the personnel to beat opposing defenses in other ways. The Saints have to find space for Kamara to frolic early against the Patriots, because Bill Belichick will inevitably seek out to shut down Kamara and force the Saints offense to mix it up. In Week 2, Kamara led the team with 4 catches while the next closest player at 2 receptions was Marquez Callaway. The receivers are struggling to create separation, which in turn throws Winston off his spot and overwhelms his decision-making, which bodes for an inopportune matchup against a talented Patriots secondary.

On the flip side, the Patriots offense is similarly laborious despite the roster improvements. The Patriots tallied 260 yards of offense against the Jets, and Mac Jones played the role of game manager throughout. Belichick's formula for a winning offense this season was inevitably going to incorporate a heavy load of Damien Harris, minimal pass attempts for Jones, and drawn-out possessions chewing up the clock. Harris is indisputably the engine of the Patriots offense, and the team would be content to hand him the ball at least 20 times. The Saints are notoriously stiff against the run, but the Patriots offensive line along with a high density of double tight end sets could still open up running room for Harris. Once again, the outlook on the Patriots offense could completely change if they are able to unleash Kendrick Bourne from the slot. Bourne has caught just 3 balls for 27 yards in 2 games, but could be the security blanket for Jones and the offense once he heats up. On defense, Belichick will look to fluster Winston by closing down on Kamara, sending blitz packages. The Patriots defense knows they can frustrate Winston if they can make him force tight window throws, and make quick decisions with the football.

Expect a low-scoring field position battle in Foxboro. While the Saints have a higher ceiling on offense than the Patriots, they appear to be the more inconsistent unit. The Patriots are content with a methodical approach, chewing up the clock and playing bully-ball with Harris toting the rock 20-plus times, and that is all they need to execute to beat the Saints.

Prediction: Saints 10, Patriots 20

Football Team @ Bills

The Bills squashed any panic from last week, for now. They thoroughly dominated the Dolphins in a 35-0 road win, despite significant offensive struggles. Josh Allen completed just over half his pass attempts for 179 yards, and threw 2 touchdown passes as well as an ugly interception. But the Bills found miscellaneous ways to win in which they couldn't pull off in 2020. Devin Singletary popped off for 82 yards on 13 attempts, Zach Moss bowled his way to 2 touchdown runs on broken tackles, and the defense completed a shutout victory, albeit against a backup quarterback for the majority of the contest. But the schedule does not lighten up in terms of matchups on defense. Washington's pass rush may be the most ferocious in football, and the Steelers gave the Bills offensive line fits in Week 1. Allen can pick apart the Washington secondary with time to stand in the pocket and go through his progressions, but the Bills offense can be thrown out of rhythm if he isn't protected.

It seems like forever ago, but Taylor Heinicke led the comeback of the season up to this point at the start of Week 2. The Football Team defeated the Giants on a walk-off field goal in a 30-29 thriller, and Heinicke wowed with his ability to lead the offense up and down the field, and keep up in a shootout. To replicate their offensive masterclass, it comes down to Terry McLaurin's involvement. He caught 11 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown against the Giants, and played a crucial role in Washington's offensive performance. Matching up against Tre'Davious White on the opposite side is a challenging proposition, and could force Heinicke to be more creative with his distribution. Washington can open up Buffalo's defense with the double-pronged attack in the backfield of Antonio Gibson and JD McKissic, and put the likes of Logan Thomas and Adam Humphries in one-on-one situations.

Washington's defense matches up to challenge Buffalo's defense all the way, and could even spearhead a potential upset. But Washington is prone to a massive emotional letdown following a sensational Week 2 win, and the Bills are evolving on the ground and on defense. It will be contentious, but the result won't be in doubt when it's all said and done. Bills win. 

Prediction: Football Team 13, Bills 24

Bengals @ Steelers

For the second straight week, the Steelers offense was found out, and it cost them in Week 2 against the Raiders. In 2 games, Najee Harris has just 83 total rushing yards, thanks to a depleted offensive line from a year ago. Ben Roethlisberger attempted 40 passes last week, compared to only 14 rush attempts for the Steelers ball carriers. The Steelers have to discover a semblance of offensive balance to avoid yet another season of burnout, and prevent it from happening much sooner than December this year. Harris should be the first, second, and third option on offense, and the passing game must become the secondary component. The Bengals defense was stiff a week ago against the Bears, and will be confident going into Pittsburgh that they can lock down the Steelers ground game and exploit an aging quarterback. But the Steelers offensive line can match up with the Bengals defensive front, and they should be able to open up running room this week for Harris this week.

Joe Burrow was flat-out awful in Week 2. He tossed 3 interceptions, and cost the Bengals a victory with his erratic decision making. For his own confidence, this clash with the Steelers will be pivotal. But just as last year, the Bengals offensive line must protect their franchise quarterback. Last season, the Steelers defense sacked Burrow 4 times, and held him to a 52.5 percent completion rate. Burrow was sacked 4 times just a week ago against the Bears, and the Bengals cannot afford to let the Steelers pass rush fluster Burrow as they have been. TJ Watt may or may not play for the Steelers this week, which could have significant ripple effects on Burrow's statline. A breakout game for Joe Mixon can offset the pass rush, and open up play-action for Burrow to find Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd, and Ja'Marr Chase all over the field. Mixon carried the ball 20 times against the Bears, which is about the right idea for Burrow to feel more comfortable in the pocket.

Chase adds a downfield element that the offense was lacking in 2020, but the Bengals offensive line remains as horrific as it was a year ago. The battle in the trenches is poised to be another lopsided one in favor of the Steelers.

Prediction: Bengals 16, Steelers 24

Falcons @ Giants

The Giants have had plenty of time to sit with their grievances after a heartbreaking loss to start Week 2. Despite the fashion in which the fourth quarter sequenced, the Giants proved they can be legitimately competitive. Daniel Jones was phenomenal all night, and would have posted an even better box score if Darius Slayton hadn't dropped what would have been a game-sealing touchdown reception. The offense can carry their momentum last week into the next, especially if Jones can exploit defenses with his arm and his legs. Saquon Barkley flashed his vintage explosiveness on a 41 yard run, but otherwise was limited to 16 yards on 12 carries. The Falcons defense presents an exciting matchup for Barkley to break out, and for Jones to replicate the success he had against the Washington defense. 

Matt Ryan and the Falcons put up a much stronger fight in Week 2, coming within 3 of the Bucs. But consecutive pick-6s wrote them off down the stretch, and the team imploded. The offense still proved they are capable of moving the ball down the field, and the pass catchers contributed positive gains. Kyle Pitts impressed with 5 catches for 73 yards, Calvin Ridley stepped up, and Cordarelle Patterson emerged as a top weapon to see expected higher volume down the stretch this season. The Falcons could benefit from an improved ground game, considering Mike Davis is minimally impacting games for the team at this point. Patterson from the backfield can spread the offense out, and make life easier for Ryan. The Falcons defense has not shown any signs of life that they can stop opposing offenses, so the Falcons may need to score 30-plus to stand a chance. 

A long layoff after Week 2 should be a boost for the Giants to come out swinging and win their first game of 2021. The unenviable loser will fall to 0-3, and the Falcons are staring right at it. 

Prediction: Falcons 17, Giants 26

Colts @ Titans

These AFC South matchups are seemingly impossible to read every year, but this one so crucially depends on the status of Carson Wentz, who has not practiced this week as he recovers from 2 sprained ankles. As it stands, Wentz is a long shot to suit up in Nashville, which thrusts Jacob Eason back into the lineup. In relief for Wentz against the Rams, Eason wasted no time in throwing the game away with a chance to drive down the field and retake the lead in the 4th quarter. The gap between Wentz and Eason is substantial, and the Colts cannot expect to run the same offense as they would run with Wentz healthy. This week is all about Jonathan Taylor, who can control the tempo with enough touches and running room. The Colts do not have the offensive personnel out wide to make life any easier for Eason, unless Michael Pittman and Zach Pascal continue their hot streaks to start the year. High impact plays from the defense will have to come to win the field position battle, and to rattle Ryan Tannehill in the pocket.

The Titans rallied in Seattle to prevent a disastrous 0-2 start, and look back on track. The offense was absolute dynamite down the stretch, and reached an astounding 532 yards. Derrick Henry was unstoppable, scoring a hat trick of touchdowns and rushing for 182 yards. In his career against the Colts, Henry has ran for 864 yards and 6 touchdowns, and will undeniably wear down the Colts defense again this week. While Julio Jones is in the building this season, the Titans proved a week ago that they are at their best when Henry is in the zone. But the Titans are slow starters this season, scoring just 15 first half points in their opening 2 games. Defenses have been containing Henry early in the game, but Henry grows stronger as the game goes on. If Henry can find running room in the first quarter, the Titans can jump out to an early lead and never look back. In turn, Henry's explosiveness will open passing lanes for Julio Jones and AJ Brown, and the Titans offense will be set to dominate.

On paper, the Colts are Tennessee's closest competitor within the AFC South. Without Wentz, the Colts are already starting from behind, and they don't have the offensive horsepower to keep up with the Titans in a shootout. Titans win. 

Prediction: Colts 20, Titans 33

Cardinals @ Jaguars

Once again, Kyler Murray and the Cardinals offense looked sensational a week ago. He totaled 431 scrimmage yards and threw 3 touchdowns, while Maxx Williams and Rondale Moore posted breakout games of their own. That being said, they were a 37 yard field goal away from losing to the Vikings despite their efforts on offense. Murray also turned the ball over twice and was sacked 3 times. The offense is potent enough to score 30-plus points per game and thoroughly dominate as long as Murray keeps playing at an elite level. This week is an opportunity for the Cardinals defense to boost their confidence and stiffen up. They face a Jaguars offense struggling to carve its identity, with errant pass protection and an inconsistent rookie quarterback. Chandler Jones and TJ Watt have a chance to tee off on Trevor Lawrence, and the secondary needs to step up from their performance last week. 

Urban Meyer's early struggles adjusting to coaching in the NFL are already well-documented, and he is already coming under fire for mismanaging a talented offense and rookie quarterback. The Jaguars average under 300 yards per game in 2 contests, and Lawrence has already thrown 5 interceptions and has a passer rating of 57.1. The core of Jacksonville's struggles is Meyer's inhibition to utilizing James Robinson. He was the engine of the Jaguars offense last season as a rookie, but has carried the ball just 16 times this season. The Cardinals defense has given up an average of 132 yards per game on the ground, and can be exploited if the Jags feed Robinson the rock early and often. 

It's only September, but these teams seem to be trending in polar opposite directions. The old Cardinals would be on upset alert on the road against a struggling team, but they too potent on paper to be stopped. The Cards will move to 3-0 for the first time since 2014.

Prediction: Cardinals 34, Jaguars 20

Bears @ Browns

The Browns looked like themselves against the Texans, controlling the line of scrimmage with 199 rushing yards, while the Browns defense notably struggled to stop the opponents on offense. Before Tyrod Taylor exited the game with an injury, he was dialing up the Browns defense. They face a rookie quarterback on the opposing side this week, which is the perfect time to start putting their new pieces together. On offense, the status quo will do just fine for the Browns. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt already reestablished their dominance as the best one-two punch at running back in the NFL, and Baker Mayfield is improving by the week. Mayfield completed 19 of 21 passes in Week 2, and should expect Odell Beckham back on the field after losing him for nearly an entire calendar year. Losing Jarvis Landry is hugely detrimental to the offense, but the ground game and Beckham's return should cover that weak spot temporarily.

At long last (even though it's only Week 3), Justin Fields will make his NFL debut as a starter. Fields entered the game against the Bengals in relief of the injured Andy Dalton, and managed the hold the fort down despite minimal contribution. The box score alone for Fields is concerning: 6 of 13 passes completed for 60 yards and an interception. Fields is bound to face a steep learning curve and go through growing pains, just as the other top quarterbacks have notably already had to confront. The first, second, and third options on offense have to be David Montgomery. The Bears are a run-first team, and the ground game will be the focal point to build the offense around, and to settle Fields down in his first start. Bears fans surely want Fields to drop their jaws with scrambling outside the pocket, deep passes in stride to Allen Robinson and Darnell Mooney, and to be wowed. But to start, the Bears will want to heavily integrate the ground game and take it easy on the rookie.

As romantic as a Bears win in Fields' debut sounds, the Browns are massive favorites. The Browns will not falter to the Bears starting a rookie quarterback.

Prediction: Bears 14, Browns 23

Ravens @ Lions

Two weeks in, the Ravens are as difficult a team to read. After a humiliating overtime loss to the Raiders, the Ravens flipped the script against the Chiefs with a thrilling comeback victory. Lamar Jackson rebounded from tossing a pair of first half interceptions and led the Ravens to a rare come-from-behind win. The offense's Achilles heel in the Jackson era has typically been rallying from behind and Jackson being forced to deliver with his arm, and he delivered on Sunday night. The Lions are an opportune matchup for the Ravens offense to gallop and continue their dominance on the ground. Jackson can expect to find plenty of running room, as should Ty'Son Williams, who is stepping in admirably in a Baltimore backfield battling a notable injury bug. On defense, the Ravens have already surrendered 68 points this season, and are the 31st ranked unit in yards allowed this season, including bottom against the pass. The Lions offense has overachieved so far, but it's about time for the Ravens defense to flash its true colors in Detroit.

The Lions led at halftime against the Packers before the wheels off, but Jared Goff and the Lions offense has given the 49ers and Packers fits. The wheels fall off when defenses smother D'Andre Swift in the backfield. Swift is Detroit's most explosive weapon on offense, and has struggled to find space to run. The low volume of carries doesn't help his case, either. Swift carried the ball just 8 times for 37 yards against the Packers, while Goff was shouldered with the responsibility of using his arm to keep the Lions in a shootout. The Lions receivers do not match up admirably on paper to win one-on-one battles with the Ravens linebackers and corners, but the Ravens defense has significantly struggled up this point that another strong showing from Goff and the offense is entirely realistic.

The Ravens are most certainly on upset alert coming off an emotional primetime win over the Chiefs. But their offense is too potent to be outscored by the Lions. It would be an utter disaster for the Ravens if they fell to the Lions.

Prediction: Ravens 31, Lions 27

Jets @ Broncos

The Broncos are hot. Only 2 weeks in, they rank 7th in offense and 3rd in defense, and Denver's decision start Teddy Bridgewater over Drew Lock is paying off early on. The Broncos have a chance to stack some wins together, and move to 3-0 in the blink of an eye. The offense is diverse and can win in plenty of ways, especially with the emergence of Javonte Williams as a compliment to Melvin Gordon in the backfield, and the return of Courtland Sutton from injury. Sutton along with Jerry Jeudy, Tim Patrick, KJ Hamler, and Noah Fant also back from injury makes for an exciting offense and more than enough matchup nightmares for the Jets to account for. The Broncos also only allowed 189 yards to the Jaguars offense a week ago, and should be in for another strong outing against a Jets offense undergoing growth pains. The loss of Bradley Chubb hurts, and will have an irrefutable effect on Denver's ability to disrupt the quarterback. The pass rush will have to bring their best to frustrate the Jets offense and collapse the pocket quickly.

Zach Wilson flashed excitement in his first career start, but was thoroughly humbled in his second. The rookie tossed 4 interceptions against the Patriots, and has to bounce back quick before his confidence and development regress out of control. As horrific as last week turned out to be, the Jets offense can carry some positives from last week into Denver. Michael Carter and Ty Johnson combined for 109 rushing yards, and Brexton Berrios and Elijah Moore impacted the game in the air. The Broncos defense has started the season strong, and they present another tricky matchup for the Jets offense. The Jets can incorporate the backs heavily into the offensive scheme for this week and limit Wilson's responsibility coming off a 4-interception game.

Losing Chubb for substantial time has potential to legitimately throw a monkey wrench into Denver's defensive outlook, and could even pose problems against the Jets if they can't lay a hand on Wilson. But the Broncos finally open at home this week, and are on a roll. For the first time since 2016, the Broncos will move to 3-0. 

Prediction: Jets 17, Broncos 23

Dolphins @ Raiders

The undefeated Las Vegas Raiders are back home looking for their first 3-0 start since 2002, and they have a prime opportunity to accomplish that against a Dolphins team led by their backup quarterback. The Raiders looked sharp against the Steelers in an impressive road victory, in which Derek Carr threw for 382 yards and 2 touchdowns. The offense is balanced and sneaky explosive, especially with Josh Jacobs back in practice this week. Darren Waller is Carr's go-to target, while Henry Ruggs is providing a home run threat downfield, and Hunter Renfrow is a solid slot receiver. They have the weapons to spread the Dolphins defense out and control the tempo throughout. The Raiders defense will not expect to be challenged by an offense that was blanked a week ago, and will be confident they can get off the field consistently.

Jacoby Brissett starts at quarterback for the Dolphins while Tua Tagovailoa recovers from a ribs injury he suffered in Week 2. Last week was a complete and utter disaster for the Dolphins on offense, albeit they lost their starting quarterback. But the Dolphins pushed the ball into the red zone multiple times in the first half and came away scoreless thanks to an interception, 2 fumbles, and turnovers on downs. The Dolphins showed they can still move the ball downfield, and Brissett is an unquestioned, experienced starter in the NFL. They need to convert on third downs and capitalize when their defense turns the ball over for them, and they will have a shot at upsetting the Raiders. Miami's offense primarily runs through the backs, but Myles Gaskin only carried the ball 5 times against the Bills, splitting touches with Malcolm Brown and Salvon Ahmed. Gaskin is the engine of the offense, and the Dolphins need to feed him early to keep themselves in the game, and prevent Brissett from attempting 40 passes again. Not to mention the Dolphins offensive line surrendered 6 sacks a week ago, and can ill-afford to let Brissett get banged up just as it happened to Tagovailoa.

This was the contest that cemented the Raiders' fate in 2020, and they seem to have grown from their late-season collapse. The Raiders are feeling themselves, and a home matchup against the Dolphins led by Brissett seems like an easy equation to solve. Raiders win.

Prediction: Dolphins 13, Raiders 27

Buccaneers @ Rams

Two games, 2 quick wins for the Bucs off the bat. They face their biggest challenge of the young season when they play the Rams, the last team to defeat the Bucs since their winning run through the playoffs. The Bucs lost to the then number one rated defense in the league, and Tom Brady was far from his best. Brady completed 26 of 48 passes, tossed 2 touchdowns to 2 interceptions, and the offense was still putting the pieces together and figuring out how to play together. The offense has clearly evolved since then, and they are equipped this time around to avenge their Week 11 loss last season. Brady has already thrown 9 touchdown passes this season, and the Bucs have scored 79 points. The Rams defense is not as strong as a season ago thanks to free agent departures, but Aaron Donald is still wreaking havoc up front. The Bucs offensive line has to keep Donald away from Brady, but otherwise the Bucs are perfectly capable of carving the Rams defense to shreds. But the erratic imbalance and lack of rhythm from the Bucs offense in 2020 cost them this contest, as did back-breaking turnovers from Brady.

Jared Goff started at quarterback in LA's win over the Bucs last season, but Matt Stafford is in town now. Stafford has played to expectations thus far, and led the Rams to a come-from-behind win over the Colts in Week 2. He has reintroduced a downfield threat to the Rams offense by arm strength alone, and his efficiency throwing the football has changed the scope for Sean McVay's unit. The Rams have the weapons to match Tampa's, including Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods, but the role players have to support them with impact plays of their own. Only 5 players caught a pass against the Colts, and one of them was Darrell Henderson. DeSean Jackson and Van Jefferson have to find separation in Tampa's secondary and make life easy for Stafford. The Bucs defense spearheaded a Super Bowl win a year ago, but their early struggles against the Cowboys and Falcons suggest there is some rust they are still shrugging off.

It would be unsurprising to see these teams rematch in the NFC Championship down the line, and they are indisputably two of the elites in the NFC this season. Both teams seem to be firing on all cylinders early on, but the Rams proved they match up with the Bucs advantageously, and Stafford is a step up from Goff. The Rams will pull off the upset and hand the champs their first defeat of 2021.

Prediction: Buccaneers 20, Rams 27

Seahawks @ Vikings

Seattle let one slip a week ago. After leading 24-9 at halftime, the Seahawks fell to the Titans in overtime, despite another strong performance from Russell Wilson and the offense. Wilson has thrown 6 touchdowns to no picks this season, and has a passer rating of 146.9. The offense is humming, and Tyler Lockett has outperformed expectations as the number two receiver to start the year. The Seahawks offense matches up to shred the Vikings, but the Seahawks defense has to find ways to get stops. The Titans steamrolled them on the count of 532 yards in Week 2, and they could not make the game-ending play in the 4th quarter or overtime. The Seahawks can disrupt Kirk Cousins with blitz packages and force him to throw the ball quickly and send him outside the pocket. Wilson and the offense can outscore anyone, but te defense has to show improvement from a week ago to avoid a pitfall. 

The Vikings need this one bad. A pair of heartbreaking defeats has the Vikings at 0-2, and they are staring at a second consecutive season starting 0-3 unless they can beat the Seahawks. That being said, Minnesota's scoring margin in 2 games is -4. If the Vikings offense didn't turn the ball over against the Bengals in overtime, or if Greg Joseph sends a 37 yard field goal through the uprights, the narrative surrounding the team completely changes. The Vikings offense has been excellent. They've scored over 30 points in each contest and the playmakers made impacts. The issue is if the Vikings inconsistent defense can produce enough game-changing plays to take the ball away, sack the quarterback, or give their offense opportune field position. The Vikings already have 6 sacks on the season, and can give their offense a leg up if they can disrupt Wilson in the pocket.

Both teams are built the same: loaded on offense, but completely impotent defenses. The Vikings have a leg up finally playing in front of their home fans, and desperation brings out the best in winless teams. 

Prediction: Seahawks 24, Vikings 30

Packers @ 49ers

In case you forgot, the 49ers (when healthy) steamroll the Packers. In 2019, the 49ers defeated the Packers by a total score of 74-28, including the NFC Championship. At their best, the 49ers match up beautifully with the Packers, especially at this point with David Bakhtiari on the PUP list to start the season. The 49ers defensive front is built to wreak havoc on Green Bay, and completely rattled Aaron Rodgers in both their meetings. Raheem Mostert scored 4 touchdowns against the Packers in the NFC Championship as well. Without Mostert, Elijah Mitchell and JaMycal Hasty are the top options behind Jimmy Garappolo, and they will look to find the same running room. The rapid development of Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk is only bolstering the offense, and makes them a dangerous out. Garappolo is the X-factor if he can play game manager, and keep the ball away from the Green Bay defense. Garappolo's supporting cast is strong enough to carry him on their shoulders, but the pieces could fall apart if he gives Rodgers extra possessions.

Rodgers rebounded from a horrific Week 1 performance by throwing 4 touchdowns against the Lions, but the 49ers match up fearsomely with them. Nick Bosa is back this season, and the 49ers pass rush is ferocious. Aaron Jones can set the tempo if he finds the same success as he did against the Lions, with impact plays on the ground and through the air. The longer that Jones is involved from the backfield, the likelier the Packers will remain competitive. But if the Packers start slow and Jones is phased out, Rodgers is bound for a performance at the level as the Saints game. Behind Davante Adams, Green Bay's receiving core has struggled creating separation and coming up against top defenses. Robert Tonyan, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Randall Cobb among others have to take responsibility away from Adams especially if Jones is no longer a part of the game on the ground.

When both these teams are at their healthiest, the 49ers have rolled the Packers. The key mismatch falls on the offensive line with Bakhtiari missing. The 49ers should be able to disrupt Rodgers' rhythm, and Garappolo and the offense are built to march up and down the field and beat the Packers without much doubt. 

Prediction: Packers 17, 49ers 23

Eagles @ Cowboys

The Cowboys stacked another encouraging performance in Week 2 and won their first game of 2021 against the Chargers. Dak Prescott is unquestionably fully back from the ankle injury he suffered last year, and the offense has regained its mojo. The Cowboys are even finding ways to incorporate Tony Pollard into the offense as a compliment to Ezekiel Elliott, which could not have worked better. Pollard totaled 140 yards on 16 touches against the Chargers, and could have a ripple effect on the entire offense this season if his volume remains this consistent. The Eagles secondary has been unexpectedly stout to start the season, which could catch the Cowboys receivers by surprise. But Prescott and the Cowboys offense are not afraid of a shootout, which could easily be the game script for this one. 

The Eagles played well enough to beat the 49ers a week ago, but fell just short. Jalen Hurts was more inconsistent in Week 2, but still provides an undeniable multi-dimensional threat to the Cowboys defense. Hurts can move the pocket and extend plays with his legs, and he is bringing the most out of an inexperienced receiving core. But he needs support from his pass catchers, whom none of which caught more than 2 passes against the 49ers. The likes of Jalen Reagor, Devonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert have to be Hurts' security blankets on offense, and find separation in a feasible high-scoring outing. And if the Eagles defense is able to cool the Cowboys down as they were able to do to the Falcons and 49ers, the Eagles can realistically pull out an upset.

The first Prescott-Hurts matchup will surely not disappoint. Hurts and the Eagless will keep it close, but Prescott and the Cowboys offense are going to find the zone and light it up. In Dallas' first home game of the year, the Cowboys will triumph.

Prediction: Eagles 28, Cowboys 30