NFL Week 3 Sunday Showdowns: Predictions, Revenge Games, and QB Struggles

Giants vs. Browns:

The Giants' recent approach with QB prospects—those Daboll-led videos breaking down X’s and O’s—finally makes sense. They're trying to avoid another Daniel Jones situation. After drafting and then giving him a huge contract, it’s clear they’re now overcompensating for past mistakes. The Browns are in a similar boat with Deshaun Watson, who got paid and immediately fell off the performance cliff. If both QBs are questionable, you take the team with the better defense, home field, and kicker.

Prediction: Browns 24-13.

Eagles vs. Saints:

This game is a battle of Super Bowl pretenders. The Saints are off to a hot start, comfortably winning their first two games, including a Week 2 beatdown of the Cowboys. Now they face a legitimate test against a team that has been successful in recent seasons. The Saints have weapons in the air and on the ground, but it’s time to prove they’re real contenders. The Eagles, after a shaky end to last season, haven’t looked like themselves. Their defense needs to wake up if they want to slow down the Saints’ offense.

Prediction: Saints 31-24.

Texans vs. Vikings:

It’s hard to even picture these two teams sharing the field, but here we are. Last time they played, the Texans didn’t know Deshaun Watson’s future, and Kirk Cousins' "elite" debate was just beginning. Historically, the Vikings have dominated this matchup, but no team wins six straight over another across a decade. Add in the Vikings’ injury issues, and this one screams Texans.

Prediction: Texans 27-24.

Broncos vs. Buccaneers:

The Broncos have been in a QB desert since Peyton Manning retired, and Bo Nix doesn’t seem like the oasis they’ve been waiting for. The game hinges on whether Denver’s defense can stop the Bucs. If Tampa scores more than 18, the Broncos might as well head out for some fall apple-picking.

Prediction: Buccaneers 24-10.

Chargers vs. Steelers:

Both of these 2-0 teams are untested, and their records might be a bit inflated. The Chargers were expected to go undefeated against weak opponents, while the Steelers' blue-collar defense, led by T.J. Watt has been carrying them. This one feels like it’ll be close, possibly going to overtime, but with Justin Fields nursing an ankle injury, the Steelers’ defense should give them the edge.

Prediction: Steelers 24-21.

Packers vs. Titans:

Sunday in Nashville brings a revenge game for both starting QBs. Malik Willis faces the team that drafted and then cut him, while Will Levis has something to prove after his coach’s harsh postgame comments. The Titans’ defense is one of the stronger ones Levis will face this year, so this should be close, but the Titans will pull off their first win.

Prediction: Titans 21-20.

Bears vs. Colts:

Both teams feature top-pick QBs trying to save franchises desperate for playoff success. The Bears’ long road of failure and the Colts’ bad luck since Andrew Luck’s early retirement have led them here. Caleb Williams has more weapons than Anthony Richardson, and the Bears' defense is better than what Richardson has faced recently. The Colts will need more than a horseshoe to stop Williams.

Prediction: Bears 24-17.

Ravens vs. Cowboys:

This is the ultimate "get-right" game. The Ravens need it more—0-3 is a bigger hole than 1-2. Beating the Cowboys could give Baltimore the momentum shift they need after a devastating loss to the Raiders. Dallas, coming off a big loss of their own, will be looking to recover, but the Ravens aren’t about to go winless.

Prediction: Ravens 24-21.

Panthers vs. Raiders:

We’re watching two QBs who should probably be backups, but one of them has to start. The Raiders’ defense, led by Maxx Crosby, will feast on Andy Dalton, who hasn’t seen significant action in over a year. Raiders by 10, and it might feel like they're playing in rookie mode.

Prediction: Raiders 23-13.

Dolphins vs. Seahawks:

Skylar Thompson. That’s the Dolphins’ biggest problem. They won’t be able to overcome his lack of ability, making this game an easy pick for the Seahawks. It’ll be so bad that Miami might need to pick up a free agent QB by next week.

Prediction: Seahawks 21-14.

49ers vs. Rams:

Both teams are dealing with injuries, but the 49ers still have more weapons and a more balanced attack. After a tough loss last week, expect San Francisco to come out swinging and dominate this one.

Prediction: 49ers 27-15.

Lions vs. Cardinals:

This might be a preview of the NFC Championship game, though I hope not. The Cardinals’ offense, led by Kyler Murray, has been electric, but their defense has struggled. The Lions, with a well-rounded attack and a strong defensive line, should edge out the Cardinals in what could be a shootout.

Prediction: Lions 33-27.

Chiefs vs. Falcons:

The Falcons in prime time again? Weird. But they’re going up against the Chiefs, who have rolled through their first two opponents. It’ll take an A+ effort from Atlanta’s defense to slow down Patrick Mahomes and company. This feels like a typical Chiefs game, where Mahomes plays like he’s got cheat codes.

Prediction: Chiefs 27-20