NFL picks

Season: 3-6; last week: 3-6

Did I ever say I was better at college picks than NFL? Well, I am. If you followed me last year, you would know that. Welp, here's to better picks this week in the unpredictable NFL.

Chargers (1-1) at Bills (2-0), 1 p.m. CBS
The undefeated Bills are the surprise of the season so far. They edged the Bears in OT on the road in Week 1 and then crushed Miami last week at home. The Chargers come in flying high off a home win over defending champion Seattle. In Week 1, San Diego fell late on the road at Arizona. This could be the year Buffalo turns it around and makes some noise, but I like the Chargers in this one.

Chargers 22, Bills 20

Redskins (1-1) at Eagles (2-0), 1 p.m. FOX

Yes, the Redskins looked great last week in a blowout of the Jaguars and Kirk Cousins might actually be better at QB than Robert Griffin III, who hurt his ankle and is out for several weeks. It could be better for Washington in the long run. Redskin fans shouldn't get too excited over a blowout of Jacksonville, though. Some perspective is nice. The 'Skins lead the league in total defense right now but Washington has faced two mediocre offenses in Houston and Jacksonville. The Eagles in Philadelphia will be a much bigger test. The Eagles offense has scored 34 and 30 points in two games this year.

Eagles 27, Redskins 20

Texans (2-0) at Giants (0-2), 1 p.m. CBS

The Giants appear to be a hapless mess like they were at the beginning of last season when they started 0-6. New York could not even beat Arizona last week, which had Drew Stanton starting at QB because of an injury to Carson Palmer. Houston is looking revived under new coach Bill O'Brien with wins over Washington and Oakland. Still early, but Houston should be at least around a .500 team. The Giants have had a tough time so far against tough defenses in Arizona and Detroit and Houston's is formidable, too. 

Texans 27, Giants 17

Vikings (1-1) at Saints (0-2), 1 p.m. FOX

The Vikings crushed the Rams in Week 1 but then the AP scandal hit and they were crushed at home last week vs. the Patriots. Going on the road to the Superdome to face what is likely an angry and desperate New Orleans is not the best medicine for what ails Minnesota. The Saints could easily be 2-0, with a three-point loss to the Falcons and a two-point defeat to the Browns. I expect the Saints offense to get back on track at home and have a very good game and the defense should look better, too, after a rough couple weeks.

Saints 31, Vikings 20

Titans (1-1) at Bengals (2-0), 1 p.m. CBS

Cincinnati looks fantastic so far, not something you usually say about the Bengals, even in recent years of 10-6osh Bengals teams. But it is true, with a seven-point victory at Baltimore (after being up 15-0) and a 14-point win at home over Atlanta. Cincy looks like one of the best in the AFC. Tennessee looked great at Kansas City in Week 1 but then came out flat in its home opener vs. Dallas.

Bengals 28, Titans 17

Packers (1-1) at Lions (1-1), 1 p.m. FOX

I think this is going to be a very good game. Green Bay had an impossible assignment in Week 1 at Seattle and came out slow last week at home vs. the Jets, but recovered in time for a 24-17 win. Detroit is going to be looking to get back on track, especially on offense, after losing 24-7 at Carolina last week. Calvin Johnson was held to six catches for 83 yards. At home, I expect the Lions to look more like the team that opened the season with a 35-14 home win over the Giants. I like Green Bay in a tight one.

Packers 31, Lions 30

49ers (1-1) at Cardinals (2-0), 4:05 p.m. FOX

San Francisco inexplicably gave up a two-score lead last week to the Bears in the home opener for its shiny new stadium. Arizona has a comeback win over the Chargers and a dumping of the hapless Giants on its resume. Carson Palmer is still out for the Cardinals so I think the 49ers should get back on track, but I still expect a pretty close game.

49ers 26, Cardinals 16

Broncos (2-0) at Seahawks (1-1), 4:25 p.m. CBS

Denver has looked beatable in the first two weeks, winning by seven over the Colts and Chiefs. Seattle will be back at home where it is a better team and will be looking to embarrass the Broncos again, just like they did in the Super Bowl last year. Picking against Seattle at home is often a losing proposition.

Seahawks 30, Broncos 24

Steelers (1-1) at Panthers (2-0), 8:30 p.m. NBC

The Panthers defense has been great so far and the Steelers haven't mustered much offense in the final half vs. the Browns and the entire loss last week at the Ravens.

Panthers 24, Steelers 10

Bears (1-1) at Jets (1-1), 8:30 p.m. ESPN

Chicago came back in the final quarter last week at San Francisco to avoid an 0-2 start. The Jets looked like they were on their way to a 2-0 start over the Packers but the defense gave up a lead in the second half. This game will be good, I believe, and will come down to the Bears defense. The Jets have the best running game so far in the NFL and the Bears, suspect on 'D,' need to be able to stop it. 

Bears 23, Jets 21

Cowboys (1-1) at Rams (1-1), 1 p.m. FOX

Whether Dallas has to go against St. Louis No. 2 QB Shaun Hill or No. 3 QB Austin Davis hopefully shouldn't matter. The defense has looked improved so far this year and has essentially given up just three TDs combined to San Francisco and Tennessee. One TD San Fran scored was defensive and another was an INT return that got the Niners inside the five. So hopefully the Dallas defense keeps

up its nice play and the Cowboys keep deciding to run the ball. Last week, DeMarco Murray racked up 167 rushing yards. St. Louis has the 29th-ranked rushing defense right now so the Cowboys would be smart to go after that weakness. Murray had his breakout game against the Rams in 2011 when he piled up 253 yards. Also, Tony Romo has been limited this week in practice and many believe his back is still bothering him. Keeping him upright should be a priority and running the ball will increase those chances. I would feed Murray early and feed him often until the Rams can prove they can stop him. Then supplement him with play action and Romo rolling out. But mostly, keep it in Murray's hands. That should be the key to topping St. Louis and moving to 2-1.

Cowboys 24, Rams 13