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Our staff has made straight-up calls for every game on the Week 3 NFL schedule, including the international showdown between the Ravens and Cowboys in Brazil. After a chaotic Week 2 — with multiple young quarterbacks injured and several unexpected results — these picks try to account for what changed and what’s at stake heading into the weekend.
After Week 2: injuries and surprise results reshaped expectations
Last week’s action unsettled preseason projections. The second week of the season produced a string of upsets and forced several teams to cope without their planned starters.
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Notable developments include the return of Michael Penix Jr. to the Falcons’ lineup and Kyler Murray rejoining the Vikings, while the Bears, Commanders and Giants continue to adjust to life without their usual quarterbacks.
How the panel views the key matchups
Our panel is largely united on many contests. The Packers, Bills, Chiefs and 49ers drew unanimous backing from the group. The Rams, Lions, Bengals, Seahawks and Eagles also earned strong majorities.
There are closer calls as well: the Titans and Texans are viewed as likeliest to pick up their first wins, and the Rams — despite playing in Denver — get the nod from most voters. The Vikings–Buccaneers game is a true split among our writers.
These picks were made by: Albert Breer, Eva Geitheim, Mitch Goldich, Mike Kadlick, Gilberto Manzano, Conor Orr, John Pluym and Matt Verderame.
Panel consensus (straight-up picks)
| Game | Panel majority |
|---|---|
| Falcons at Packers | Packers |
| Chargers at Bills | Bills |
| Panthers at Browns | Panthers |
| Jets at Lions | Lions |
| Texans at Colts | Texans |
| Chiefs at Dolphins | Chiefs |
| Titans at Giants | Titans |
| Bengals at Steelers | Bengals |
| Seahawks at Commanders | Seahawks |
| Patriots at Jaguars | Jaguars |
| Cardinals at 49ers | 49ers |
| Vikings at Buccaneers | Split (4–4) |
| Ravens vs. Cowboys (Brazil) | Ravens |
| Raiders at Saints | Saints |
| Rams at Broncos | Rams |
| Eagles at Bears | Eagles |
What readers should watch
Injury reports and late-week lineup updates will be crucial for close contests, especially the international matchup in Brazil and the split vote between the Vikings and Buccaneers. For bettors, these are straight-up picks; those looking for spread-based guidance should consult specialized betting coverage.
