The Packers will open their home schedule against the Falcons on Thursday night, with Green Bay looking to build consistency after a 1-1 start. The Falcons will field their third quarterback in three games, hoping he has recovered from an ACL tear, but the Packers are favoured to win 27-13, according to PFT’s Week 3 picks.
PFT’s selections for Week 3 of the 2026 NFL season reflect the unpredictability of the early weeks, with the forecaster admitting to a 9-7 record last week and a cumulative 19-13 for the season so far. The goal is an undefeated 16-0 slate this week, with the fear of going winless.
The Bills are expected to extend their winning streak in their new stadium against the Chargers, who face the challenge of travelling across the country. PFT predicts a 34-20 victory for Buffalo, citing the Bills’ extra preparation time and home advantage.
Deshaun Watson and the Panthers face a tough game in Cleveland, where PFT doubts Watson will win over the crowd despite the Panthers pulling off a 28-20 win. Meanwhile, the Lions, at home against the Jets, are tipped to upset their visitors 30-22. Aaron Glenn, returning to Detroit as Jets coach, might regret leaving if the upset happens.
In the AFC South, the Texans are favoured over the Colts 20-10. The division’s competitiveness appears diminished this season, making an 0-3 start more damaging than usual. The Patriots, meanwhile, are set to lose 23-16 to the Jaguars, who need a resurgence from Trevor Lawrence after a weaker Week 2 performance.
The Chiefs look set to dominate the Dolphins 27-9 in a game recalling their 1971 marathon, offering little hope for Miami fans. The Giants are predicted to edge the Titans 16-13, with John Harbaugh’s coaching tested by the absence of Titans quarterback Jaxson Dart.
PFT’s picks show little faith in the Steelers without Mike Tomlin, forecasting a 24-14 Bengals win. The Seahawks, coached by Dan Quinn against Washington, are expected to win convincingly 24-7, highlighting the changes since Quinn’s days as Seattle’s defensive coordinator.
San Francisco’s 49ers should continue their strong start with a 30-13 win over the Cardinals. The Buccaneers are projected to avoid a 0-3 start by narrowly beating the Vikings 23-20, which would mark Minnesota as a team to watch early in the season.
In the international game in Brazil, the Ravens are tipped to overcome the Cowboys 34-30, with a sloppy field possibly affecting the outcome. The Saints are expected to edge the Raiders 24-20 in a matchup that PFT hints could resemble a future Super Bowl, though he quickly dismisses that idea.
Denver Broncos are forecast to win a close Sunday night game against the Rams 27-24, helped by home noise and a plan to contain Davante Adams. The Eagles, facing the Bears on Monday night, could have an advantage if Chicago starts Case Keenum, who last threw a regular-season pass in 2023. The pick is a 24-20 win for Philadelphia.
PFT’s Week 3 picks illustrate the ongoing uncertainty of the NFL season’s start, with a mix of expected home victories and potential upsets. The latest predictions set the stage for a weekend of varied outcomes, with several teams under pressure to improve their records.
According to Yahoo Sports.