Predictions NFL Week 3 - Five Can't Miss Games

As we prepare to enter Week 3 of the NFL season, there are several teams who are trying to separate themselves from the pack. Here are five can't miss games that will play a part in the 2009 NFL playoff picture.

Tennessee Titans at New York Jets

September 27^th at 1:00pm on CBS

The last time these two teams meet in 2008, the Jets trounced the Titans in Nashville and ended their chance at a perfect season. Though some of the players have changed, this game will be a knock down fight between tow of the top defenses in the NFL.

The New York Jets are coming off an upset over the New England Patriots and in first place of the AFC East and the Tennessee Titans find themselves in an unfamiliar place, 0-2.

The winner of this game will be determined by which team receives the most production out of their running backs. The Titans Chris Johnson ran for almost 200 yards while scoring 3 touchdowns. The Jets tandem of Leon Washington and Thomas Jones combined for 112 yards on the ground.

Which ever teams has more success running the ball will gain the advantage in the time of possession and will have a better chance of wearing out the opposing defense.

While the Jets have shown their defense force to be reckon with, the Titans have more to prove in the game and are in dire need of a win. Look for the Titans to edge out the Jets by a field goal.

Prediction - Tennessee Titans 20 New York Jets 17

Atlanta Falcons at New England Patriots

September 27^th at 1:00pm on FOX

The Falcons will visit the Patriots in week 3 of the NFL and attempt to keep pace with the New Orleans Saints. Meanwhile the Patriots will be trying to figure out how to jump start their potent offense after a dismal performance last week

When it comes to the success of these two teams, a lot depends upon the play of the quarterback position. The Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has continued to shrug off any sophomore slump and has helped lead the team to a 2-0 record. In 2009 he has passed for 449 yards with five touchdowns and one interception. While in comparison, the Patriots Tom Brady has passed for 594 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

The deciding factor in this game will be the Patriots defensive unit, especially with ability to clog the lanes and put pressure on the opposing quarterback. If they are able to contain Falcons running back Michael Turner, they will have to force Ryan into making bad decisions.

Do not expect the Patriots offense to be asleep for too long, especially with the way their defense has been playing. The Patriots rarely lose two games in a row and there is no reason to expect they will this week when the knock off the Falcons.

Prediction - New England 21 Falcons 17

San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings

September 27^th at 1:00pm on FOX

The Vikings and the 49ers enter the NFL's Week 3 with an unblemished record and looking to continue their streak. The Vikings easily dispatched the Detroit Lions last week while the 49ers were able to

The Vikings and 49ers defense help lead their teams to victory in Week 2 by limiting their opposition to less than 300 total yards and allowed only one offensive touchdown. These units will be tested by two of the top running backs in the game, Adrian Peterson and Frank Gore.

While these two will be on display this week, the key to success will rest with how well the receivers play. The Vikings will need Percy Harvin to continue to improve while the 49ers will need someone else to be the leading receiver on the team than Gore.

The 49ers have started the 2009 season on the right note and will play the Vikings tough, but in the end, it will not be enough. The Vikings will come away with their first home win of the season and a tighter hold on the NFC North.

Prediction - Minnesota 27 San Francisco 17

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals

September 27^th at 4:15pm on CBS

The Steelers and Bengals will enter Week 3 of the NFL season with a 1 - 1 record. The winner of this game will be able to keep pace with the Baltimore Ravens who will be facing a down and out Cleveland Browns team. The loser will find themselves 2 back in the chase for the division title.

Cincinnati showed that they were able to bounce back from a disappointing loss and win on the road in Green Bay and the Steelers showed what would happen if they let their foot of the pedal and let the Bears stay in the game.

The key to this game will come down to the offensive line of the Steelers versus the front seven of the Bengals. The Bengals were able to sack Aaron Rodgers six times in their victory while the Steelers gave up two sacks to the Bears. If Bengals can not generate a pass rush against Ben Roethlisberger, then it will be a long day for Bengals fans.

While the Bengals have been able to find their offensive rhythm, their defense is still suspect. The Steelers will continue to improve their running game and earn a narrow victory over their division opponent.

Prediction - Pittsburgh 24 Cincinnati 20

Arizona Cardinals at Indianapolis Colts

September 27^th at 8:20pm on NBC

When the Colts and Cardinals take the field on Sunday night, NFL fans will be hoping to get an aerial assault show from two of the top quarterbacks in the league. The Colts will be playing on a short week after their Monday night game with the Miami Dolphins while the Cardinals will be eager to earn their second win in a row after crushing the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Colts and Manning will have another week to adjust their offense without wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez. If they are going to have a chance to win this game, they will need someone to step up and play opposite Reggie Wayne. Enter former Philadelphia Eagle Hank Baskett.

While the offenses will be the main attraction, the defenses will be the ones who steal the show. Though Cardinals defense came up big in Week 2, they were still exposed in the passing game. The Colts will have to go again without their leader, Bob Sanders.

Even with the issues on offense for both teams, NFL fans should expect a shoot out in the RCA dome. The Cardinals defense has shown the ability to make the big play when needed, and will do so again against the Colts and help secure a win.

Prediction - Arizona 31 Indianapolis 28

Year to Date Record 6 - 4

Resources

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