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Falcons-Packers predictions and NFL Week 3 picks
Falcons face Packers in Thursday night game with key QB and defense dynamics
In brief
Falcons face Packers in Thursday night game with key QB and defense dynamics Falcons' turnover issues and Packers' passing attack could determine Thursday night's outcome Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Falcons-Packers preview
Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. returns after ACL injury, but team has turned the ball over seven times in two games. Packers' Jordan Love could dominate with 239+ passing yards.
“The Falcons' QB situation has been a nightmare this year and they'll be hoping Penix can fix that.”
Falcons' turnover problem
Falcons have turned the ball over seven times in two games, two more than any other team. Stopping turnovers is critical for their playoff hopes.
“They've turned the ball over a total of seven times through two games, which is two more than any other team.”
Packers' passing attack
Packers' Jordan Love threw for 387 yards in Week 1 and could dominate with 239+ passing yards against Falcons.
“The Packers' rushing attack has been virtually non-existent without Josh Jacobs.”
Falcons' offensive strategy
Falcons need to get Bijan Robinson going to reduce pressure on Penix and open up their passing game.
“If they can get Robinson going, that will take a lot of pressure off of Penix, which should help open up Atlanta's passing game.”
NFL Week 3 picks
Seven experts predict Packers win over Falcons with scores ranging from 23-13 to 27-17.
“We're all picking the Packers to win. I feel like that never ends up working out well for us.”
Bengals' defense
Bengals defense has recovered four fumbles in Week 1 and held opponents out of the end zone in Week 2.
“In Week 1, the Bengals defense recovered four fumbles. In Week 2, they held C.J. Stroud and the Texans out of the end zone altogether.”
Seahawks' QB situation
Sam Darnold could return for Seahawks against Commanders after injury, with Drew Lock starting if Darnold is out.
“I think we'll make a decision at some point before Friday's over. I don't think we'd go into the weekend not knowing if he's going to play.”
Panic meter ranking
Commanders lead panic meter with franchise quarterback out indefinitely and defense getting shredded.
“Franchise quarterback out indefinitely? Check. The defense is getting shredded, especially in the secondary. Check.”
Undefeated teams
Seahawks and Bengals rank highest among 2-0 teams with strong defenses and offensive capabilities.
“Not only is Seattle 2-0, it won both games with Drew Lock at quarterback in relief of an injured Sam Darnold.”
NFL Week 3 predictions
Bengals favored to beat Steelers with strong defense and Steelers' offensive struggles.
“The Bengals haven't defeated the Steelers by at least four points since 2022, but I think it happens on Sunday.”
Falcons' 0-2 status
Falcons are 0-2 with a 5.5-point underdog status against Packers.
“Atlanta hasn't won a game at Lambeau Field in 18 years, so it probably won't surprise you to hear that the Falcons (0-2) are a 5.5-point underdog to the Packers (1-1).”
Packers' rushing attack
Packers' rushing attack has been virtually non-existent without Josh Jacobs, averaging 64.5 yards per game.
“Green Bay is averaging an NFL-worst 64.5 rushing yards per game through two weeks.”
Falcons' passing game
Falcons' passing game has struggled with poor defense, surrendering 239 passing yards per game.
“Through two weeks, the Falcons are surrendering an average of 239 passing yards and two touchdowns per game through the air.”
Seahawks' defense
Seahawks defense has been strong with Drew Lock starting in place of injured Sam Darnold.
“Not only is Seattle 2-0, it won both games with Drew Lock at quarterback in relief of an injured Sam Darnold.”
Bengals' defense
Bengals defense has been strong with Dexter Lawrence and Joe Burrow.
“A big reason for the optimism is the play of Cincinnati's re-vamped defense (that includes former Giants Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence) that has complemented Joe Burrow and the team's high-flying offense.”
Bengals' playoff chances
Bengals have strong defense and offense, but face Steelers in Week 3 with high stakes.
“The Bengals haven't defeated the Steelers by at least four points since 2022, but I think it happens on Sunday.”
The main idea
Falcons' turnover issues and Packers' passing attack could determine Thursday night's outcome
