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We’re now into Week 3 of the 2013 NFL season. Who would have thought that it would be the Saints’ D-E-F-E-N-S-E that has mostly sustained the team thus far? The Saints’ running game is not up to par, but I have a sneaky suspicion that we will get that going vs. the Cardinals, even though they have a very stout defense against the run. That’s because the Saints will likely have LESS of Mark Ingram in the mix.

With that, let’s take a look at the contests that have an impact on the 2013 NFC standings:

Thursday September 19th

Week 3, Game 1: Chiefs (2-0) @ Eagles (1-1)

a. Why it is important: Eagles are an NFC rival, and are tied with the Cowboys for the lead in the NFC East. Andy Reid returns to Philly as head coach of the Chiefs. It should be interesting, and the Chiefs will play very inspired football. If Chiefs’ QB Alex Smith can play a controlled game with no turnovers, they stand a good chance to leave the game with a 3-0 record. Let’s hope so!.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Chiefs.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4.5 out of 10.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Eagles by 3.


Sunday September 22nd

Week 3, Game 2: Packers (1-1) @ Bengals (1-1)

a. Why it is important: Packers are an NFC rival. The Packers got their mojo on last week, with Aaron Rodgers tossing six TD passes. They will be facing a very good Bengals team who are very tough at home. Turnovers will likely determine the outcome of this one, which is likely to be a very high scoring contest.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Bengals.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4.5 out of 10.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Packers by 3.


Week 3, Game 3: Cardinals (1-1) @ Saints (2-0)

a. Why it is important: Cardinals are an NFC rival. The Cardinals’ passing game got a huge upgrade with the acquisition of Carson Palmer in the offseason. Larry Fitzgerald is already a favorite target, but Palmer also spreads the ball around. Their running game is also a threat with Mendenhall (who was a former teammate of Pierre Thomas at the Univ. of Illinois). Cardinals’ secondary is very capable… and FAST with Patrick Peterson and Honey Badger. Their vulnerability is that they will take chances, and can get caught on a double move. Robert Meachem is a master at changes in speed, and look for Brees to target the big fellow for 100+ receiving yards in this one. The Saints’ running game is not up to par, but I have a sneaky suspicion that we will get that going vs. the Cardinals, even though they have a very stout defense against the run. That’s because the Saints will likely have LESS of Mark Ingram in the mix.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Saints. Should the Falcons slip up vs. the Dolphins, the Saints (with a win) would further distance themselves in the NFC South. WhoDat!

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 7 out of 10.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Saints by 7.


Week 3, Game 4: Giants (0-2) @ Panthers (0-2)

a. Why it is important: Giants are an NFC rival. Panthers are a conference AND NFC South rival. Although the Giants are off to an 0-2 start, they are still very dangerous, and usually finish strong. Panthers play very tough at home, and their defense is showing that they will keep the team in many ball games by their ability to slow down opposing offenses.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Giants, although I have mixed feelings about this because I have a gut feeling that the Giants will be more of a contender for the postseason than the Panthers. But since it’s early in the season, go for the team playing against your division rival.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 5.5 out of 10.

d.Vegas odds on this game: Even.

Week 3, Game 5: Buccaneers (0-2) @ Patriots (2-0)

Why it is important: Buccaneers are a conference & NFC South rival. Bucs have 2 heartbreaking losses in a row, and with the turmoil surrounding the team (internally), they may implode this weekend vs. the Patriots.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Patriots.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 7.5 out of 10.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Patriots by 8.


Week 3, Game 6: Lions (1-1) @ Redskins (0-2)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals. RG-III has been rusty for the first 2 weeks, but is starting to show signs of his old form. The problem is that the Redskins’ defense (under D-Coordinator Jim Haslett) cannot stop a marshmallow rolling off the table. This is a MUST win game for the Redskins, and if they get ahead early, they may have a chance. On the other side of the coin, the Lions have a very stout defense, and Reggie Bush is still capable of being a human highlight reel (especially as a receiver isolated on a LB).

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Redskins, only because they are 0-2, and the Lions are 1-1. As usual, whoever wins the turnover battle will likely be the victor.

c. Confidence factor tor for a good outcome: 5.5 out of 10

d. Vegas odds on this game: Redskins by 2- ½.


Week 3, Game 7: Chargers (1-1) @ Titans (1-1)

N/A: AFC opponents

Vegas odds on this game: Titans by 3.


Week 3, Game 8: Browns (0-2) @ Vikings (0-2)

a. Why it is important: Vikings are an NFC rival. Vikings are very competitive at home, and will likely unleash Adrian Peterson and the ground game. It may be a long, long day for the Browns’ defense. Browns are in the news big time this week due to their trading Richardson to the Colts for a #1 pick in 2014. It may mean that the Browns have already packed it in this season. If so, this one may be a laugher for the Vikings.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Browns to show up …please!

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 2.5 out of 10.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Vikings by 6.


Week 3, Game 9: Texans (2-0) @ Ravens (1-1)

N/A: AFC opponents

d. Vegas odds on this game: Texans by 1.


Week 3, Game 10: Rams (1-1) @ Cowboys (1-1)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Rams.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 3.5 out of 10

d. Vegas odds on this game: Cowboys by 4.


Week 3, Game 11: Falcons (1-1) @ Dolphins (2-0)

a. Why it is important: Falcons are a conference rival and a division rival. Falcons are banged up, and will have to face a resurgent Dolphins team that is still undefeated after 2 games. Falcons are a disciplined team, and one of the least penalized teams in the league. However, their offensive line is hurting, and they will be without Stephen Jackson (who is out for 2-4 weeks with an injury). Ryan Tannehill has an injured THROWING shoulder, and has been sacked nine times in 2 games. Tannehill was limited in practice this past week.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Dolphins.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4.5 out of 10 (because Tannehill’s shoulder is injured).

d. Vegas odds on this game: Dolphins by 1.


Week 3, Game 12: Bills (1-1) @ Jets (1-1)

N/A: AFC opponents

Vegas odds on this game: Jets by 1.


Week 3, Game 13: Colts (1-1) @ 49’ers (1-1)

a. Why it is important: 49’ers are a conference rival, and were absolutely embarrassed last week in Seattle. They look to rebound, and will want to take it out on the Colts, who recently obtained premier RB Trent Richardson (in a trade) from the Browns. Colts were shocked last week at home vs. the surprising Dolphins. If Richardson can have early success, Andrew Luck will be able to use play action to his advantage. However, the 49’ers, despite their loss at Seattle, are a very strong team, and are hard to beat at home.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Colts.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4 out of 10

d. Vegas odds on this game: 49’ers by 10.


Week 3, Game 14: Jaguars (0-2) @ Seahawks (2-0)

a. Why it is important: Seahawks are an NFC rival. Jaguars are last in the NFL in nearly every category, and are 0-2 (seemingly already vying for the #1 pick in the 2014 draft). Many Jags’ fans are hoping that the team picks up Tim Tebow (who was a star at the Univ. of Florida), but that’s another story. Seahawks manhandled a strong 49’ers team, but may suffer a letdown in what is a classic TRAP game. Seahawks are more than a 2-TD favorite, but with Maurice Jones-Drew due for a big game, and a capable Chad Henne at QB (in for the injured Blaine Gabbert), the Jags may be able to cover the Vegas point spread. This reminds me of the David v. Goliath clash between the ’85 Saints @ 49’ers. The Saints were a 20+ point underdog ON THE ROAD, but managed to rise to the occasion behind backup QB Dave Wilson, and emerged with a 20-17 win (some of you older WhoDats may remember that one). But I don’t see any way for the Seahawks to have enough of a letdown for the Jags to get within double digits in the final score spread.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Jaguars.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 2.5 of 10.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Seahawks by 19.


(SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL)

Week 3, Game 15: Bears 2-0) @ Steelers (0-2)

a. Why it is important: Bears are an NFC rival. This should be a hard hitting game, but the Steelers are desperate and play very well before a national audience. The Steelers’ fans will have their terrible towels out, and will likely spoil the party for the Bears (who are currently in sole possession of the lead in the NFC North.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Steelers.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 5.5 out of 10 (mild upset special)

d. Vegas odds on this game: Bears by 1.


Monday September 23rd

Week 3, Game 16: Raiders (1-1) @ Broncos (2-0)

N/A: AFC opponents

Vegas odds on this game: Broncos by 15.

News from Enemy Camps (Week3):

NFC East Leaders:

(Eagles): Philadelphia Eagles Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily
(Cowboys): Dallas Cowboys Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

NFC North Leader:

(Bears): Chicago Bears Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

NFC West Leader:
(Seahawks): Seattle Seahawks Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

Can I get a "WhoDat?!"

|Mitch|

Love it!

TheOak

Great job!

I have a gut feeling the Patriots are going to run it down TBs throat... If Reevis sticks to Eddleman Brady has nothing left to throw to for the most part. Gronk is still out.

Saintaintso

Brady always finds a way ... ( Eli not included )

homerj07

I like these. Thanks.

Stealthman

My pleasure.

arsaint

Saints win, 2 game lead in division, 2 division wins and 3 NFC wins.

49ers got it kicked again - GREAT NFL weekend!!!