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2009 NFL Week 3: Five Must See Games
Published by JM Van Horn on September 25, 2009
The NFL’s Week 3 is here and there are a handful of teams that will try to separate themselves from the pack. While it is a long way to go until the NFL playoffs, it is never too early for a team to gain an advantage when it comes to the division or conference races.
Here are the NFL Week 3 Must See Games and our predictions on who will be the big winners.
Tennessee Titans at New York Jets
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 two 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 while the Tennessee Titans find themselves in unfamiliar territory at 0-2.
The winner of this game will be the team that receives the most production out of their running backs. The Titans Chris Johnson ran for almost 200 yards while scoring 3 touchdowns last week against Houston. The Jets tandem of Leon Washington and Thomas Jones combined for 112 yards on the ground against the Patriots.
The team that has more success running the ball will gain the advantage in time of possession and will have a better chance of wearing out the opposing defense.
While the Jets have shown their defense is a force to be reckoned with, the Titans have more to prove 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
The Falcons will visit the Patriots 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. 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 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 season to expect they will this week when the knock off the Falcons.
Prediction – New England 21 Falcons 17
San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings and the 49ers enter Week 3 with unblemished records and look to continue those streaks. The Vikings easily dispatched the Detroit Lions last week while the 49ers were able to
The Vikings and 49ers defenses 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 other 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
The Steelers and Bengals will enter Week 3 with each team having 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 two 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 off 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 the 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
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 victory Monday night over 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 Eagles wideout Hank Baskett.
While the offenses will be the main attraction, the defenses will be the units that steal the show. Though the 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
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