Pro Football Picks, Week 3

With seven undefeated teams, seven teams sitting without a win and 18 teams split at 1-1, the only certainty two weeks into this NFL season are the injuries to key players that are beginning to take a toll on teams - not to mention fantasy football owners - with playoff aspirations.

This week two NFC East teams, Dallas and Philadelphia, battle to overcome injuries to their signal callers as they play key division games.

Philadelphia quarterback Michael Vick, who suffered a concussion in last week's loss at Atlanta, passed the battery of post-concussion tests and will start this weekend. Dallas QB Tony Romo says his punctured lung has healed, but is still listed as questionable for Monday night's home opener against Washington.

Here are my last-minute picks...

HOUSTON (2-0) at NEW ORLEANS (1-1): Does Texans head coach Gary Kubiak have his team headed for the playoffs? With Arian Foster out for Houston, the passing of QB Matt Schaub will have to carry the load. It's too much of a burden to carry on the road against QB Drew Brees and his crew. Saints 34, Texans 24

NY GIANTS (1-1) at PHILADELPHIA (1-1): The Eagles have Vick back in their arsenal for this key divisional game. The Giants need more from QB Eli Manning but won't get it in this one. Eagles 27, Giants 17

JACKSONVILLE (1-1) at CAROLINA (0-2): Cam Newton has piled up impressive numbers in his first two NFL starts under center for Carolina. This time he gets a stat that really counts. Panthers 35, Jaguars 17

NEW ENGLAND (2-0) at BUFFALO (2-0): Tom Brady and the Patriots are serving early notice that they are for real. Can the Bills and QB Ryan Fitzpatrick keep up? Uh-Uh! Patriots 31, Bills 23

MIAMI (0-2) at CLEVELAND (1-1): With or without running back Peyton Hillis, the Browns have too much at home for the talented but underachieving Fish. Browns 17, Dolphins 9

SAN FRANCISCO (1-1) at CINCINNATI (1-1): A rematch of two Super Bowls, both won by the Niners. This one won't be super, but one team will get its second win. Bengals 14, 49ers 13

DENVER (1-1) at TENNESSEE (1-1): The Broncos play their first game out of the thin air against the suddenly tough Titans. Being an Orange and Blue believer, I hope I'm wrong. C'mon reverse psychology! Titans 26, Broncos 20

DETROIT (2-0) at MINNESOTA (0-2): Who would've ever thought two weeks into this season that the Vikings would be without a win and the Lions would be spotless? Can the Purple People Eaters turn Matthew Stafford and the resurgent Lions into Kitties? Lions 23, Vikings 20

BALTIMORE (1-1) at ST. LOUIS (0-2): Both teams are coming off losses that should have them angry and ready to redeem their professional reputations. The Ravens and Ray Lewis are just better at regaining that angry focus. Ravens 29, Rams 17

NY JETS (2-0) at OAKLAND (1-1): It's always fun when these two franchises get together. The Raiders offense is very good. Can the Silver and Black defense shut down Mark Sanchez and the Jets in one of the better games of the day? Hmmmm. Jets 20, Raiders 19

KANSAS CITY (0-2) at SAN DIEGO (1-1): Someone forgot to remind the Chiefs that it isn't preseason, or even the off season, anymore and they no longer have Jamaal Charles toting the rock for them. They may not even be good enough to take state. The Bolts will strike hard without mercy in this one. Chargers 41, Chiefs 3

ARIZONA (1-1) at SEATTLE (0-2): The Cardinals' last-minute loss at home to the Redskins was tough to swallow. They will take it out on the 'Hawks in front of their fans. Cardinals 23, Seahawks 17

ATLANTA (1-1) at TAMPA BAY (1-1): Quarterback Matt Ryan silenced the home boos last week with a flurry in leading the Falcons' comeback win. This is a tough one to pick, but someone's got to... Falcons 23, Buccaneers 21

GREEN BAY (2-0) at CHICAGO (1-1): It's the Bears and Packers again, or is that the Packers and Bears? Hmmmm, Bears or Packers? Jay Cutler or Aaron Rodgers? Da Bears? Nope. Packers 27, Bears 21

PITTSBURGH (1-1) at INDIANAPOLIS (0-2): In what looked like a sure bet of a battle of unbeaten teams looking at the schedule before the season, both teams are struggling. Only one still has its star quarterback, though. Steelers 28, Colts 10

Monday Night

WASHINGTON (2-0) at DALLAS (1-1): The Redskins have found a way to win a couple of tough games while the Cowboys lost one they should have won and won one they could have lost. It is always fun to watch these bitter rivals play. Will Tony Romo be ready in time for this one? Cowboys 24, Redskins 23

Last week's picks: 12-4

Season: 21-10