NFL 2008 Week 3 Picks

Thrill-seekers are addicted to their hobby or suicide mission for one thing only -- the immeasurable and limitless rush of adrenaline that surges through their body like a Rocky Mountain river after a thunderstorm. They live for that moment and are willing to risk a limb, brain wave, or their life as long as they experience that exhilarating rashness.

Some of them sky dive. Others bungee jump. There are even some who religiously ride death-defying roller coasters. You will find others who dive off cliffs into water they can't see when their feet leaves the edge. There's even a few brain-deficient folks who enjoy rounding up rattlesnakes.

I watch the NFL.

Week 2 was anchored by a mountain of emotions, and you could savor the explosive taste of unanticipated victory and heart-smashing defeats. Eight teams came from behind to win last Sunday, and they were as diverse as those who snag catfish by noodling.

The hapless Niners found their smile by defeating the 'Hawks in Seattle. Washington stunned the Saints. Green Bay swallowed up the Lions in what seemed like seconds. The visiting Bills shocked the Jags. Carolina finally won one at home by slipping past Chicago. Indianapolis pulled a "Houdini" in the Metrodome by leaving with a W. In Denver, the Broncos literally robbed the Chargers of a victory. And, Dallas triumphed over the Eagles in a battle that will go down as one of the most thrilling clashes of the ages.

It was like no other week I have ever witnessed in quite sometime as an NFL fan.Week 3 is right around the corner so stay indoors this Sunday and strap yourself down.

• Kansas City Chiefs (0-2) at Atlanta Falcons (1-1): CBS, 1pm EST - When you're ranked 31st in run defense, you really don't want to face a RB like Falcons speedster Michael Turner. Add to the mix that KC is starting second-year QB Tyler Thigpen on the road, and you simply get nauseous.
• Oakland Raiders (1-1) at Buffalo Bills (2-0): CBS, 1pm EST - For the first time in over two decades, the Raiders posted a 300-yard rushing attack last week vs. the Chiefs. That will be virtually impossible to repeat with Justin Fargas and McFadden nursing injuries. The biggest difference between these two teams is that Buffalo plays with passion.
• Houston Texans (0-1) at Tennessee Titans (2-0): CBS, 1pm EST - Hurricane Ike heaped destruction upon the city of Houston and the effects that has played on the Texans is not yet known. Obviously, football comes last in these type of situations so it won't be any surprise if rustiness is present, and the mental edge is a bit dull. This Titans defense is simply tenacious right now.
• Miami Dolphins (0-2) at New England Patriots (2-0): CBS, 1pm EST - Something tells me that a 22nd-straight regular season win isn't a far reach for the Patriots vs. a Miami team that is quite soft right now.
• Cincinatti Bengals (0-2) at NY Giants (2-0): CBS, 1pm EST - Bengals QB Carson Palmer has never faced the Giants. He'll want to quickly forget them after this blood bath.
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-1) at Chicago Bears (1-1): FOX, 1pm EST - Spread the news! Chicago has found a running game thanks to rookie RB Matt Forte. Ex-Bears Brian Griese knows what kind of intimidating defense he's facing, but the edge goes to Kyle Orton who has won his last eight starts at home and is 9-1 overall in Soldier Field.
• Carolina Panthers (2-0) at Minnesota Vikings (0-2): FOX, 1pm EST - Alterations have been made already in Minnesota as Tavaris Jackson has been benched in favor of Gus "Journeyman" Frerotte. RB sensation Adrian Peterson is nursing a sore hamstring and may not be available either. Carolina has come from behind in each of their first two game, but probably won't have to this time.
• Arizona Cardinals (2-0) at Washington Redskins (1-1): FOX, 1pm EST - They faced an efficient Giants offense in the first week of the season which embarrassed them. Then, they clashed with a more potent Saints offense last week, and barely escaped with a win. This week, Washington faces a lethal squad in Arizona of all places led by none other than a healthy Kurt Warner.
• Detroit Lions (0-2) at San Francisco 49ers (1-1): FOX, 4:05pm EST - If you follow Detroit's line of thinking, a loss to the Niners Sunday will probably mean a contract extension for Matt Millen.
• St. Louis Rams (0-2) at Seattle Seahawks (0-2): FOX, 4:05pm EST - It's like an epidemic that has rarely, if ever, been seen before. Six of Seattle's seven WR's are out with injuries for undetermined amounts of time. So, they had to go out and sign two free agents and trade for a third just to give them some starters. It shouldn't matter though as the Rams are ranked 32nd in pass defense.
• New Orleans Saints (1-1) at Denver Broncos (2-0): FOX, 4:05pm EST - These are two very talented and solid teams each led by head coaches who attended Eastern Illinois. The Saints secondary is battered by injuries, and that is not good news facing this Broncos offense that is ranked 2nd in passing. Denver is playing gutsy and on a roll.
• Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0) at Philadelphia Eagles (1-1): CBS, 4:15pm EST - Oh, this is good. This intra-state rivalry consists of two teams that are convincing from head to toe. QB Donovan McNabb is looking better than he has in three or four years and has this offense clicking. Ben Roethlisberger is nursing a sore shoulder so look for Pitt to rely on the run vs. the #1 ranked rush defense.
• Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2) at Indianapolis Colts (1-1): CBS, 4:15pm EST - No matter who has the ball in this AFC South matchup, the defensive line should have the advantage due to both offensive lines banged up with questionable depth. This could make running the ball a bit difficult so that would lead to quick short passes. Advantage: Manning.
• Cleveland Browns (0-2) at Baltimore Ravens (1-0): CBS, 4:15pm EST - It appears that the Ravens have found their next leader in rookie QB Joe Flacco who should find success in leading this offense vs. this dilapidated Browns defense. Baltimore has had an unscheduled two-week break due to Ike and should be rested.
• Dallas Cowboys (2-0) at Green Bay Packers (2-0): NBC, 8:15pm EST, Sunday Night - There is no other place to be Sunday night except in front of your television as Dallas visits Lambeau Field where they are 0-5 in franchise history. QB Aaron Rodgers will be facing a fast and aggressive defense as he faces he first true test of his young career. Green Bay is looking good and has history on their side.
• NY Jets (1-1) at San Diego Chargers (0-2): ESPN, 8:30pm EST, MNF - If you are looking for a follow-up to last week's thriller, you might find it in southern California. Jets QB Brett Favre (that still doesn't look right) is 5-0 vs. San Diego and thrives on the national stage. The Chargers might be without LaDainian Tomlinson, but Darren Sproles is having a terrific year so far. Enjoy.

STANDINGS

Mark Schlereth: 11-4, 21-10

Chris Mortensen: 9-6, 20-11

Eddie Chinn: 11-4, 20-11

Ron Jaworski: 10-4, 20-9 -- *Jaworski calls MNF and does not predict that winner

Mike Golic: 11-4, 19-11 -- *Golic called the last MNF in Week 1