My NFL 'Upset' Pick is Titans Over Jets

As we prepare to start the third week of the season, nine of the 32 NFL teams are 2–0. There is one undefeated team in every division — two in the NFC South — and only one game this week features a matchup between two unbeaten teams.

So, theoretically, there could be eight undefeated teams remaining when the week is over. But there are always upsets. Seems to be at least one upset every week.

Identifying the upsets before they happen is the tricky part. Which one will it be this week?

• Cleveland (0–2) at Baltimore (2–0) — I'm pretty certain it won't be Cleveland that pulls off the upset this week. The Ravens were good last year, and they seem to be good this year. Good enough to handle the Browns at home.


• Washington (1–1) at Detroit (0–2) — Someday, perhaps someday soon, Detroit fans will celebrate the victory that snaps the Lions' losing streak. But not this week.


• Jacksonville (0–2) at Houston (1–1) — Jacksonville really hasn't impressed me. Neither has Houston, actually. But the Texans have come closer to impressing me than the Jags, and Houston is at home. I'll take Houston.


• Atlanta (2–0) at New England (1–1) — I'm not convinced that wins over Miami and Carolina (Atlanta's foes in the first two weeks) says the Falcons can beat the Patriots on the road. But the Pats didn't show much muscle against the Jets last week. It's tempting to take Atlanta, but I'll stick with New England.


• Green Bay (1–1) at St. Louis (0–2) — The Packers' season–opening victory over Chicago was impressive. Their loss to Cincinnati was not. There has been nothing especially encouraging for Rams fans in St. Louis' losses to Seattle and Washington. The Rams have been outscored 37–7. I'll go with Green Bay.


• N.Y. Giants (2–0) at Tampa Bay (0–2) — Frankly, I despise the Giants. I'd like to see them lose every game they play. But I can't find even one good reason to pick the Bucs in this game.


• Tennessee (0–2) at N.Y. Jets (2–0) — I'm going to pick the Titans to beat the Jets, simply because I am convinced that Tennessee is better than its record indicates — and New York is worse than its record indicates.


• Kansas City (0–2) at Philadelphia (1–1) — I know the Eagles have problems at the quarterback position. But the Chiefs seems to have problems at every position. Kansas City lost to Oakland last week. That's all I need to know. I'm taking Philly.


• San Francisco (2–0) at Minnesota (2–0) — I think the 49ers are improving. Last month, I predicted they would win their division this year. But it's a weak division. And the Vikings, even though they, too, appear to be in a weak division, are better. As long as Adrian Peterson is healthy, I see no reason to pick against the Vikings in this game. On the other hand, if he gets hurt today, well, the 49ers might have a shot. Since I can't take into account things that haven't happened, I'll take Minnesota.


• New Orleans (2–0) at Buffalo (1–1) — If it wasn't September, picking Buffalo to win at home against Drew Brees and the Saints might be reasonable. But it is September. It might rain in Buffalo, but the temperatures are supposed to be in the 60s. I'll take the Saints.


• Chicago (1–1) at Seattle (1–1) — I have no particular reason for making this pick. I think the Bears will win, perhaps more convincingly than the 1½ points they have been spotted.


• Pittsburgh (1–1) at Cincinnati (1–1) — OK, the Bengals upset the Packers last week. And the Steelers lost to Chicago. The week before that, Green Bay beat Chicago. Sometimes, you can't derive a lot of sense from what happens in the NFL. But one thing I have learned over the years is that it is futile to predict the outcome of one game based on the results of previous games. I think the Steelers are better than the Bengals, and I'll take Pittsburgh to win.


• Denver (2–0) at Oakland (1–1) — I can't say I am persuaded that Denver is that good. But I am persuaded that Oakland isn't very good, and a 13–10 win over the Chiefs didn't tell me the Raiders are getting better. I'll take Denver — unenthusiastically.


• Miami (0–2) at San Diego (1–1) — I honestly cannot understand why the Chargers are favored by nearly a touchdown in this game. OK, I know they're playing at home. But LaDainian Tomlinson will be sitting out his second straight game with a sprained ankle, and his replacement is averaging less than three yards per carry. Is quarterback Philip Rivers capable of carrying the San Diego offense? Against Miami, maybe he is. I'll take the Chargers — but I wouldn't be surprised if Miami manages a win.


• Indianapolis (2–0) at Arizona (1–1) — The Colts' defense had to spend a lot of time on the field in Monday night's 27–23 win in Miami. Now they travel to Arizona to face Kurt Warner and the Cardinals. The Cardinals are picked by 2½ points. I guess that makes sense, but I'll pick the Colts to win.

MONDAY

• Carolina (0–2) at Dallas (1–1) — Well, someone has to win. I think Dallas has the edge at quarterback — and at most of the other positions. The Cowboys are playing at home in their new cathedral. I'll take the Cowboys.

Last week, I went 13–3, same as the week before. My record for the season is 26–6.