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Free Week 3 NFL Pre-Season Predictions

Its week THREE of the 2009 NFL preseason and we pick and preview three of the top matchups in the NFLX season…

NFL Preseason Week Three Preview

The third week of the NFL 2009 preseason kicks off this Thursday with games scheduled all weekend long. The best thing about the 3rd preseason game is that most teams will play their starters into the 3rd quarter. These games should give us some indication of how close or how far a team is from being ready for the season opener in a little more than two weeks.While you cannot always bank on it, but if a team’s starters look really good or really bad in this game, that performance is likely to carry over at least into the 1st week of the regular season.

Here is a preview of three of the more intriguing match ups in week 3.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Philadelphia Eagles (-7.5) current over/under 37

Thursday August 27th

Lincoln Financial Field 7:00 P.M.

While there are some interesting sub plots to this game, this one made the list in anticipation of Michael Vick returning to action for the first time after spending almost 2 years in prison for dog fighting. Head coach Andy Reid has been rather vague on what role Vick will play, but I would imagine we will only see a taste of what might be planned for when the games count for real. The fact that QB Donovan McNabb is completely onboard with this arrangement will only makes it that more exciting to see what they come up with. Also, keep an eye out for a possible return of RB Brian Westbrook as he was not listed as definitely out of the game. As for the Jaguars they are still trying to find themselves as they have been inconsistent on both sides of the ball in their first two preseason games. The one bright spot for them last week was WR Troy Williams who scored on their first play of the game on a 74 yard pass from QB David Garrard. I would look for them to try and exploit the Eagles’ secondary which has already been burnt a few times this year. I’m going with the Jaguars to keep this one close and cover the 7.5.

Free Jaguars vs. Eagles Pick:

Take the over 37 as this one has the potential for some big plays so the points should add up quickly.

N.Y.Jets @ N.Y. Giants (-3.5) current over/under 37

Saturday August 29th

Meadowlands 8:00 P.M.

Bragging rights for the” best NFL team in New York City (and North Jersey) before the season starts” is on the line in this one. Jets new head coach Rex Ryan is reportedly close to naming rookie QB Mark Sanchez as his starter for the regular season despite his rough start last week against the Ravens. This game should be a good measuring stick for Sanchez as to whether or not he is ready to fill the role. The Giants on the other hand are completely set at QB, as Eli Manning recently signed one of the biggest contracts in NFL history. The question mark for this team remains at wide receiver as they are still looking for someone to step up and fill the #1 spot vacated by Plaxico Burress. They have several candidates including rookie Hakeem Nicks and Domenik Hixon, but no one has yet to really separate themselves from the field. After a poor performance last week against the Bears, I expect the Giants to play this game with enough intensity to win going away.

Free Jets vs. Giants Pick:

Take the Giants -3.5, but stick with under 37 in this one.

Chicago Bears @ Denver Broncos (-2.5) current over/under 38

Sunday August 30th

INVESCO Field 8:00 P.M.

In a Sunday night tilt, Chicago Bears QB Jay Culter returns to Denver to play against his old team. Even though this is only a preseason game with nothing on the line, something tells me that Cutler would like nothing better than to put on a show for the fans at the expense of the Broncos and first year head coach Josh McDaniels. Last week against the Giants he threw for two quick TDs in his first three possessions shaking of the rust he showed in his first game against Buffalo. Broncos counterpart at QB, Kyle Orton also gets a shot at his old team but I do not expect him to have the same results as Cutler. He did look better last week against Seattle, but something tells me that the Bears defense is not about to make things real easy on him.

Free Bears vs. Broncos Pick:

I look for Chicago to roll as 2.5 road dogs, but the total will still stay under 38.

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By Dave Schwab

David Schwab is a regular contributor to the Cappers Picks Blog. While not cheering for his beloved Philadelphia Eagles David can be found working on his blog at www.eaglesinc.com. David wants to hear from you so please comment below.