Jon: Last week, after only getting two games right, I once again tied.

This week, I am going for the win against Towerlight newcomer Tyler Beard. I’m avoiding picking the Browns game this week again though because when I didn’t pick them last weekend, Brandon Weeden actually looked passable.

Hopefully, I’ll be able to shed some of my freshman skin by beating a real freshman.

Tyler: I’m Tyler Beard and I’m a freshman from Bel Air, Md. I’m a huge Ravens fan and have been an avid football fan ever since I was little. The reason I wanted to do Punt, Pass and Pick was I’ve always loved watching football games and it happens to be my favorite sport. My goal is to eventually become a sports writer, so this opportunity seemed fun for me. I also love analyzing teams, so it was to make predictions on the NFL games. It should be a good week of football – go Ravens!

New England Patriots +3 at Baltimore Ravens

Jon: Last week, the egos of the Patriots were severely bruised when they lost to Kevin Kolb and the Arizona Cardinals. Not to mention that Wes Welker’s ego was bruised when Julian Edleman started over him. Oh, and Tight End Aaron Hernandez’s ankle was bruised pretty badly, so he’s done for a few weeks. The Ravens should be pretty down too, though, after losing in the final minutes to the Philadelphia Eagles last week, but I expect Ray Rice to want to build off of his 99-yard rushing game last week and roll through the Patriot’s sub-par defense.
Ravens 32, Patriots 28

Tyler: Both teams come off heartbreaking losses and clash together in an AFC Championship rematch. Each team has a 1-1 record, so neither can afford to lose this one. With Tom Brady coming off of a subpar performance, the Ravens will need to keep him pressured throughout the game to force turnovers. The Ravens are also going to give Ray Rice around 20 carries to win this one. Since the Ravens have the home field advantage and are looking for some payback, I see them knocking off the Patriots in a close game.
Ravens 20, Patriots 17

Atlanta Falcons +3 at San Diego Chargers

Jon: Did you guys watch that catastrophe in Atlanta Monday night? If you did, I hope to see your name on a petition wanting to get the replacement refs kicked out. Now to the week at hand, Atlanta didn’t look that great against Denver that night, and almost let them back in the game after Peyton Manning threw three interceptions. Also, Michael Turner’s status could be up in the air after he was arrested for DUI Monday night, so I expect Philip Rivers to capitalize off of his 284-yard, three-touchdown game in the Chargers’ win over the Titans.
Chargers 30, Falcons 20

Tyler: This is a classic AFC-NFC matchup, with two great quarterbacks going against each other. Chargers’ quarterback Phillip Rivers will look to have a good game against a tough San Diego secondary. On the other side, Falcons’ quarterback Matt Ryan looks to improve chemistry with his new star receiver Julio Jones. I’m taking the Falcons in this game because the Chargers seemed to not show up against the better teams in the NFL. The score may make the game look closer than it seems, but I see Atlanta dominating both sides of the ball in this one.
Chargers 21, Falcons 31

New York Giants -1 at Carolina Panthers

Jon: When this season started, I would have expected the point spread on this game to be much larger, in the Giants favor. But after Carolina upset the Saints last weekend, that gap has since closed. Cam Newton isn’t having the best season, throwing only two touchdowns and throwing two interceptions, and DeAngelo Williams scored his first touchdown of the season. The Giants haven’t looked all that good this year outside of Eli Manning, struggling against the Cowboys in Week 1 and the Buccaneers in Week 2. I think Cam can pull another win out at home this week.
Panthers 28, Giants 20

Tyler: If I had told you Carolina would beat the defending Super Bowl Champion Giants at the beginning of the year, I would have been laughed at. But after watching both teams play this week, both have high-powered offenses and the Giants have an awful defense. Panthers quarterback Cam Newton looks to improve his already impressive sophomore year against a struggling Giants secondary. Look for the Panthers to run the ball most of the game, but surprise New York with a couple of deep balls to come away with the win.
Panthers 34, Giants 28

Cincinnati Bengals +3.5 at Washington Redskins

Jon: When Brandon Weeden makes your defense look bad, you’re going to have a bad time. When Robert Griffin the III plays your defense, you’re going to have an even worse time. I’m taking the Redskins by a lot, even with a depleted defense.
Redskins 35, Bengals 10

Tyler: Anyone else on the RGIII bandwagon yet? He’s the most exciting quarterback in the league this year and has every right to be. Griffin has the ability to burn the defenders with his speed, but can also beat them with his great arm strength. The Redskins have finally found a franchise quarterback and they take on a tough offensive squad in the Bengals. Cincinnati receiver AJ Green will give the Redskins a lot of trouble, but I think Washington will beat up on a poor Bengal defense. Look for RGIII to put up big numbers against the Cardiac Cats.
Redskins 27, Bengals 20

Houston Texans -2 at Denver Broncos

Jon: Peyton Manning is on my fantasy team, and he literally and figuratively threw the game for me this weekend with his three interceptions against Atlanta. Arian Foster is off to another great start this year, rushing for three touchdowns and 189 yards in the first two weeks, and Matt Schaub is off to a Matt Schaub-like season with only one touchdown. I think Peyton comes back with a vengeance this week to carry my fantasy team and the Broncos to a victory.
Broncos 21, Texans 17

Tyler: This is easily the game of the week, with two great offenses going at each other. Houston is led by a great running tandem in Arian Foster and Ben Tate, and Denver has the future Hall of Fame quarterback, Peyton Manning. Most people expect this to be a high-scoring game, but I see it being tight and low scoring. Both teams have a great secondary, but I see the Texans coming away with this one. Peyton Manning is a great quarterback, but the Broncos simply lack the run game needed to beat such a tough Texan team.
Broncos 20, Texans 24