top of page

Week 3 NFL Game Previews: Early Games


Photo courtesy of Robert Robinson @badasskidsent

New Orleans Saints (1-1) vs. Atlanta Falcons (1-1)


Preview

After a dismal offensive performance in the regular season opener, the Falcons are coming off a 31-point effort against the Panthers thanks to Tevin Coleman’s 6.7 yards per carry and the emergence of rookie receiver Calvin Ridley. It’s an understatement to say the Saints have been inconsistent throughout the first two weeks, as they’ve given up 48 points to Tampa Bay in week 1 and scored just 18 points against the Browns. They’ll face what could be a high flying Falcons offense if Steve Sarkisian can get the play calling together.


Players to watch

Alvin Kamara leads a running back corps that has disappointed throughout the first two weeks. He’s averaging 3.6 yards per carry, and will have an opportunity for a big game against a Falcons defense allowing 5.2 yards per rush. Marcus Williams could have a big game against Matt Ryan, who’s completing only 62% of his passes. On Atlanta’s side of the ball, it will be interesting to see if Calvin Ridley continues to expand his role in the offense. He’s had a slow start to his rookie season, but last week caught 4 balls for 64 yards and a touchdown. Also for the Falcons, Wes Schweitzer is replacing injured Andy Levitre at left guard. Schweitzer will face a deep and athletic defensive front from the Saints.


Keys to the game

New Orleans Saints

  • Establish the run game against a weak run D

  • Intercept Matt Ryan

  • Get the ball to Michael Thomas in the red zone

Atlanta Falcons

  • Stay balanced and creative on offense

  • Continue to spread the ball around

  • Fill in holes from injured players


Injury list

New Orleans Saints

  • Ted Ginn Jr., WR - Knee (Questionable)

  • Manti Te’o, LB - Knee (Out)

  • Tyler Davison, DT - Foot (Out)

  • Andrus Peat, G - Ankle (Questionable)

  • Terron Armstead, T - Knee (Questionable)

Atlanta Falcons

  • Devonta Freeman, RB - Knee (Out)

  • Takk McKinley, DE - Groin (Out)

  • Derrick Shelby, DE - Groin (Out)

  • Corey Nelson, LB - Calf (Out)

  • Julio Jones, WR - Hamstring (Questionable)


Top 5 Fantasy Players

  • Michael Thomas, WR

  • Julio Jones, WR

  • Alvin Kamara, RB

  • Matt Ryan, QB

  • Drew Brees, QB


Prediction

This will be a high scoring game that comes down to which defense can create a key turnover or stop late in the game. Matt Ryan will find success after last week’s bright performance, against a Saints defense that gave up 450 passing yards and 4 touchdowns to Tampa Bay. The Saints offense will also find success, against an Atlanta defense giving up more than 5 yards a carry this year. Marcus Williams intercepts Matt Ryan to seal the game for the Saints.


Final Score: Saints, 34, Falcons, 27


Written by: Blake Hymel




Green Bay Packers (1-0-1) vs. Washington Redskins (1-1)


Preview

The Redskins had two wildly different performances to start the season, soundly thumping the Cardinals in week 1 but presenting a disappointing offensive performance against the Colts in week 2. Meanwhile, despite being hobbled by a knee injury, Aaron Rodgers has played two extremely impressive games against some very difficult defenses. The strong suit of both of these teams is their offense, and both will have questions that need to be answered.


Players to watch

Aaron Rodgers’ knee has reportedly gotten a bit worse this week, so he will have to tough it out if Green Bay is to have a shot. Washington’s defense has played extremely well, albeit against the Cardinals and Colts, but they will have to take it to the next level against this offense. That starts with Ryan Kerrigan and Matthew Ioannidis up front. Linebacker Oren Burks returns for the Packers, and he will have to shut down running back Chris Thompson. The Redskins will also have to rely on Thompson’s running mate Adrian Peterson to control the ball and keep Rodgers off the field.


Keys to the game

Green Bay Packers

  • Contain Chris Thompson

  • Protect Rodgers AT ALL COSTS

  • Establish play action

Washington Redskins

  • Get Peterson going

  • Find someone to play receiver

  • Pressure Rodgers


Injury list

Green Bay Packers

  • Oren Burks, LB - Shoulder (Questionable)

  • Davon House, CB - Biceps (Questionable)

  • Josh Jones, S - Ankle (Questionable)

  • Kevin King, CB - Groin (Out)

  • Aaron Rodgers, QB - Knee (Questionable)

Washington Redskins

  • Troy Apke, S - Hamstring (Out)

  • Zach Brown, LB - Oblique (Questionable)

  • Maurice Harris, WR - Concussion (Questionable)

  • Shawn Lauvao, OG - Calf (Out)

  • Paul Richardson, WR - Shoulder/Knee (Questionable)


Top 5 Fantasy Players

  • Aaron Rodgers, QB (GB)

  • Chris Thompson, RB (WAS)

  • Davante Adams, WR (GB)

  • Jimmy Graham, TE (GB)

  • Jordan Reed, TE (WAS)


Prediction

While Washington’s strengths (strong receiving backs and tight ends, good linebacker play, efficient QB) match up well against Green Bay, there is simply too much talent on the Packers to overcome. Rodgers and Co. played an extremely impressive game against the vaunted Vikings defense, and I don’t see how the Redskins could have better success. Meanwhile, if the Redskins can’t run the ball better than they did last week they will have no chance of winning this game.


Final Score: Packers 30, Redskins 20


Written by Alexander Amir




Indianapolis Colts (1-1) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (1-1)


Preview

Welcome back Carson Wentz! Backup Nick Foles has played far below his Super Bowl 52 level, and it’s about time that the Eagles get their star back. Even so, their defense showed a significant amount of vulnerability last week against the FitzMagic-led Bucs. The Colts had a nice victory over Washington last week but still lack the talent to compete with the top teams in the league. The Eagles shouldn’t have too much trouble, but Andrew Luck is always a threat to put up some points.


Players to watch

Obviously, Carson Wentz will be under the spotlight in his first game back since week 14 of last season. If he shows lots of rust the Colts could make the game close. Corey Clement will likely be the starting running back and will take on the duties of both Jay Ajayi and Darren Sproles. Colts linebacker Darius Leonard had a hell of a week against Washington and will be tasked with slowing down Clement. Philly corner Ronald Darby has been excellent, and he can shut down Andrew Luck’s top weapon in T.Y. Hilton. The Eagles linebackers and safeties will have to figure out a way to slow down Jack Doyle and Eric Ebron, the dual tight end attack of the Colts.


Keys to the game

Indianapolis Colts

  • Make Philly one dimensional

  • Get a running game going

  • Protect against the 4-man rush

Philadelphia Eagles

  • Strong linebacker play

  • Keep Wentz comfy

  • Control pace of play


Injury list

Indianapolis Colts

  • Denico Autry, DT - Ankle (Out)

  • Anthony Castonzo, OT - Hamstring (Out)

  • Jack Doyle, TE - Hip (Out)

  • Marlon Mack, RB - Hamstring/Foot (Out)

  • Hassan Ridgeway, DT - Calf (Out)

  • Quincy Wilson, CB - Concussion (Out)

  • Clayton Geathers, S - Knee/Elbow (Questionable)

  • Chris Milton, CB - Concussion (Questionable)

Philadelphia Eagles

  • Jay Ajayi, RB - Back (Out)

  • Darren Sproles, RB - Groin (Out)

  • Alshon Jeffery, WR - Shoulder (Questionable)

  • Jason Peters, OT - Quad (Questionable)

  • Kamu Gruier-Hill, LB - Groin (Questionable)

  • Corey Clement, RB - Quad (Questionable)


Top 5 Fantasy Players

  • T.Y. Hilton, WR (IND)

  • Corey Clement, RB (PHI)

  • Nelson Agholor, WR (PHI)

  • Carson Wentz, QB (PHI)

  • Andrew Luck, QB (IND)


Prediction

The Eagles are one of the most complete teams in the league. Even if Foles was starting I would pick them to win this game. I do believe that last week was a fluke, but even so, the Colts don’t nearly have the weapons that the Buccaneers do. Their offensive line may not hold up against the deep, talented defensive line of the Eagles, and their secondary has too many questions to protect against Carson Wentz. As long as Philly doesn’t get complacent, they should get this win.


Final Score: Eagles 28, Colts 17


Written by: Alexander Amir




Buffalo Bills (0-2) vs. Minnesota Vikings (1-0-1)


Preview

This could easily be the biggest one sided matchup of the entire season, as no team wants to play this defense in Minnesota. The Vikings have only lost one game at home since the start of the 2017 season. Furthermore, the Buffalo Bills have looked like one of, if not the least talented team in the league. They are currently 0-2, the offense is ranked 31st overall, and the defense has allowed the most points over the first two weeks of the season. With the Viking offense rolling after a 480 yard performance against the Packers, I expect dominance on both sides of the ball from the 2018 version of the Purple People Eaters.


Players to watch

Kirk Cousins put on a clinic last week in Green Bay, totaling 425 yards and 4 touchdowns; look for the Vikings signal caller to not skip a beat from week 2 to week 3. The WR duo of Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen are a deadly combo and Bill’s star DB Tre'davious White can’t cover ‘em both! Minnesota will also be looking to establish the run with Latavius Murray who’s filling in for the Injured Dalvin Cook. Bills rookie quarterback Josh Allen is going to have his hands full playing against an elite defense that features players like Sheldon Richardson on the D-line and Xavier Rhodes and Harrison Smith in the secondary.


Keys to the game

Buffalo Bills

  • Get Shady McCoy going

  • Limit the turnovers and rookie mistakes from Josh Allen

  • Don’t give up the big plays to Kirk Cousins

Minnesota Vikings

  • Eliminate the Bill’s run game

  • Force Josh Allen to make throws

  • Establish the run game


Injury list

Buffalo Bills

  • Ray-Ray McCloud III, WR - Knee (Questionable)

  • Taiwan Jones, RB - Head (Questionable)

  • Taron Johnson, CB - Shoulder (Questionable)

  • Phillip Gaines, CB - Elbow (Questionable)

  • LeSean McCoy, RB - Ribs (Questionable)

  • Shaq Lawson, DE - Hamstring (Out)

Minnesota Vikings

  • David Morgan, TE - Knee (Out)

  • Marcus Sherels, CB - Ribs (Out)

  • Kentrell Brothers, LB - Suspension (Out)

  • Everson Griffen, DE - Knee (Out)

  • Dalvin Cook, RB - Hamstring (Out)

  • Mike Boone, RB - (Questionable)


Top 5 Fantasy Players

  • Kirk Cousins MIN

  • Stefon Diggs MIN

  • Adam Thielen MIN

  • LeSean McCoy BUF

  • Kyle Rudolph MIN


Prediction

This is going to be as much of a one sided affair as we’ve seen in a long time in the National Football League. The Buffalo Bills depleted their roster this offseason in order to draft their quarterback of the future in Josh Allen. With one big gaping hole of an offensive line, a severe lack of talent at the wide receiver position, and an aging Shady, the Vikings defense will have their way with the Bills offense. Expect Allen to struggle, Cousins to flourish, and Dalvin Cook to receive a heavy workload, especially once Minnesota is up multiple scores.


Final Score: Minnesota Vikings, 35, Buffalo Bills, 17


Written By: Jack Bourgeois




Oakland Raiders (0-2) vs. Miami Dolphins (2-0)


Preview

The Dolphins are off to a very surprising 2-0 start and have secured the number one spot in the AFC East. On the other hand, their opponent the Oakland Raiders are 0-2 after a very slow start. In the Dolphins two wins their Ndamukong Suh-less defense, which has been bolstered by several key additions, have managed to be the fourth best in the league in points per game allowed, best in passer rating against and tied for most interceptions. Their offense has been helped by the improved play on the offensive line which has helped both Ryan Tannehill and it’s skill-positions flourish. The Raiders have led at halftime in both of their games but have not been able to finish. Both sides of the ball have shown flashes of brilliance like, Carr and Coopers brilliant performance against the Denver defense and the first-half battering of the Rams offense. Will both sides of the ball be able to sync up and pull of a win?


Players to watch

If Dolphins’ Kiko Alonso and their stout rush defense can contain Marshawn Lynch they will have to find other ways to score. Jordy Nelson has not done much this season but should have a coming out party with Reshad Jones potentially missing this game. The man down in Miami’s defensive backfield should also help Carr and Cooper pick up where they left off in their game against the Broncos. The Raiders and Derrick Johnson, who have allowed the second most rushing YPG at 154.0 on average, will have the daunting task of taking down speedy back Kenyan Drake, who will have to get going if the Dolphins want to win. Ryan Tannehill will have his chance to shine against newly starting safety Erik Harris, who will have a daunting task of keeping the semi-hot quarterback at bay.


Keys to the game

Oakland Raiders

  • Utilize Carr’s ability

  • Try to get Marshawn Lynch Involved

  • Get the most out of Cooper

  • Stop Drake

Miami Dolphins

  • Protect Tannehill

  • Attack Carr

  • Feed Drake in run & pass game

  • Stop Lynch


Injury list

Oakland Raiders

  • Nick Nelson, CB - Hamstring (Questionable)

  • P.J. Hall, NT - Ankle (Out)

Miami Dolphins

  • Reshad Jones, S -Shoulder (Questionable)


Top 5 Fantasy Players

  • Kenyan Drake

  • David Carr

  • Amari Cooper

  • Kenny Stills

  • Ryan Tannehill


Prediction

The travel, devastating loss from week 2, and stout Dolphins defense will be far too much for the Raiders to handle. Tannehill and his newly improved offensive line will be able to thwart any defensive attempts by the Raiders and Kenyan Drake will prove to be too much for the Raiders slower linebackers. Miami at home will be just too much for the jet-lagged raiders flying across the U.S.


Final Score: Miami Dolphins, 27, Oakland Raiders 17


Written By: George Haraktsis




Denver Broncos (2-0) vs. Baltimore Ravens (1-1)


Preview

The Baltimore Ravens looked like world beaters in their week 1 matchup versus the Buffalo Bills, but things didn’t go so well for the Ravens in week 2. The Ravens were absolutely torched by Andy Dalton and A.J. Green in the first quarter of last week’s Thursday night game versus the Bengals. The Ravens never recovered from the deficit, and the Bengals cruised to an easy victory. The Broncos on the other hand have looked fairly solid over the first two weeks of the season. In week 1, Denver outpaced the Seahawks at home in a 27-24 affair. They then went on to have a nice comeback victory versus the Raiders in week 2. Denver will try to use their balanced offensive attack to overwhelm the Ravens this week.


Players to watch

With the way things have looked early in the season, Emmanuel Sanders seems to have the best relationship with the Broncos’ new quarterback, Case Keenum. I look for Sanders to take advantage of the Ravens’ pedestrian cornerback play, and he should have a big game. I am also intrigued to see how the Ravens will attack Phillip Lindsay on the ground. Lindsay has shown the ability to make plays on the ground and in the air already this season. Bradley Chubb will have a breakout game as well due to the fact the Ravens will have to focus on protecting Flacco from Von Miller. For the Ravens, Javorius Allen will be heavily involved, mostly because they will be down in the game and have to pass the ball. If Joe Flacco wants to move the ball, he will have to rely on John Brown to make some big plays as well.


Keys to the game

Denver Broncos

  • Establish the run

  • Let Thomas and Sanders work the corners

  • Pass rush has to get to Flacco

Baltimore Ravens

  • Get the ball to John Brown

  • Stop the run

  • Make a play on special teams


Injury list

Denver Broncos

  • Jared Veldheer, OT - Concussion (Questionable)

  • Brandon Marshall, LB - Knee (Questionable)

  • Adam Jones, CB - Thigh (Questionable)

  • Dymonte Thomas, S - Abdomen (Questionable)

Baltimore Ravens

  • Hayden Hurst, TE - Foot (Out)

  • Willie Henry, DT - Abdomen (Out)

  • CJ Mosley, LB - Knee (Questionable)

  • Michael Pierce, DT - Foot (Questionable)

  • Matthew Judon, LB - Hamstring (Questionable)

  • Ronnie Stanley, OT - Elbow (Questionable)


Top 5 Fantasy Players

  • Emmanuel Sanders, WR (DEN)

  • Demaryius Thomas, WR (DEN)

  • Phillip Lindsay, RB (DEN)

  • John Brown, WR (BAL)

  • Javorius Allen, RB (BAL)


Prediction

Denver’s defense will be too much for Baltimore. Bradley Chubb will have a big game, as I suspect that the Ravens’ offensive line will slide their protection towards Von Miller for most of the night. In order to be effective, Joe Flacco will have to find John Brown in the medium to long passing range which will require time that he will not have. Case Keenum may not be one of the top quarterbacks in the league, but he is capable of putting up points in bunches with Denver’s weapons. Baltimore was just torched by Andy Dalton, so getting torched by a better offense is not far-fetched.


Final Score: Denver 31, Baltimore 20


Written by: Jake Leicht




Cincinnati Bengals (2-0) vs. Carolina Panthers (1-1)


Preview

Riding their best start since a 12-4 campaign in 2015, the 2-0 Cincinnati Bengals travel to Charlotte for a battle with the Carolina Panthers. Carolina is coming off a barnburner game in Week Two that saw the Atlanta Falcons eke out a 31-24 victory, and they’re looking to bounce back. The Bengals, meanwhile, are looking to continue the hot stretch they’re on, as this is the first of two straight games against the NFC South (they play Atlanta in Week Four). Not only that, but the AFC North could very well be up for grabs, and Cincinnati wants to (hopefully) end the long suffering curse of one-and-dones under Marvin Lewis in the playoffs.


Players to watch

It’s another quarterback battle, as Cam Newton and Andy Dalton will attempt to carry their teams to a victory. Look for Dalton to feed AJ Green whenever he can, and after last week’s showing against Baltimore, it only takes one move to score (he did it three times). For Carolina, DJ Moore scored his first touchdown last week, and he’s hungry for more chances. Both sides have formidable front sevens, with Cincinnati using Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap, while Carolina boasts Kawaan Short, Dontari Poe, and Luke Kuechly. Both defenses are tough; it remains to be seen which one will have that “bend, don’t break” mentality.


Keys to the game

Cincinnati Bengals

  • Feed AJ Green when open

  • Establish a running game

  • Make Cam beat you with his arm

Carolina Panthers

  • Run the ball

  • Put pressure on Dalton

  • Double Green in plus territory


Injury list

Bengals

  • Preston Brown, LB- Ankle (Questionable)

  • Michael Johnson, DE- Knee (Questionable)

  • Billy Price,, C- Foot (Out)

  • Joe Mixon, RB- Knee (Out)

  • Vontaze Burfict, MLB (Suspended)

Panthers

  • Greg Olsen, TE- Foot (Out)

  • Damiere Byrd, WR- Knee (Questionable)

  • Donte Jackson, CB- Groin (Questionable)

  • Da’Norris Searcy, S- Concussion (Out)

  • Curtis Samuel, WR- Chest (Out)

  • Trai Turner, G (Out)


Top 5 Fantasy Players

  • Andy Dalton, QB (CIN)

  • AJ Green, WR (CIN)

  • Cam Newton, QB (CAR)

  • Christian McCaffrey, RB (CAR)

  • DJ Moore, WR (CAR)


Prediction

The Bengals are a tough opponent when they’re hot, yet the Panthers are a tough opponent on their field. Non-conference matchups, while not all that important, can eventually come back to haunt the loser in a tie-breaking scenario. Last season, the Panthers only lost one game at Bank of America Stadium, and that was to the Saints in Week Three. This game will come down to a final drive, and they will not succeed. Carolina give the Bengals their first loss of the season.


Final Score: Carolina 25, Cincinnati 16


Written by: Joe Carlino




New York Giants (0-2) vs. Houston Texans (0-2)


Preview

While both team's records don’t indicate this is a big matchup-it is an important one. After stumbling into the season, the Giants and Texans will be looking to turn things around before they find themselves in a hole too big to dig out of to get back into the playoff picture. New York needs to find a way to get their offense going, they have too much talent for them not to produce points. Houston has to find a way to get going early in games, the past two weeks they found themselves having to fight back in games. It could be a fun one as well, tons of talent will be on the field.


Players to watch

Odell Beckham Jr. had a solid first game of the year, but was missing last week. Overall he has been quiet this year. I feel like this is the game that he has an opportunity to blow up and be the fun OBJ we are used to seeing. Landon Collins and Janoris Jenkins need to step up their game, otherwise DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller will be a problem. After seeing the Giants offensive line’s performance in the first two weeks, maybe this is the game that J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney have a field day on the opposing quarterback.


Keys to the game

New York Giants

  • Protect Eli

  • Contain Deshaun Watson

  • Establish the run

Houston Texans

  • Pressure Eli

  • Get a fast start on offense

  • Don’t let OBJ beat you


Injury list

New York Giants

  • Eli Apple, CB - Groin (Out)

  • Olivier Vernon, LB - Ankle (Out)

Houston Texans

  • Sammie Coates Jr., WR - Hamstring (Questionable)

  • Keke Coutee, WR - Hamstring (Questionable)

  • Jordan Thomas, TE - Hip (Questionable)

  • Kayvon Webster, CB - Achilles (Out)


Top 5 Fantasy Players

  • Odell Beckham Jr., WR (NYG)

  • DeAndre Hopkins, WR (Hou)

  • Saquon Barkley, RB (NYG)

  • Lamar Miller, RB (Hou)

  • Deshaun Watson, QB (Hou)


Prediction

This is the perfect game for the Giants offense to finally find some rhythm. The Texans defense has been underwhelming thus far, OBJ will have more open lanes for Eli to throw through and Barkley should have space to do some magic in. Houston has the capabilities to make this a shootout, their offense can score and New York’s defense has been far from impressive. This comes down to the end, and Eli finds a way to help the Giants walk away with a win.


Final Score: Giants, 31, Texans, 27


Written by: Cody Manning



Tennessee Titans (1-1) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-0)


Preview

The Jaguars won the AFC South last year, but the Titans did win both of their matchups in 2017. Jacksonville will look to continue their strong play and not find themselves too comfortable after a big win versus the Patriots. The Titans found a way to sneak out a win last week, but they need Marcus Mariota to play and show some improvement on both sides of the ball if they want to compete with the Jags. Tennessee knows how to beat the Jaguars, so if they perform at their best then this should be a hard fought AFC South battle.


Players to watch

Regardless of who is the Titans quarterback, they need to find a way to get the duo of Dion Lewis and Derrick Henry going. If those two can make an impact on this game then that will give them a chance to help wear down the Jaguars defense. Harold Landry has a chance to shine since Jacksonville lost LT Cam Robinson for the season. Blake Bortles was very impressive last week and if he continues to play this way then Jacksonville could have a great year. Myles Jack is a big part of making sure Lewis and Henry don’t go off against their defense.


Keys to the game

Tennessee Titans

  • Get RB tandem going early

  • Pressure Bortles

  • No costly turnovers

Jacksonville Jaguars

  • Stuff the run

  • Protect Bortles

  • Establish the run


Injury list

Tennessee Titans

  • Marcus Mariota, QB - Elbow (Questionable)

  • Kamalei Correa, LB - (Questionable)

  • Kendrick Lewis, S - Foot (Questionable)

  • Jack Conklin, OT - Knee (Questionable)

  • David Fluellen, RB - Groin (Out)

  • Dennis Kelly, OT - Illness (Out)

Jacksonville Jaguars

  • T.J. Yeldon, RB - Anke (Questionable)

  • Leonard Fournette, RB - Hamstring (Questionable)

  • A.J. Cann, OG - Triceps (Questionable)

  • Jalen Ramsey, CB - Ankle (Questionable)

  • D.J. Hayden, CB - Toe (Questionable)


Top 5 Fantasy Players

  • Leonard Fournette, RB (Jax)

  • Dion Lewis, RB (Ten)

  • Derrick Henry, RB (Ten)

  • Keelan Cole, WR (Jax)

  • Jaguars D/ST (Jax)


Prediction

Tennessee knows how to beat Jacksonville and this could be a tough divisional matchup, but if Mariota isn’t 100% healthy then the Titans are going to struggle in Duval County. The Jaguars offense has looked solid so far and if they can continue to protect Bortles then they should be able to work the ball up the field. Barring a big drop in play by Jacksonville’s offense, I see the Jags dominating the Titans.


Final Score: Jaguars, 28, Titans, 17


Written by: Cody Manning




San Francisco 49ers (1-1) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (2-0)


Preview

This game is set up to be an interesting one. Both teams are coming off solid wins in week two. The Chiefs come into this one undefeated, lead by the hot arm of quarterback Pat Mahomes. On the other side, the 49ers are 1-1, coming off a very strong performance from running back Matt Breida. This matchup has potential to be either very close or a blowout, depending on how the 49ers show up.


Players to watch

The main man that we will be watching in this one is Mahomes, who is coming off an outstanding 6 TD performance against the Steelers. It will be interesting to see how he fairs against a 49ers secondary that is led by Richard Sherman. For the 49ers, I will be interested to see who ends up being the top target this week between Marquise Goodwin, Pierre Garcon, and Dante Pettis. George Kittle is also a name to watch as Jesse James had a big game against the Chiefs defense that week.


Keys to the game

49ers

  • Find George Kittle

  • Make them beat you on the ground

  • Figure out your #1 receiver (Goodwin, Garcon, Pettis, ect)

Chiefs

  • Ride the hot arm (Mahomes)

  • Eliminate the run

  • Try to get Kareem Hunt going to help passing game


Injury list

San Francisco 49ers

  • Erik Magnuson, T - Hamstring (Out)

  • Joshua Garnett, G - Toe (Out)

  • Marquise Goodwin, WR - Quadriceps (Questionable)

  • Jaquiski Tartt, FS - Shoulder (Questionable)

Kansas City Chiefs

  • Spencer Ware, RB - Knee (Questionable)

  • Eric Berry, SS - Heel (Doubtful)

  • Ben Niemann, LB - Hamstring (Doubtful)


Top 5 Fantasy Players

  • Tyreek Hill, WR (Chiefs)

  • Kareem Hunt, RB (Chiefs)

  • Patrick Mahomes, QB (Chiefs)

  • Jimmy Garoppolo, QB (49ers)

  • Matt Breida, RB (49ers)


Prediction

I believe that Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, and company have another big day in Week 3. I simply don’t see the 49ers having enough answers for this high-powered offense. They will keep it close for a little, but Mahomes will come through in the end. The only hope for them is Garoppolo coming out hot, but I still don’t believe it will be enough, as we saw with Ben Roethlisberger’s performance last week.


Final Score: Chiefs 35, 49ers 21


Written by: Ryan Lippert

0 comments
bottom of page