I, like the San Francisco 49ers, experienced a bounce back performance in week 2 of the NFL season. After going an even 8-8 in Week 1, I improved to a respectable record (here) in Week 2. Let's look at the season so far, and then get into some Week 3 picks.
Season Record: 19-13
49ers Picks Record: 1-1
Best & Worst Picks of Week 2
My Best Pick: 49ers 38 - Jets 12
Final Score: 49ers 31- Jets 13
My Worst Pick: Vikings 23 - Colts 13
Final Score: Colts 28 - Vikings 11
Week 3 Predictions
Dolphins @ Jaguars (-2.5) - Feisty Fins keep this one close, but the mustached magician makes it happen. Jaguars 31 - Dolphins 26
Texans @ Steelers (-3.5) - Texans are fading fast, Steelers win this one easily. Steelers 27 - Texans 15
Titans @ Vikings (+2.5) - No one likes the Vikings offense or defense as of late, Titans grind this one out. Titans 19 - Vikings 17
Bears @ Falcons (-3.5) - The 2-0 Bears are as fraudulent as they come, but Atlanta can't expose that. Bears 23 - Falcons 20
Raiders @ Patriots (-6.5) - New England has its hooks into Newton, Cam continues to impress. Patriots 30 - Raiders 26
Bengals @ Eagles (-6.5) - Zac Taylor has no business being an NFL coach. Eagles 35 - Bengals 20
Washington Football Team @ Browns (-7.5) - Sack machine WFT murders Mayfield. WFT 33 - Browns 20
Rams @ Bills (-2.5) - The West keeps winning, in dramatic fashion on a last second FG. Rams 27 - Bills 24
Jets @ Colts (-10) - Jets are the worst team in football. Enjoy the snack, Defo. Colts 29 - Jets 3
Panthers @ Chargers (-7) - Panthers stunk with McCaffery, without him they're completely doomed. Chargers 23 - Panthers 17
Lions @ Cardinals (-5.5) - The West keeps winning, again. Cardinals 47 - Lions 13
Cowboys @ Seahawks (-4.5) - Dak and company expose a truly poor Seahawks defense. Cowboys 44 - Seahawks 31
Buccaneers @ Broncos (+6) - No Sutton, No Lock, Broncos got no chance. Buccaneers 23 - Broncos 9
Packers @ Saints (-5.5) - Both imposters, but one is much better at home. Saints 27 - Packers 21
Chiefs @ Ravens (-2.5) - A great game that ends in controversy. Chiefs 23 - Ravens 21
49ers @ Giants (+4)
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Why SF Wins: Despite the devastating losses of Week 2, the 49ers actually seemed to be moving in the right direction on the field. It could have just been the poor performance of the NY Jets, but either way, the 49ers dominated on both sides of the ball. The defensive line limited the run game while putting just enough pressure on the QB to make it uncomfortable to operate. Through 2 games the 49ers have allowed 18.5 ppg, good enough for 7th best in the league. If the 49ers defense can keep getting after the QB while limiting the running game, it has a chance to make the game very difficult on 2nd year QB Daniel Jones. This should be a task made easier with star RB Saquon Barkley and prominent WR Sterling Shephard both missing the game due to injuries. On offense, the 49ers must feed the hot hand of RB Jerick McKinnon while allowing QB Nick Mullens to take some chances with the ball. In 2018, Mullens displayed the ability to come in as a backup and win some football games. The 49ers will continue to do so if they get the ground game going, trust Mullens with the ball, and keep the Giants one-dimensional on offense.
Why SF Loses: The Giants are playing good football on the defensive side of the ball. Heading into Sunday's matchup, the G-men are ranked fifth in the league allowing only 326 yards per game. It has only been 2 games, but the Giants have taken on the image of their hard-nosed rookie head coach Joe Judge. The Giants can gain a huge advantage if they can successfully attack CB Ahkello Witherspoon and get into his head. If the 49ers fail to cover well, they will suffer greatly. The 49ers pass rush will not be there like it has been. Nick Bosa is out for the year and there's a good chance DE Dee Ford may miss this game as well. If the 49ers allow Jones a clean pocket, he can do heavy damage to the 49ers' secondary. On defense, the Giants have to focus on stopping the run game. This may be easier than anticipated, as both RBs Raheem Mostert and Tevin Coleman appear likely to miss some time. Stopping the run game will put the game completely on Mullens' shoulders with a not-so-stellar cast of pass catchers currently available. The Giants will win this game if Daniel Jones can play like a star while their defense forces Nick Mullens to try and keep up.
Prediction: This game will be much tougher for the 49ers than anyone originally expected. Kyle Shanahan is going to have to put forward his best effort to try and make magic with this depleted roster. The Giants' punishing brand of football may make life difficult for an already battered and bruised 49ers team. As much as the 49ers will have to fight and claw for this one, they have the better 53-man roster and the better coaches on the sidelines. Expect some theatrics, but SF will come out of MetLife on top once again due to a late game stand where LB Fred Warner makes a humongous play. 49ers 24 - Giants 20