NFL Week 3 Picks: Beware the Inevitable

“Avengers: Endgame” marked the climax of the first grand set of movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It wraps up the Infinity Saga, covering 11 years and 22 films. (Editor’s note/hot take: “Endgame” should have won the Oscar for Best Picture). Bear with us–this relates to our Week 3 NFL picks.

One of the film’s most repeated lines is delivered twice. Thanos (played by Josh Brolin), in dialogue with various members of the Avengers team, says “I am inevitable.” It has become a meme, used by anyone who brags about an outcome that might have been in doubt but really wasn’t.

Here’s the thing: Anyone who uses the meme is missing the plot. Thanos dies just after saying the line each time. Thor went for the head, then Iron Man snapped him into oblivion. Yes, Thanos dies twice. Trust me, it makes sense.

The lesson: If something seems inevitable, it’s not. After scouring the odds, here are some “inevitable” things to pivot away from with our picks for week 3 of the NFL season.

The Kansas City Chiefs are 1-1 and have scored 37 points in two games. Patrick Mahomes is averaging a pedestrian 6.6 yards per attempt. They are far from in full form despite still being Super Bowl favorites.

Week 3 presents a challenge from the Bears. The Bears are not good. They are 0-2 and let Baker Mayfield look like a No. 1 overall pick. Mayfield is on his third team in 10 months.

Defensively, the Chiefs have been impressive. They have held Detroit and Jacksonville to a combined 23 offensive points, and 319.5 yards per game. Chris Jones is back and is already wrecking fools.

It’s dangerous to bet against a Mahomes offense, but it should not be assumed that they will “get back on track.”

The Play: Chicago vs. Kansas City Under 48.5 (-115 at FanDuel)

The New England Patriots have beaten the New York Jets 14 straight times. The last Jets QB to beat the Patriots? This guy.

Current Jets’ QB Zach Wilson has been a favorite Bill Belichick punching bag. Wilson is 0-4 vs New England, with a passer rating of just over 50.

Fortunately for Wilson, he doesn’t have to face the Jets front seven. The likes of Quinnen Williams, Quinton Jefferson and John Franklin-Meyers will look to feast on a Patriots offensive line that appears to have “matador” as a line audible.

Hi, I’m a Mac, and…

The Play: New York Jets +3 vs. New England (-110 at Caesars)

Oh, Arizona. You were there. You led 28-7 in the third. Then you tried to remember if you drove or took the bus to work. Before you knew it, the Giants kicked a game-winning FG. That’s not what you want.

But dang it, you tried. A gutty effort against a playoff team. You proved you’re a team no one wants to play.

Unless you’re Dallas.

Arizona allowed more than 300 yards passing to a receiving corps that included Jalin Wyatt, Isaiah Hodgins and Parris Campbell. Ceedee Lamb will be licking his chops, especially with Cardinals safety Budda Baker now on IR.

The Play: Dallas -12 at Arizona (-110 on DraftKings)

The Packers have covered two closing underdog numbers in the first two weeks. It was nearly two wins outright, but they blew a 12-point fourth-quarter lead in Atlanta. This week, Green Bay is a narrow home favorite against the Saints, who have struggled to put away Tennessee and Carolina. T’s and P’s to those of you who had to settle for the push on Monday.

While there is no real trend for or against road teams coming off a Monday night road game, there is no reason not to feel comfortable riding the Packers yet again. Aaron Jones had a week to get healthy, and Jordan Love has been one of the league’s best surprises through two weeks.

The Play: Packers -2 vs. New Orleans (-110 on FanDuel)

Does it look like C.J. Stroud’s playing for 2024?

Houston is 0-2, with two double-digit losses. But Stroud has shown something. More than 600 yards, two touchdowns, and no turnovers in two games.

This week they face Jacksonville, who is coming off a disappointing loss to the Chiefs. They scored nine points and gained just 271 yards of offense.

This is a “get right” game for the Jags. But they have yet to show they can be trusted to cover a big line.

PLAY: Houston +9.5 at Jacksonville (-110 on BetMGM)

Week 2: 3-2

Season: 6-4