Ready for More Football? Check Out Our Week 3 NFL Predictions
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Tirish Suresh and Achintya Bhan
Thursday, September 19th
Patriots vs Jets
Tirish: (Jets) This should be an easy win for the Jets, with a strong defense and Aaron Rodgers at QB, the Jets should control the game particularly because of the Patriots weak O-line and lack of a dominant QB.
Achintya: (Jets) A convincing win for the Jets led by former Packers QB Aaron Rodgers and a vaunted defense with stars all around top CB Sauce Gardner. The weak offensive play of Jacoby Brisset and a young Patriots defense will add to the difficulty of stopping such a high powered team.
Sunday, September 22nd
Giants vs Browns
Tirish: (Browns) The Browns bolstered a solid defense and a much improved offense are expected to control the game, especially at home. The Giants, who have struggled against playoff-caliber teams, will need to overcome a significant underdog status to secure a win.
Achintya: (Giants) Lots of criticism around QB Daniel Jones and how the Giants are struggling to play against teams who make playoffs consistently, but look for an upset here with rookie Malik Nabers putting up a 100 yard game against a tough Browns’ defense.
Eagles vs Saints
Tirish: (Eagles) This will definitely be a close game; the Saints solid defense and Derek Carr’s leadeshop make them a formidable opponent, but I think with Jalen Hurts’ ability to manage a balanced offense, coupled with a strong run and a versatile passing game, the Eagles win.
Achintya: (Eagles) Over the past couple weeks the Saints are having one of the best offensive revivals. However, old is gold and the Eagles well oiled machine looks to continue with newly signed Saquon Barkley looking to be the key X factor and continuing his trend of dominance.
Bears vs Colts
Tirish: (Colts) Also another close game, with the Colts slightly favored. With a home advantage and a more balanced offense, the Colts should win by a couple points. Chicago will rely on its improving defense, but Indianapolis’ offensive efficiency and strong running game definitely make them the favorites.
Achintya: (Bears) A game where many, including my counterpart, have picked the Colts to win. I’m feeling like an upset is on the cards with a balanced offense and strong defense of the Bears. The number one overall pick Caleb Williams is beginning to look like the franchise QB the Bears wanted. A 300 yard passing game on the watch.
Texans vs Vikings
Tirish: (Texans) Houston's balanced offense and solid defense make them the favorites, However Minnesota’s home field advantage and potential to disrupt the Texans’ game plan could make this a closer game than expected.
Achintya: (Texans) A high-scoring game on the cards here with stars Justin Jefferson and Steffon Diggs. Steffon Diggs’ home return to Minnesota is a ugly one as he will torch a porous Vikings defense and be the reason the Texans win.
Chargers vs Steelers
Tirish: (Chargers) Another close game yet again, but the Chargers with Justin Herbert leading their explosive offense are slight favorites due to their potent passing attack and solid defense. However, the Steelers playing at home with a good defense and an improving offense could make it a close game, especially if they can control the pace and limit turnovers.
Achintya: (Chargers) Another close game as both the Steelers and the Chargers are both looking for a convincing win. However, Justin Herbet has started to look like his vintage self and will be the leading force for a Chargers’ win.
Broncos vs Buccaneers
Tirish: (Buccaneers) The Broncos face a tough challenge, with Tampa Bay's strong defense and consistent offense giving them the edge, while Denver's rookie quarterback Bo Nix will need to overcome the odds to pull off an upset.
Achintya: (Broncos) Broncos country, let’s ride! Feeling like another upset is on the cards and watch for rookie QB Bo Nix taking control. The Tampa Bay defense is strong and the offense is top tier, but Bo Nix is no stranger to being the underdog–can’t wait to see a thriller!
Packers vs Titans
Tirish: (Packers) In a close matchup, the Packers are favored slightly due to their stronger offensive consistency and defensive edge. The Titans, however, will rely on their ground game to keep it competitive, making this a game that could go down to the wire.
Achintya: (Packers) Go Pack Go! New signing Josh Jacobs tears apart a porous run D of Titans with a 150 yard rushing game. The Packers, due to a Jordan Love injury, have been forced to a heavy running game, but it worked against the Colts, and the Titans are worse. Look for Malik Willis to excel back at “home”.
Panthers vs Raiders
Tirish: (Raiders) The Raiders are likely to edge out the Panthers with their superior defense and offensive firepower, leading to a hard fought victory.
Achintya: (Raiders) Panther fans look away as the Panthers yet again can’t seem to get anything going with Bryce Young and already look to be in a tanking season! Look for the Raiders to finish up this game in the first half as that seems to be the trend for Panthers’ games.
Dolphins vs Seahawks
Tirish:(Dolphins) The Dolphins are expected to pull off a win against the Seahawks with their high powered offense outshining Seattle's rather weak defense.
Achintya: (Seahawks) The Dolphins and Seahawks both have high power offenses. However, a healthy D.K Metcalf is a game changer, and with the uncertainty around Tua, expect a tough game for the Dolphins and an easy one for the Seahawks.
Lions vs Cardinals
Tirish: (Lions) The Lions are set to secure a victory over the Cardinals as their standout running back along with a top-notch defensive line is expected to overpower Arizona's struggling offense and inconsistent defense.
Achintya: (Lions) The Cardinals’ rookie Marvin Harrison, Jr. is coming off a monster game and looks ready to continue to dominate. The Lions are coming off a tough game against the Buccaneers but the Cardinals aren’t that impressive. Expect Jared Goff and Amon Ra St. Brown to connect for 200 yards and wipe the floor with the Cardinals.
Ravens vs Cowboys
Tirish: (Ravens) The Ravens are expected to triumph over the Cowboys thanks to their fierce defense, which should stifle Dallas's high-powered offense, while Lamar Jackson’s playmaking ability will exploit the Cowboys’ vulnerable secondary.
Achintya: (Ravens) Game of the week alert!!! Both teams are coming off a surprising loss to the Raiders and Saints, respectively. However, this game looks to be the one for both of them to get back on track. Look for Lamar Jackson and Derrick “King” Henry to tear apart the Cowboys’ defense as Ceedee Lamb and Dak Prescott fail to keep up in a high scoring game.
49ers vs Rams
Tirish: (49ers) The 49ers are likely to defeat the Rams with their aggressive defense putting heavy pressure on Los Angeles’ QB and their versatile offense finding success against a weakened Rams’ secondary.
Achintya: (49ers) The Rams’ star Puka Nucua has been placed on Injury Reserve and the rest of the team looks dismal without him. They will put up a tough fight, but it is hard to argue against a strong 49ers. CMC is a tough player to replace, but look for the 49ers to come up with new schemes. Stars everywhere for the 49ers as “Mr. Irrelevant” Brock Purdy should lead the 49ers to a convincing win over the Rams.
Chiefs vs Falcons
Tirish: (Chiefs) The Chiefs are expected to win against the Falcons as Patrick Mahomes' explosive passing game and Kansas City's high-scoring offense will likely outpace Atlanta’s struggling defense and inconsistent playmaking.
Achintya: (Chiefs) The Falcons are a very run heavy team with a top 5 RB in Bijan Robinson. However, the rest of the offense must come to play if they are to stand a chance. But as everyone says, “Patrick Mahomes this, Patrick Mahomes that.” Whatever you say he always seems to win and that looks to be the case here with a convincing 300 yard passing game over a porous Falcons Pass D.
Monday, September 23rd
Jaguars vs Bills
Tirish: (Bills) The Bills are predicted to defeat the Jaguars thanks to their powerful offense led by Josh Allen and a defense that should effectively contain Jacksonville's key playmakers and prevent them from gaining momentum.
Achintya: (Bills) The Jaguars aren’t looking great this season with not much going right for them right now, including stars Travis Ettiene and Trevor Lawrence. However, the Bills look on the opposite page as everything is clicking for them. Look for Josh Allen and his Bills to take a heavy run attack and run over any sort of defense thrown their way.
Commanders vs Bengals
Tirish: (Bengals) The Bengals are favored to win against the Commanders, as Joe Burrow's precision passing and Cincinnati's high-octane offense are expected to outscore Washington's defense and exploit their recent struggles.
Achintya: (Bengals) The Commanders had a tough game against the lowly Giants. Not a great sign to come when facing a team that put up a fight to Super Bowl champs the Kansas City Chiefs. Look for Joe Burrow and Jamar Chase to show why they are the best duo in the NFL and absolutely take the top of the Defense of the Commanders.
