NFL Predictions: Week 3 Picks and Hot Takes
By Joe Wedra
San Diego Chargers at Indianapolis Colts, 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday, CBS
This seems like a no-brainer, right? The Chargers, sans Keenan Allen and Danny Woodhead with a shaky defense, battling against a desperate 0-2 Colts team that is fighting desperately to stay relevant in the AFC. How could this one go any differently?
That’s the question I asked, and still am asking, when picking the Colts to run away with this win. It all makes sense – a desperate team wins a home game to keep their hopes of a 2016 rebirth alive, while the road team with limited upside struggles after a cross-country trip. The storyline is sound! Indianapolis is far from perfect, but their ability to score points remains. The attack may not be as lethal without Donte Moncrief, but weapons are still there to put up very good numbers against this San Diego defense. By all means, this is Indy’s game to lose.
But the Chargers have life, albeit one on support. Melvin Gordon should have opportunities. The receivers on the edge should have chances to cash in on deep balls against the Indianapolis secondary. Philip Rivers, if given the time, can sling it. Those factors combined, also taking into account the absolute ridiculousness of the NFL, make me nervous about this pick.
When it seems too good to be true, it usually is in the National Football League. Sure, the Colts should win. But are they really good enough to get it done?
Chargers surprise Colts, defeat Indianapolis without stars on offense, 24-23.