2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 3
NFL picks and score predictions for Week 3 as the 2021 season rolls along.
Fall is beautiful and football is on the tube. The 2021 NFL season is off and running, and we’ve got our regular batch of weekly NFL picks and score predictions to help you through the upcoming weekend of gridiron greatness.
As you will come to expect on a weekly basis, we’ve got you covered with the Week 3 edition of NFL picks and score predictions. Just as in years passed, I’ll never claim to know what the future holds. As it turns out, odds are high at least a few of my picks will be completely wrong. I will, however, make my selections based on research, experience and careful consideration.
After a meh first week, I shook off the cobwebs with a better effort this past weekend. By the time Week 2 was in the books and my NFL picks had been set in stone, I had mustered a respectable 12-4 record. That brings my overall record on the year to 21-11, which could certainly be worse all things considered.
Just remember that making picks is not a science. Plenty of research goes into it, but there’s no crystal ball — craziness occurs every Sunday. Then again, isn’t that part of the fun of it all?
Now that we’ve gotten all of that out of the way, here are my NFL picks and score predictions for Week 3. Just keep in mind that I assume no responsibility if you choose to place wagers based on my picks — that’s your decision, not mine.
Week 3 Byes: None | All point spreads and odds are courtesy of WynnBet.
Carolina Panthers (2-0) at Houston Texans (1-1)
Thursday, September 23, 8:20PM ET
I don’t know what’s going on. The Houston Texans, a team that everyone had written off before any football had even be played, has been surprisingly competitive this season. I thought this TNF game was going to be a waste of time, but it’s turned out to be a decent matchup.
Despite the Texans’ strong showing so far, I’m still giving this one to the Carolina Panthers. Sam Darnold has done very well for his new franchise, and the return of Christian McCaffrey has been a huge help. While the Panthers don’t exactly boast a dangerous offense, but it’s capable of putting up consistent points.
Furthermore, the Carolina defense has been dangerous. They kept the New Orleans Saints to only five points a week after Jameis Winston threw five touchdowns. It’s clear they’re a defensive unit that deserves respect.
What truly hurts Houston in this one is the status of Tyrod Taylor, who left the Texans’ Week 2 game with a hamstring injury that will likely keep him on the sideline for at least a couple of weeks. If Davis Mills or Jeff Driskel is the starter, the Texans don’t stand a chance. Even if Taylor is available, I’m still thinking Carolina comes away victorious.
Prediction: Panthers win 25-20 | Spread: Panthers (-7.5)