Around The NFL The perception of a player can change from week to week or even game to game and that has been the case with Tony Romo this past week. After his horrendous week 1 miscue where he temporarily thought he was playing for the Jets and threw a great pass to Darrelle Reavis, the best thing that could have happened to him was breaking his ribs and puncturing his lungs. It sounds weird saying and typing it but just for the simple fact he did break his ribs and punctured his lungs and then returned to the game to lead the Cowboys to victory and avoid the dreaded 0-2 hole speaks volumes. That sequence of events has now elevated him from “inconsistent Quarterback who just can’t seem to figure it out” too “warrior willing to do whatever it takes to win a game”. Going forward, game killing interceptions like he had in the Week 1 opener will be less scrutinized. Let’s see how Romo performs against division rival Washington Redskins on Monday Night.

Speaking of the Redskins there matchup with the Cowboys will be their first big test of the season. After starting the season 2-0 with wins against the Giants and Cardinals, we get a chance to see if they are for real with their matchup against the Cowboys who many have picked to go to the Superbowl. The Redskins are not the only team looking to elevate their status too elite. The surprising Detroit Lions head to Minnesota for a matchup with division rival Vikings. The Vikings have been struggling and are doing just enough to lose the game. In their first two games against the San Diego Charges and Tampa Bay Bucs, they jumped out to early leads but have been unable to hold on to the lead. Now the Chargers and Bucs are no slouches and the Vikings did present problems to both of those teams. Will this week be the week the Vikings put it together or will the Lions stick a fork in them? I personally expect the Lions to continue roaring and crush the Vikings on the road.

Game of the week will be AFC East matchup between the New England Patriots and the upstart Buffalo Bills. Many are expecting the Patriots to dominate this matchup but I’m telling you right now the Bills are going to present a ton of problems for the Patriots. As it stands right now the Buffalo Bills are ranked #1 in rushing yards per game. The New England Patriots have a history of not being able to stop the run and I don’t see them shutting down Fred Jackson who is currently averaging 6.5 yards a carry. The Patriots pass defense has been one of the worse in the league over the last few years and Ryan Fitzpatrick is now coming into his own. He is currently owns the 6th best QB rating in the league. The biggest problem for the Bills I see though is stopping New England’s dynamic offense which is ranked number 1 in the league after amassing 1126 yards in their first two games. The Bills gave up 35 to Jason Campbell and the Raiders; I can only imagine what Tom Brady is going to do.

WEEK 3 Picks

Houston at New Orleans: The Texans are good, just not good enough to beat the Saints at home. Winner: SAINTS

NY Giants at Philadelphia: If Vick does not play Kafka should be the starting QB. Winner: EAGLES

Jacksonville at Carolina: Cam Newton looks and sounds hungry; this week will be his first victory as a Panther. Winner: PANTHERS

New England at Buffalo: I like the Bills, but this is the Patriots were talking about. Winner: PATRIOTS

Miami at Cleveland: A little after 4pm, Eastern Standard Time, the Dolphins will be 0-3. Winner: BROWNS

San Francisco at Cincinnati: Tim Hightower should have another strong running game. Winner: BENGALS

Denver at Tennessee: Let’s see if Matt Hassleback can stay hot. Winner: TITANS

Detroit at Minnesota: Megatron, Suh, Bradford and company are going put a hurting on the Vikings. Winner: LIONS

Baltimore at St. Louis: Ravens get up after laying down against the Titans Winner: RAVENS

NY Jets at Oakland: Sanchez will have a turnover but the Jets will still win Winner: JETS

Kansas City at San Diego: KC just might have the worst team in the league Winner: CHARGERS

Arizona at Seattle: Seattle might have the second worst team in the league Winner: Cardinals

Atlanta at Tampa Bay: Tough start to what was supposed to be a promising season. Winner: FALCONS

Green Bay at Chicago: How many times will Cutler get sacked? When will Forte get paid? Winner: PACKERS

Pittsburgh at Indianapolis: The Colts go as Peyton Manning does and he is out indefinitely Winner: STEELERS

Washington at Dallas: How much longer can Rex look efficient? Winner: COWBOYS

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