Bold NFL Predictions for Week 3: a Bra’dford’gadocious pick

Since I didn’t formally announce my grading system, here is how I will be grading my Bold picks this year

A – The bold pick happened as I stated

B – The bold pick did NOT happened as stated but the idea behind it was there (example I predicted Jesse James would have 0 TDs and fewer than 20 yards in week 2, he had 27 yards, the general idea to avoid him in fantasy was present.

C – The bold pick did NOT happen and the overall feel for what occurred had you saying “meh”

D – The bold pick was nowhere near accurate

Recapping last week’s picks:

1. At the end of week 2 the Cincinnati Bengals will have scored a total of 10 points through 2 games. The 2nd fewest any team has scored through 2 weeks in the last 5 years behind the LA Rams last year (9 total points).

Outcome: (Grade: A) They only scored 9 points on Thursday against the Texans.

2. This week against the Tennessee Titans, the Jacksonville Jaguars will allow not only 20+ points but 300+ yards.

Outcome: (Grade: A) Tennessee put up 37 points and 394 yards.

3. Jesse James, the TE from Pittsburgh who had 2 TD’s in week 1, will not only have 0 TD’s in week 2 he will have fewer than 20 yards in receptions (aka don’t use him).

Outcome: (Grade: B) Jesse James had 27 yards receiving with 0 Touchdowns

4. In a bold/ not so bold statement – the Raiders are facing the Jets next week who showed an atrocious rush defense. Marshawn Lynch and Jalen Richard will combine for over 200 yards in Rushing Yards, that’s more than any team did in Week 1.

Outcome: (Grade: B) The Raiders were much more spread out in terms of rushing offense thanks to Cordarrelle Patterson’s 43 yard TD run, they accumulated 180 total rushing yards.

5. Carson Wentz lands in the top ten in QB passing yards in week 2.

Outcome: (Grade: A) he finished 4^th with 333 yards behind Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers (good company)

After landing pretty close to right on all 5 last week I’m left wondering two things

1. Did I not go Bold enough? Perhaps

2. Was this a very lucky week and I should just retire now because it won’t get better? Perhaps.

Week 3 Bold Picks:

1. The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in week 3.

Background: This team is struggling to find themselves but if you haven’t take a look at Pete Rogers article (below). I feel confident they will find their way as well. I’m banking it happens a week earlier than most anticipate. I can see Dalton throwing for 2+ TDs, AJ Green getting at least one 50+ yard reception and most importantly their run game starting to gain some tracking against the Packers who limit yards well but are allowing a rushing TD per game.

2. Sam Bradford makes a triumphant return to the Minnesota Vikings in week 3 and throws for 300+ yards and 3+ TD’s against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Background: Sam threw for 346 yards and 3 TD’s against New Orleans and now he faces a Tampa Bay secondary who allowed 301 yards and 1 TD to Mike Glennon. Pending his knee doesn’t pack up and physically jump off his leg, he should be primed for a big week 3.

3. Monday Night Football: Dallas Cowboys rebound from an embarrassing Broncos loss with Ezekiel Elliott rushing for 100+yards AND Dez Bryant receiving 100+ yards against the Arizona Cardinals.

Background: Jason Garrett did not hold back calling out the team for a lackluster effort. They will come out ready to eat the Cardinals (who I think are in for a down year) behind big efforts by Zeke, Dak, the offensive line and Dez Bryant.

4. The 0-2 New York Giants beat the 1-1 Philadelphia Eagles in their inner division matchup in week 3.

Background: The Giants were worse than people realized but Ben McAdoo has taken the entirety of the heat for this allowing his team to work toward improving somewhat distraction free. The other part of this is that people think they have teams figured out for the remainder of the season when they start 0-2 and that underestimation can sneak up on teams. I think the Giants come out with a big effort in week 3 and come away with the win.

5. The Patriots do NOT score a rushing TD this week against the Houston Texans.

Background: I could go on about how the Texans have only allowed 1 rushing TD (and 2 TDs total) through two weeks or how I think JJ Watt, D.J. Reader and Joel Heath will hold the line on goal line stands but that’s not really it. The Patriots had 3 games last year where they did not score a rushing touchdown: Buffalo Bills, NY Jets and San Francisco 49ers. This was because they didn’t get stuffed into a goal line stance, they did all of their damage through the air before it came to that. I think THAT happens in Foxboro next week as the Patriots score their TD’s in receptions without having to utilize their RB’s as they have in the first two weeks.

2017 Report card:

A – 3
B – 2
C – 0
D – 0