NFL Week Three Features Key Division Games

Week three of the National Football League kicks off with plenty of division games and of course, divisional play equals rivalries and rivalries equal spirited football.

This week especially has some key division games with first-place clubs. Chicago-Minnesota, Jacksonville-Indianapolis, Pittsburgh-Cincinnati and Atlanta-New Orleans on Monday night are ones to watch.

Throw in the Giants-Seahawks and Denver-New England and this has the makings of a pretty fine week for football fanatics everywhere.

There are plenty of excellent games on tap for any football connoisseur, so set back, grab your chips and dip, get your fantasy football sheets out and enjoy the games.

Here's the Corners predictions for week three in the NFL:

Jacksonville at Indianapolis
Should be a real good game between the two powers in the AFC South. The Jaguars defense had a coming out party last week and now the whole world knows how good they are. But the Colts are at home where Peyton Manning is even more deadly. Plus, the Jags had a short week after playing on Monday night. Winner: Colts.

Chicago at Minnesota
After opening with Green Bay and Detroit, the Bears will finally be tested against the Vikings. If Minnesota hopes to win then Brad Johnson must be the man because even with Steve Hutchinson, Minnesota is not going to run on this Chicago defense. If Rex Grossman continues to play hot, look out NFC. Winner: Bears.

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh
Big Ben had a 100 degree fever and was beaten up pretty good by Jacksonville on Monday night. Now comes the rival Bengals into Heinz Field so Roethlisberger must be ready. Cincy has an improved defense and the offense picked up where it left off last season. Willie Parker needs to step up in a big way in this game. The Bengals have marked this game on their calendar ever since Carson Palmer was hurt in the playoffs. Look for the road upset. Winner: Bengals.

New York Giants at Seattle
Eli and the boys come into Seattle on an emotional high after the Eagles gave them the game last Sunday in OT. Unfortunately for the Giants, I don't think the Seahawks will be so kind. Seattle has had problems running the ball but the passing game should pick up with Deion Branch seeing his first action of the season. The Seattle defense has been tough in the early going. Winner: Seattle.

Carolina at Tampa Bay
Two playoff teams from a year ago are in a must win situation already this early in the season. With Atlanta playing New Orleans the loser of this game would fall three games back in the NFC South and most likely end any playoff chances. The Bucs offense has scored only three points and Chris Simms is struggling. The Panthers get Steve Smith back in this game. Winner: Carolina.

New York Jets at Buffalo
Chad Pennington has bounced back from injuries and is having a great start to his season. The Bills are improved under Dick Jauron as evidenced by their dominating performance over the Dolphins in Miami. The Jets need to find a running game because they haven't been able to run effectively so far. Look for Bills back Willis McGahee to have a big game. Winner: Buffalo.

Washington at Houston
At least Brunell doesn't have to master the Al Saunders offense in this game. The Redskins defense will be too much for the Texans to overcome. Winner: Washington.

Baltimore at Cleveland
The Ravens defense is playing like the old Ravens defense when Ray Lewis was a younger man. That spells trouble for the Browns. Winner: Baltimore.

Philadelphia at San Francisco
The 49ers are much better than last season that's for sure, but Donovan McNabb is back in form and the Eagles need to go out and have a great game after last week. Winner: Philadelphia.

St. Louis at Arizona
Yes the Cardinals offense is awesome, but did anybody get a look at their defense? If the Rams are ever going to straighten out their offensive woes, this is the game. Winner: St. Louis.

Tennessee at Miami
They may play to a 0-0 tie. But since it's down in Miami and the Titans really are a bad team, Daunte Culpepper should pick up his first win as a Dolphin. Winner: Miami.

Green Bay at Detroit
As Charlie Brown likes to say, "Ugh." This game will only be watched by true diehard fans. Winner: Detroit.

Denver at New England (Sunday night)
Rematch of the playoff game easily won by Denver. Jake Plummer is struggling and Broncos fans want his head on a silver platter. The Patriots are the most shaky 2-0 team out there, but the revenge factor and home field is on their side. Winner: New England.

Atlanta at New Orleans (Monday night)
The opening of the Superdome should have the Saints and their fans pumped up big time. The problem is the defense must stop Warrick Dunn, Michael Vick and the Falcons running game, which leads the NFL. Still, with all the emotion and pride on the line and Drew Brees at quarterback, the Saints should be able to get the job done. Winner: New Orleans.

Dallas, Oakland, Kansas City and San Diego have byes. Last week the Corner was 13-3 in predictions.


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