After a 5-0 sweep in Week 2 of the #abepickscomp James Williamson is back with another 5 picks for the Week 3 slate!
Miami Dolphins @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Pick: Dolphins
The Thursday night matchup pits two Florida bottom-feeders head-to-head. Both the Dolphins and Jaguars came into this season with the expectation they’d have a high draft pick in their future. So far, the 1-1 Jags have been much more competitive than most would’ve thought, thanks in large part to second year QB, Gardner Minshew. The Dolphins on the other hand are 0-2 and have been the team many expected they would be, but that could change this week. The Fins nearly pulled off a major second half comeback against the Bills last Sunday as their passing offense posted some big numbers. If the Dolphins passing attack can build off of last Sunday’s second half effort, the Jaguars secondary could be in trouble. I’m expecting a little bit of Fitz magic on Thursday night, en route to the Dolphins first win of the season.
Los Angeles Rams @ Buffalo Bills
Pick: Bills
The 2-0 Rams take a road trip out east to take on the 2-0 Bills. This is going to be a close game between two of the NFL’s most complete teams. The Rams are coming off a win over the Philadelphia Eagles in which their offense surgically shredded the Bird’s defense. The Bills narrowly won on the road after being outscored in the second half by the Dolphins. This is a matchup that’s going to come down to quarterback play. Neither the Rams’ Jared Goff nor the Bills’ Josh Allen are known for their consistency, but Allen has arguably been one of the best QBs in football so far this season. Goff has a tendency to crumble when a pass rush puts pressure on him, so if the Bills can get a couple good hits on the Rams’ QB, they should be able to pull out the win. I’m taking the Bills in what should be a close game.
San Francisco 49ers @ New York Giants
Pick: Giants
The NFL saw what seemed like a record number of injuries over the weekend and nobody was hit harder than the 49ers. They took care of the New York Jets no problem in their win last Sunday, but they will be without their starting quarterback, top two running backs, number one receiver, all-pro tight end, number one corner, and top three defensive ends. The injury bug wasn’t shy around the Giants either as they lost star running back, Saquon Barkley, for the year to a torn ACL. New York’s best receiver, Sterling Shepard, was also placed on IR during the week. Both teams are dealing with injuries, but the Giants seem to be in a better position. Giant’s QB, Daniel Jones, has looked good this season despite a shaky offensive line. Considering the Niners pass rush has been decimated by injuries, he should have a cleaner pocket to throw in. I’m expecting a win for the Giants as the Niners try not to get hurt any worse.
Houston Texans @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Pick: Texans
The Texans roll into Pittsburgh looking for their first win of the season against an undefeated Steelers team. Pittsburgh boasts one of the best defenses in all of football, specifically in terms of run stopping and pass rushing. That’s why it was so surprising to see Denver Broncos’ back-up quarterback, Jeff Driskel, throw for 256 yards and two touchdowns and nearly beat the Steelers last Sunday. This has to be good news for the Texans who have faced the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens in weeks one and two; arguably the best two teams in football. After playing Pat Mahomes and Lamar Jackson that past two weeks, an old Ben Roethlisberger should be a treat for the Texans defense. If the Steelers’ secondary suffers from lapses in coverage like they did last week, Texans QB Dashon Watson should be able to make enough plays to secure his first win of the season.
Green Bay Packers @ New Orleans Saints
Picks: Packers
The Saints are coming off a loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night and Drew Brees looked abysmal. The Saints’ pass game was extremely underwhelming as nearly every pass came at or behind the line of scrimmage. It’s safe to wonder how much arm strength Brees has left. The Packers offense is looking as high powered as ever with running back Aaron Jones recording 236 yards from scrimmage and three TDs in their win over the Detroit Lions. Normally a match-up between Aaron Rodgers and Brees is a recipe for a shootout, but I have my doubts the Saints can go shot for shot with the Packers, especially with Michael Thomas still out. I’m taking the Packers to win in Prime Time with ease.
James’ Week 3 Parlay:
$10 on James’ parlay in this week’s #abepickscomp could win $784.68!
