NFL Pro Football 2008 Preseason Week 3 Picks early games

NFL Pro Football 2008 Preseason Week 3 Picks

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Fearless Rick's NFL Preseason Week 3 Picks - Early Games

Rick Gagliano | August 21-25

All times Eastern - Click here for late and Monday night games.

THU, AUG 21

San Francisco at Chicago (-3, 37) 8:00 PM Fox Soldier Field - The Bears really could use a win after losing their first two preseason games by a total of 7 points. With the announcement by coach Lovie Smith that Kyle Orton will be the starter when the regular season ensues, the Bears now have settled the most contentious position on their roster. While Orton may not be the ultimate answer, he's probably more accurate than Rex Grossman.

The Bears face a challenge from a revitalized San Francisco team which put a surprising pasting on Green Bay last week, 34-6. Of course, the Packers coughed up the ball 3 times on fumbles and allowed Allen Rossum a 67-yard punt return for the final score of the game. Also, that game was at SF. This will be on the road. The Bears will put up points, but the defense will win this game.

Prediction: Bears 20 49ers 13

FRI, AUG 22

Tennessee at Atlanta (-3, 35) 7:30 PM Georgia Dome - OK, Atlanta was favored last week at home against Indy and they lost. Lesson learned. Don't take the Falcons as a favorite. They are still the bad team they were last season and any improvement is probably months away. Tennessee is a more reliable team, having won both of their games at home. Starters are going to get more reps here, so the advantage is clearly in the Titans favor.

Prediction: Titans 24 Falcons 13

Philadelphia at New England (-2, 36) 7:30 PM Gillette Stadium - Are the Patriots just going to bag the preseason and wait until September to unveil Tom Brady? Brady hasn't played yet and speculation is that he won't see action here either. Suspecting a sore foot as the issue, fans and pundits are itching to see the All Pro QB in action, but the Pat's management and coaching staff is mum on the issue.

That should bode well for the Eagles, who erupted for 24 4th quarter points after being completely manhandled by Carolina's defense for 3 quarters. The Eagles aren't going to be as lucky against the Patriots, however, and New England "surprises" the naysayers with a defensive win. Philly's offense is still too predictable and the Pats should take full advantage.

Prediction: Patriots 20 Eagles 10

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Houston at Dallas (-5, 40) 8:00 PM CBS Texas Stadium - Um, somebody remind me how the Cowboys are going to win the Super Bowl this season. Just in case I've missed something, Dallas hasn't looked very good in two preseason losses (both on the road). Five points for the surging Texans against a natural rival... tell them this game doesn't matter. Houston is a very young, good, hungry squad thinking about making a playoff appearance in '08.

Prediction: Texans 26 Cowboys 24

Green Bay at Denver (-3, 37 1/2) 9:00 PM Invesco Field - Honestly, neither of these teams looks good enough to be considered a playoff contender, though Mike Shanahan does have high standards and the Broncos at least got it done last week against the listless Cowboys while Green Bay was being pounded by those San Francisco upstarts - a team which will be lucky to win 6 games this season. Denver is still a mile high, so give the Broncos an edge in the light air.

Prediction: Broncos 21 Packers 14

SAT, AUG 23

Cleveland at Detroit (-3, 42) 4:00 PM Ford Field - Note the o/u here as the highest yet in preseason and one of three in the 40s. Starters will get more playing time in all games and neither of these teams are noted for upstanding defense, so, the easiest play on the board would seem to be the OVER here. As far as picking a winner, well, the Browns were 10-6 last year and the Lions the opposite of that, plus Cleveland may be able to make a stop or two, or the Lions may not have everyone on the same page.

Cleveland's starting QB, Derek Anderson is out, as is return specialist Joshua Cribbs and Cleveland is 0-2. That should deter even the most skeptical from taking the Browns here, but they have sufficient depth and will win this handily. The Lions have no defense. None.

Prediction: Browns 38 Lions 24

NY Giants at NY Jets (-3, 38) 7:00 PM Giants Stadium - Well, the Giants managed to give away a 30-3 lead, but hold on for a 37-34 win over Cleveland Monday night. The Jets had Brett Favre behind center in Saturday's 13-10 loss to Washington. Does anyone really think the Giants' secondary is going to allow Favre to pick them apart on their own field?

He has done it before, so it would be no surprise and he'll get plenty of opportunities, but the G-Men may have a little more pride and depth than most think, and the Jets may still be working the kinks out of their offense, so I say no. No Jets in the playoffs, no Brett Favre setting records in New York and no more preseason wins for the J-E-T-S.

Prediction: Giants 24 Jets 16

All times Eastern - Click here for late and Monday night games

Copyright 2008, 2009, Rick Gagliano, Downtown Magazine. All rights reserved. Downtown Magazine is located in the Uinted States of America and is not affiliated with the National Football League or the NCAA. For more information, contact us here. Use of this site is for entertainment purposes only.

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