Scully's Week 3 NFL Picks: Colts ready for a fight with Tennessee
Week 3 of the NFL season includes some quality games, including a huge NFC matchup, between Tampa Bay and the Los Angeles Rams.
I also expect to see Cleveland bounce back with a strong showing this week and will play an important rivalry game in the AFC South.
Let's take a look at the games and make some selections.
Chicago Bears vs. Cleveland Browns
After they squandered a nine-point, fourth-quarter lead in Kansas City, the Browns showed up flat for an ugly home win over Houston. They will rebound against a Chicago offense that lacks confidence.
The Bears gained only 206 yards last week, but Cincinnati bailed them out with four turnovers. Given their terrible offensive line, Chicago undoubtedly will utilize a conservative approach, as rookie Justin Fields will take over at quarterback.
Cleveland can take advantage.
The Browns have averaged 30 points per game, so offense isn’t a concern, but the overhauled Cleveland defense has failed to meet lofty expectations. After a couple games together, the defense will get the opportunity to get things right against Chicago.
I’m as excited as anyone about Justin Fields starting this week but that Cleveland defense is no joke and the Bears are on the road.
— Dave Kluge (@DaveKluge) September 23, 2021
Be excited. Be supportive. But don’t put Fields into your fantasy football lineups unless you’re desperate.
Cleveland will revitalize its AFC title hopes with a double-digit win.
NFL Week 3 pick: Browns -7
Indianapolis Colts vs. Tennessee Titans
Indianapolis lacks a stable quarterback, as Carson Wentz is dealing with a pair of sprained ankles, but the Colts remain formidable on defense and the offensive line.
Tennessee has lost four of its five home games, with the lone win against Detroit, and the Titans appear primed for a letdown, after an incredible comeback to beat Seattle in overtime.
Indianapolis rebounded from a dull Week 1 performance, but failed to take advantage of red-zone opportunities against the Rams defense and kicked too many field goals in a narrow loss. The Colts won’t face the same resistance against Tennessee’s defense.
Look for running back Jonathan Taylor to get back on track for Indianapolis, and the Colts have the run defense to slow Derrick Henry.
Jonathan Taylor never saw a 3rd and short he didn't like.#ForTheShoe#LARvsIND#RamsHouse
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) September 19, 2021
📺via #NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/R24hiCC6GB
This will be another close game in a heated divisional rivalry.
NFL Week 3 pick: Colts +5.5
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Los Angeles Rams
Tom Brady has tossed nine touchdowns, and the high-scoring Tampa offense is rolling (39.5 points per game), but the Buccaneers' ability to control clock with the ground game will be the difference in Sunday’s marquee matchup.
If Tampa’s offense avoids too many turnovers (the Rams have four takeaways), Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones II can exploit a defense that is ranked 20th against the run.
Antonio Brown may be sidelined, but Los Angeles must still respect Tampa’s dynamic receivers, which will open run lanes. The Rams first two opponents (Chicago and Indianapolis) had success on the ground but were often forced into passing situations when they fell behind.
It should be an entertaining game, but Tampa will eventually forge ahead and cover.
NFL Week 3 pick: Buccaneers -1.5
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