As we look into the next week of NFL action, there are some interesting storylines to follow.  As always, 5 games look particularly intriguing to me.  Come on in as I look to continue my undefeated streak.

Last week:  5 - 0

5 must-see games of Week 3:

Jacksonville at Indianapolis:

Jacksonville is coming off an emotional, gutsy shutout win against the Steelers on Monday Night of last week.  The Jags proved themselves to any non-believers that they are one of the best defenses in the league, and a force to be reckoned with.  Their offense struggled a bit, as the Steelers defense played their hearts out to keep the game close.  In the end, we learned that the Jags have the ability to win close games with their defense.  This week they come up against the ultimate test in the Indianapolis Colts.  The Colts are coming off what might as well be a bye week against the Texans, in which they put up 43 points.  Indy’s offense has been clicking, despite an undecided running game that features rookie Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes vying for the starting spot.  Peyton Manning has been nearly flawless and the Colts are still considered to be the top team in the nation, but Jacksonville certainly will have something to say about that.  The Jags will be able to keep this game in the air, but Peyton will still be able to connect.  Expect a big game out of Jags running back Fred Taylor, as the Colts run defense is less than spectacular.  The Colts are at home in this one, which gives them a slight edge.  The Jags don’t have the firepower to keep up in an offensive shootout, so if their defense can make some plays, this game will be close. 

Chuck says: Indianapolis 23, Jacksonville 13.

Chicago at Minnesota:

The Bears have looked impressive in their 2 wins so far this season, putting up a lot of points with an inexperienced offense and shutting teams down with their stifling defense.  The problem is, they played Green Bay and Detroit, arguably the two worst teams in the NFL.  That said, the argument can be made that they did exactly what they should have done, which is win games they should win, and in style.  Minnesota is a more exciting so far, as they have won two very close games against NFC contenders Washington and Carolina.  The Vikes have an underrated defense and a blossoming offense, and with a new coach at the helm, they are coming together quicker than people assumed they would.  The good news for Minnesota is that they are at home.  The bad news is that it’s not cold enough that it would make a difference, and Chicago is a phenomenal road team anyway.  Bears quarterback Rex Grossman will have his biggest challenge so far against this no-name Vikes defense, and I’m expecting he’ll have an average day, nothing to write home about.  The Vikings will not be able to handle the Bears defense, which makes this game entirely about how well the Bears offense can perform.  Expect this to be a low-scoring match, with Chicago squeaking out it’s 3rd W. 

Chuck says: Chicago 14, Minnesota 6.

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh: 

The Bengals are more than thrilled to see Carson Palmer back under center, and he’s looked very good, given the adversity he faced after a major knee injury.  He has responded with two big wins against the Chiefs and the Browns.  This high-scoring offense also features one of the best backs in the league in Rudi Johnson.  They have shown that they haven’t dropped off at all from last year’s energetic squad.  The Steelers are following up a brutally physical game in which they were smothered and shut out by Jacksonville.  They will be coming out to make a statement this week, as Cincinnati has the opportunity to take a choke-hold of the AFC North division.  The Steelers defense, despite losing last week, kept Jacksonville out of the end zone.  They will struggle to do the same against a very talented Cinci offense that has wide receiver Chad Johnson running his mouth about this game already, in true Chad Johnson form.  The Steelers will not be able to handle all of the weapons the Bengals have to offer especially after a draining Week 2 game, but Cincinnati generally gives up a good amount of points as well.  Steelers running back Willie Parker will get back on track this week after a dismal rushing performance against the Jags.  Expect this game to be close and relatively high-scoring, but I like the Bengals to win and put Pittsburgh in a panic mode early. 

Chuck says: Cincinnati 28, Pittsburgh 24.

New York Giants at Seattle: 

For those of you who caught last week’s Giants vs. Philly game, you have to feel that Giants quarterback Eli Manning is really on the rise.  Going into Philadelphia and pulling out an overtime win against a favored division rival is the stuff of legends.  I’m not saying he’s there yet, but it was a big win.  The Giants were exhausted during that entire game and follow it with an even tougher game at Seattle.  The Seahawks struggled in Week 1 against the Lions, and then handled Arizona in a lackluster offensive performance in Week 2.  The Seahawks offense has not done much against two average defenses, which does mean something.  That said, they do still have one of the top 3 running backs in the league in Shaun Alexander.  Seattle also picked up wide receiver Deion Branch in a trade with New England, and his debut is this weekend.  Giants running back Tiki Barber struggled against the Philadelphia defense, but expect him to have a solid day against the Seahawks.  Brandon Jacobs had his second consecutive good outing, making the best of the carries he got, including a touchdown against the Eagles.  He will be featured more and more every week.  The Giants have a chip on their shoulder after having 3 chances to win last year’s game at Seattle.  They will come out pissed-off, and the Hawks defense won’t be able to handle it.  Seattle has a talented offense of their own, including Mr. Dependable Matt Hasselbeck at quarterback.  New York’s defense should be able to handle him, and get another huge win on the road. 

Chuck says: New York Giants 25, Seattle 19.

Atlanta at New Orleans:

The Saints were the feel-good story of this year before the season even got under way, and now that they are off to a 2-0 start, everyone is really getting on board.  And they should be.  With rookie renaissance man Reggie Bush and new quarterback Drew Brees joining the team, New Orleans fans have plenty to cheer about.  Of course, the re-opening of the Superdome doesn’t hurt, either.  This weekend the Saints will have their first home game since Hurricane Katrina all but destroyed it a year ago.  The fans are amped for obvious reasons, and this game should be emotional from the start.  The Atlanta Falcons have been the biggest surprise so far this year, dismantling NFC contenders Carolina and Tampa Bay with ease.  With Michael Vick in perfect health and NFL rushing leader Warrick Dunn in the backfield, the offense has been impressive so far.  More impressive has been the defense, which has yet to surrender a touchdown in 2 weeks so far.  The Saints are out to prove that their performance so far is not a fluke, and a win over Atlanta would certainly justify that.  Expect Drew Brees to have a solid day, he has looked very comfortable behind the Saints line.  Reggie Bush is a difference maker, and will have some highlight plays as usual.  Vick turnovers will be the difference, despite another big day from Dunn, and you have to believe that the Saints have an advantage in an inspirational environment.  The fans will remember this game for years, and I believe the team will give them a reason to. 

Chuck says: New Orleans 21, Atlanta 18.