Sam's Week 3 Picks: Titans won't go 0-3
NCAA Lock - PENN STATE over Iowa
The Nittany Lions have soundly beaten three lower-level programs (Syracuse, Akron, Temple) and enter Big Ten play 3-0. Daryll Clark will be tested, but the Hawks aren’t going into Happy Valley and winning on national TV.
NCAA Upset - Texas Tech over HOUSTON
In the words of Arrested Development’s Tobias Funke, Houston may have blown its wad already. I just don’t see the Cougars taking down two Big 12 heavyweights in two weeks. I’ll be happy to be wrong here though, as college football needs more mid-major success stories.
NFL Lock - EAGLES over Chiefs
I’m sorry, did you see the monstrosity that was the Chiefs’ offense last week? I don’t care if Kevin Kolb is leading Philly and Brian Westbrook’s banged up, the Eagles are still winning this game. The Chiefs are mired in a bizarre quarterback controversy between eight-figure free agent Matt Cassel and the NFL’s version of Glass Joe (Brodie Croyle). Either way, this cannot bode well for rebuilding KC.
NFL Upset - Titans over JETS
I’m not 100 percent here (well who is with upsets?) but I say Tennessee avoids going playoff-crippling 0-3 and takes out the Jets, who could be in for a letdown game after their emotional rivalry win. Though if the Titans can’t establish Chris Johnson early, New York will be in the driver’s seat. Tennessee isn’t build to play from behind.
The 2 Legit NFL Rankings
1. NY Giants - 2-0 (LW: 1) This week: at Bucs (1-1)
Eli Manning is on the verge of entering the P. Manning-Brady-Brees-Roethlisberger QB tier after his performance in Big D last week. Once Brandon Jacobs gets going, the offense, which now features explosive ex-Wolverine Mario Manningham, will be tough to contain.
2. Baltimore - 2-0 (LW: NR) This week: vs. Browns (0-2)
When is Ray Lewis going to age? The man is a 14-year veteran and made one of the best plays of his career with his game-winning TFL of Darren Sproles. Ravens sport nearly as much balance as the Giants do.
3. New Orleans (LW: 7) 2-0 - This week: at Bills (1-1)
Drew Brees and Co. have 93 points in two weeks and are looking like the ‘07 Pats with a better tight end (Jeremy Shockey). Defense is shaky though. Will be a better-than-expected game in Buffalo this weekend.
4. NY Jets - 2-0 (LW: NR) This week: vs. Titans (0-2)
The other New Jersey team made serious headlines after stifling the Pats defensively. Darrelle Revis looks like the newest shutdown corner.
5. Atlanta - 2-0 (LW: 6) This week: at Patriots (1-1)
Even though Michael Turner hasn’t looked as good, as teams are keying on him this year, Atlanta’s ‘O’ is among the best. Their defense doesn’t scare anyone at present, however. Could be Brady’s rebound game.
6. Indianapolis - 2-0 (LW: NR) This week: at Cardinals (1-1)
Peyton Manning added another chapter to his legacy Monday night by beating the Dolphins with less than 15 minutes on the field. I still rate him as the No. 1 QB due to consistency, but we’ll see how potent the passing game is without No. 2 WR Anthony Gonzalez.
7. Pittsburgh - 1-1 (LW: 2) This week: at Bengals (1-1)
The Steelers’ run-game woes don’t look to be going away with Willie Parker running like Shaun Alexander circa 2007. Rashard Mendenhall will likely get more carries this week.
8. Minnesota - 2-0 (LW: NR) This week: vs. 49ers (2-0)
Their defense is just too tough and won’t give Frank Gore close to the same running lanes Seattle did. The Shaun Hill-led 49ers will fall back to Earth this week.
