By Lance Tominaga, ESPN Honolulu Web Editor.
Okay, I’m starting to think that this Kansas City Chiefs team might actually be pretty good. They easily handled the Baltimore Ravens this past Sunday, which brought my week’s record to 4-2. I won’t make that mistake again.
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On to this week’s picks:
♦ INDIANAPOLIS @ CHICAGO: Bears fans in Hawaii – ESPN Honolulu Digital Media Manager Ku‘ulei Agbayani included – are thrilled that Mitch Trubisky has finally been replaced as the team’s starting QB. The Colts, meanwhile, boast the league’s top-rated defense in this early part of the season. This could be a low-scoring affair, which should benefit the visitors. Pick: COLTS
♦ CLEVELAND @ DALLAS: After a miserable season-opening performance, the Browns have bounced back to win two straight. The Cowboys, meanwhile, are 1-2 and need to win this game. Expect receivers Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup to have big games. Even if they don’t, the Cowboys have that Ezekiel guy. Easy choice here. Pick: COWBOYS
♦ L.A. CHARGERS @ TAMPA BAY: Can the dashing young rookie outshine the wily old veteran? Maybe. The Chargers’ Justin Herbert shows promise. He’s only the third QB in history to throw for 300+ yards in each of his first two NFL games. But Tom Brady and the Bucs are starting to show signs of developing into the playoff team we all expect them to be. Pick: BUCCANEERS
♦ MINNESOTA @ HOUSTON: In 2018, the Texans started their season 0-3 and wound up winning nine straight and reaching the playoffs. Well, Houston is again 0-3 – the best winless team in the league – and now is the time for them to make their move. Minnesota, also 0-3, is simply not as good. It might be a long season for Vikings fans. Pick: TEXANS
♦ NEW ENGLAND @ KANSAS CITY: I want to say this is a marquee matchup, but the Chiefs-Ravens was supposed to be a marquee matchup, and Kansas City outclassed the Ravens on Sunday. The Patriots are coming off a solid win over the Raiders, but Patrick Mahomes has too many weapons for the Pats’ defense. This one could get ugly. Pick: CHIEFS
♦ BUFFALO @ LAS VEGAS: It’s still early in the season, of course, but you have to be impressed with the 3-0 Bills. They could have folded last Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, but third-year QB Josh Allen showed poise and gumption in leading Buffalo to a last-minute victory. The Raiders are at home, but they’re also beaten up at receiver, running back, offensive line, linebacker and in the secondary. Pick: BILLS
Last Week: 4-2
Season to Date: 12-6 (.667)
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