So last week I went one for three on my upset predictions, picking the Bengals over the Broncos, Dolphins over the Texans and Falcons over the Eagles. The Falcons were the only team that won. There were some upsets that weren't predicted though, the biggest one being the Titans defeating the Ravens by a score of 26-13. There are more interesting matchups to keep an eye on and here are the three teams I'm picking to be upset this week.
NFL Week 3 Upset Watch For Buccaneers, Cowboys and Jets
The Jets, Cowboys and Buccaneers are on upset watch this weekend.
Where: Tampa Bay
Spread: Buccaneers by 1.5
Why:
Even though both the Falcons and Buccaneers have a 1-1 record at this point and the Buccaneers are playing at home, I don't think they'll beat the Falcons. The Falcons offense, led my Matt Ryan, clicked when it mattered last week against the Eagles and they'll carry that momentum into Sunday's game against their division rivals on the road. The Buccaneers will also be facing Falcons running back Michael Turner, ranked sixth in the NFL in total yards with 214 right now, with the No. 31 ranked rushing defense. In an effort to stop Turner and the running game they could open things up for Roddy White and Julio Jones. Of course this isn't a huge upset since the Buccaneers are only favored by a point and a half.
Where: Dallas
Spread: Dallas by five
Why:
This has almost everything to do with injuries -- and the fact that the Redskins have looked solid so far this season. Tony Romo is recovering from a broken rib and punctured lung suffered last week in a win over the San Francisco 49ers. He's not the only Cowboy that is currently working through injuries, though. Miles Austin, Dez Bryant and Felix Jones all didn't practice on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Redskins have looked impressive on their way to a 2-0 record with wins over the Giants and Cardinals. If the Cowboys were healthy I'd pick them to win the game at home, but seeing that the majority of their offense is pretty banged up I can't. If these injuries, especially Romo's, slow the Cowboys down just a little, the Redskins will go 3-0 to start the season.
Where: Oakland
Spread: Jets by 3.5
Why:
The Oakland Raiders are 1-1 and would have been 2-0 if it wasn't for the last minute heroics of a very good Buffalo Bills offense. Darren McFadden, the Raiders running back, has looked great so far this year and has been leading the offense. Meanwhile, the Jets have yet to get their running backs, Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson, going. The Jets are better at passing the ball than the Raiders but if they can't stop McFadden, just like the Bills and the Broncos couldn't, it may not matter. I know that the Bills and Broncos defenses are nothing like the Jets defense but McFadden is better than most running backs. Furthermore, historically the Jets aren't too terribly good when they play in Oakland. Since 1985, the Jets have gone 3-8 when playing in Oakland. 2011 is a different year so their history in Oakland probably doesn't matter but I still wouldn't be surprised to see the Raiders defense their home turf and come out with a win.
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