Hello Thunderfaithful! It only took two weeks for Matty D to need to get away from the hustle of the NFL Season, Aaron Rodgers’ late-game pick left him to lose in Fantasy by half a point. I’m still in high spirits after scoring the league high (and winning ten whole dollars!), but Matt’s absence leaves me to write the Week 3 Locks. I did manage to communicate with MPD to get his picks but he wouldn’t tell me where his secluded hideout is nor did he tell me when he’d return. Matt, the Eagles play on Sunday, it’s an important one. Anyway, let’s see if we can finally break this tie.

Weekly Series: 0-0-2

Matty D Overall: 20-12

G-Man Overall: 20-12

Week 3 Cold Hard Locks

(G-Man and Matty D have same picks unless otherwise noted.)

Thursday Night Football

Houston at New England

All eyes will be on NE rookie QB Jacoby Brissett in this intriguing Thursday Night Showdown. Frankly, this is a toss (it’s a pick’em in Vegas) but I’m going with Belichick at home.

The Pick: New England

Sunday

1pm Slate

Arizona at Buffalo

The Cards had a great bounce-back week in Week 2 and hit the road against a Bills team that is mid-nose dive.

The Pick: Arizona

Oakland at Tennessee

The Titans are a home favorite here after Oakland’s had a bad week against a high-powered Falcons offense. Tennessee isn’t as high-powered.

The Pick: Oakland

Cleveland at Miami

The 0-2 Dolphins are a 9.5-point favorite in this game. Vegas is begging you to take Cleveland’s points which gives you a great idea of how to pick it straight up. If that wasn’t a big enough indicator, Cleveland is starting their fifth-straight QB in as many games.

The Pick: Miami – This is both Matty D and G-Man’s Survivor LOCK of the Week. We both once again pick the team playing the Browns, hmmm…

Baltimore at Jacksonville

The Ravens almost lost to the Browns. If Terrell Pryor doesn’t pull the most Browns move of all time, Baltimore may have lost. The Jags are a team on the rise despite being blown out on the road last week. Look for Blake Bortles to put up another 300-yard game.

The Pick: Jacksonville

Detroit at Green Bay

People think Aaron Rodgers is on the decline of his career because he’s had 12-straight games with a passer rating under 100. R-E-L-A-X. Although this game has shootout potential.

The Pick: Green Bay

Denver at Cincy

Andy Dalton and crew played the Steelers well on the road last week. The idea of Dalton and Green vs. the Denver D is tantalizing. Not sure about how Trevor Siemian will fare in his first road game, though.

The Pick: Cincy

Minnesota at Carolina

Sam Bradford threw for 205 yards and a pick when he and Eagles lost at Carolina last year. With no AP, Bradford will need to take the reigns and try to survive the onslaught of Panthers.

The Pick: Carolina

Washington at NY Giants

The much anticipated Josh Norman/OBJ rematch uh, I mean, NFC East game! Kirk made some late mistakes against the Cowboys that changed the entire momentum of that game. I can’t imagine he’ll fair any better on the road. Eli needs a better game but the two other receivers around OBJ will force the rest of the Redskin secondary to look alive.

The Pick: Giants

4pm Showdowns

Los Angeles at Tampa Bay

 

Jameis Winston and the Bucs had a rough go last week in Arizona and yet, he still has 5 touchdowns and Mike Evans has been hot to start. LA may still not have scored a touchdown since 1994 but that should change, even if it’s only one compared to Tampa’s four-ish.

The Pick: Tampa Bay

San Francisco at Seattle

 

Pete Carrol, DangeRuss, and the Legion of Boom are pissed. Plain and Simple.

The Pick: Seattle

Pittsburgh at Philadelphia

I said this to Matty D: “It was painful to make this pick.” That should tell you who I’m picking. I am scared to death to see Antonio Brown run all around the Eagles’ secondary. Even though I think they’ll lose, I do think Carson shows up and writes another great chapter in this pleasantly surprising start. Our one glimmer of hope is that the Steelers haven’t won in Philadelphia in quite some time.

The Pick: Pittsburgh – I really hope I’m wrong

 

NY Jets at Kansas City

 

Matt must now think Ryan Fitzpatrick is starter material, he ripped me for picking them last week but is going with them now. Matt Forte and Fitz both played exceptionally against an overhyped Bills team. A solid defense like Kansas City’s will temper the expectations for Gang Green.

The Pick: Kansas City
Matt is going with the Jets

San Diego at Indianapolis

The Colts faced another team with low expectations in their home opener and lost in a shootout. The Chargers bring that same potential to the table but they have a few fewer weapons than Stafford. Luck rights the course.

The Pick: Indy

Sunday Night Football

Chicago at Dallas

 

The Bears play another prime time and just like with the Eagles last week, it could get out of control quickly. Zeke is a machine and can certainly barrel through the defense. Dak should finally be able to throw his first career touchdown pass.

The Pick: Dallas

Monday Night Football

Atlanta at New Orleans

We’re both picking the Saints and here’s why. This is the first game in the Super Dome after Katrina in 2006 (also against the Falcons):

Remember the old Monday Night Football song? Or Tony Kornheiser in the booth for MNF? OR Mike Vick on the Falcons? 

Just one competing pick between us so no matter what, our tie will be broken. I’ll be back on Tuesday for the FAILS but until then…

FLY EAGLES FLY!!!