NFL
By: Patrick Waring
The Cleveland Browns picked up their first win since December 24, 2016 to start off Week 3 in the NFL. Baker Mayfield, happy fans and free Bud Light.
Take a look at which games and things I’m looking forward to in the rest of this week.
1. No Ties
“Just Win, Baby!” Or lose. After having one tie in each of the first two weeks, I just want to see each game end with a winner and a loser.
2. Green Bay Packers at Washington Redskins
This one hits home for me. The Redskins looked solid against the Cardinals, but terrible against the Colts. They will need to get the run game going and make things uncomfortable for Aaron Rodgers if they want to get their first win at home this season.
3. San Francisco 49ers at Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes has played great in his first two games. He has 10 touchdowns and no interceptions while leading the Chiefs to two wins on the road. Can he keep it going for KC?
4. Run, Run, Run
Speaking of the 49ers, RB Matt Breida came in Week 3 as the NFL’s leading rusher with 184 yards on 22 carries. Which back will gain the most yards this week and who will finish as the leader after three games?
5. Oakland Raiders at Miami Dolphins
Can Chucky get a win? Jon Gruden will attempt to avoid starting 0-3 in his return to coaching. What’s worse than starting 0-3? Starting 0-3 after you traded Khalil Mack.
6. Playoff Chances
I know, I know… the season just started, but seven teams are 0-2. Gruden is not the only coach trying to figure things out in the early part of this season. The Bills, Cardinals, Giants, Lions, Raiders, Seahawks and Texans need to get on the board. Which teams will be 0-3?
7. Los Angeles Chargers at Los Angeles Rams
The battle of LA. The Rams are trying to live up to high expectations this year and have started off 2-0. I would expect Todd Gurley to continue to get a lot of work for the Rams.
8. Run It Back
Special Teams can win games. There have been two punts returned for touchdowns so far this season. Will we see any this week?
9. New England Patriots at Detroit Lions
If active, I want to see what kind of impact Josh Gordon will have in his first game for the Pats. Picked up in a trade from the Browns on Monday, he could quickly become a favorite target for Tom Brady.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I really thought Pittsburgh and Le’Veon Bell would have worked things out by now. But they haven’t and the Steelers are looking for their first win (at least they have one of the ties, right?). Ryan Fitzpatrick has been doing his best to make Tampa Bay fans forget about Jameis Winston’s suspension.
Enjoy Week 3 and let me know what you are looking for. Which games and storylines did I miss?
You can follow me @WaringPatrick and be sure to listen to @NBSSportsHour for more thoughts during the season.
