Who Dat Dish NFL Pick’em! Week Three

September 14, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Texans outside linebacker Brooks Reed (58, left) is congratulated by defensive end J.J. Watt (99, right) for recovering the football on an Oakland Raiders fumble during the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Texans defeated the Raiders 30-14. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Thoughts from Ian

Well, last week sucked. Let’s give this another shot shall we?

ATL over TB

Yes, the Falcons defense has not registered a sack and whoever starts at running back for the Bucs is worthy of a flex on your fantasy team. The Bucs made Austin Davis look like Kurt Warner though, so they are in serious trouble with Matt Ryan coming to town. They’ll hang around on the scoreboard but the Falcons should win this game.

HOU over NYG

Is there a team in the league that can’t beat the New York Giants? The Texans are off to a hot start (who knew, right?) leaning heavily on Arian Foster. Manning was slightly better last week, but it seemed like everybody else got worse. The offense is just a mess. No way can Houston lose this game.

PHI over WAS

Nick Foles is disappointing people who thought he would be just terrible after being so good last year. He isn’t amazing, but he is getting the job done. Kirk Cousins will struggle as he may not be able to get the ground game going with Alfred Morris against the Eagles run defense. Also, its hard to imagine the Eagles playing worse coverage than the Jaguars did last weekend.

DAL over STL

I knew Dallas was committing to the run, but I am flabbergasted by how much this offense is leaning on DeMarco Murray! They’ll pummel the Rams defense this weekend. Romo should be able to get the ball to his receivers in space as well.

How good will Austin Davis be against this weak defense though? Will he keep the Rams hanging on until the fourth quarter? He better not try to throw the ball near Rolando McClain. Start Zac Stacy in this game for your fantasy.

NE over OAK

Well, New England surprised me with how well they handled the Vikings.

NO over MIN

This game is New Orleans’ to lose. I can’t imagine many people expected the secondary to be as inept as it is. They have lost their games by 3 points or less however.

Still, if they don’t execute Cassel will look like an elite quarterback and Matt Asiata will embarrass them running the ball. The offense should be electric back in the Superdome. I’m buying that the Superdome cures their losing ways and they finally win.

IND over JAX

How on God’s green earth are the Colts 0-2? Jacksonville made me look so stupid last week and that will never happen again. I want Luck to score so many points that Jaguars players consider retirement after the game. Ok, that was a little harsh.

I expect the Colts to win this game and establish Ahmad Bradshaw on the ground. Look for Reggie Wayne to contribute too. The Jaguars couldn’t cover at all last week.

CIN over TEN

I started Locker last week in fantasy ( I’m desperate at quarterback, I sat RG III) and was thoroughly and soundly disappointed. I think Locker continues to struggle against a very good Cincinnati defense. The one-two punch of Bernard and Hill should keep the Titans off-balance.

SD over BUF

Phillip Rivers faces an easier defense (well, I guess every defense would be considered easy after Seattle) and Antonio Gates should keep his fast start going since the Bills don’t have the best linebackers. It’s kind of sad to watch an offense with explosive guys like Spiller and Watkins, held back by EJ Manuel. They are in for a rude surprise against this physical Chargers defense.

CLE over BAL

My picks are starting to make too much sense so I’m picking Cleveland. Jimmy Graham and Drew Brees almost came back and one the game, but shenanigans ensued and the Browns won. The Ravens don’t have anything close to that combination.

I don’t see a reason why Terence West shouldn’t have a good day against the Ravens defense. Ah shit, this is starting to make sense..

GB over DET

Apparently, Aaron Rodgers struggles against Detroit. He has a lower QBR against them than the other teams he has faced in his career. The Lions stunk it up in Carolina though, so I feel comfortable with rolling with Air Rodgers.

ARI over SF

San Francisco’s meltdown on Monday Night Football was absolutely unbelievable. Carson Palmer apparently has some nerve issues so we probably will see

SEA over DEN

They are in Seattle. Strike one. Seattle’s defense is still good defending the run which means it will be hard to establish the run with Montee Ball. Strike Two.

Manning and the Broncos have been preparing for this game, but the Seahawks defense is exceptionally disciplined. The linebackers will make Welker and Sanders pay for every ball thrown their way. Strike Three. I’m going Seahawks.

KC over Miami

I’m picking the Chiefs and here’s why: I expect the Dolphins to win. No, I’m not losing it because my picks have been so bad so far, but the Dolphins find a way to lose games when they are the favorite.

No Eric Berry in the secondary means Tannehill should have success right? A banged up defensive unit means Lamar Miller will have an awesome day right? The Dolphins defense is good against the run (save for that huge Spiller run last week) so Knile Davis should struggle despite averaging five yards per carry when Charles is out? Wrong! Chiefs all the way!

CAR over PIT

Maybe I shouldn’t be so hard on Pittsburgh. After all, playing your best football on a short week is pretty tough to do. Especially, when you aren’t at home. Unless Ben can stay upright and the Steelers can get to Cam Newton, this is a Panthers win.

CHI over NYJ

I’m selling on the Geno Smith hype that is building. Chicago’s defense isn’t great but they can put some points on the board. I expect a similar game to Green Bay match up last week

Agree or disagree with our picks? Who do you have as a ‘upset of the week’ candidate?