# Falcons-Packers predictions and NFL Week 3 picks

> Falcons face Packers in Thursday night game with key QB and defense dynamics
- Title: Falcons-Packers predictions and NFL Week 3 picks · CBS Sports
- Summary: Falcons face Packers in Thursday night game with key QB and defense dynamics Falcons' turnover issues and Packers' passing attack could determine Thursday…
- Keywords: falcons, packers, nfl, michael penix jr, jordan love, bijan robinson, lamebeau field, week 3, nfl week 3 picks, 2-0 teams, seahawks, bengals
- Source: CBS Sports — https://cbssports.com/nfl/news/falcons-packers-predictions-for-thursday-night-plus-nfl-week-3-picks-and-ranking-2-0-teams
- Published: 2026-09-24T16:54:39+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: falcons, packers, nfl, michael penix jr, jordan love, bijan robinson, lamebeau field, week 3, nfl week 3 picks, 2-0 teams, seahawks, bengals
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Falcons' turnover issues and Packers' passing attack could determine Thursday night's outcome