NFL Bold Predictions: NFC South Week 3

Here are two bold predictions for every NFC South team in Week 3.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bucky Irving rushes for 100 yards

Irving hasn’t been great through two weeks – despite clearly surpassing Rachaad White and becoming Tampa’s RB1, he’s rushed for just 108 yards on 3.5 yards per carry through two weeks. And while the Buccaneers’ offensive line is dealing with injuries at the moment, they play the Jets at home this week. They allowed Breece Hall and Kenneth Walker to run for over 100 yards in each of their first two games. I believe Irving will bounce back and do the same.

Egbuka posts his first career 100-yard game

The Jets’ defense has proved vulnerable against the run and the pass so far this season, and the rookie has shown he’s already an integral part of the Tampa Bay offense. Egbuka will also likely line up across mistake-prone CB Brandon Stephens of the Jets, with top corner Sauce Gardner shadowing Mike Evans. Egbuka has the consistent target share to put up big numbers, and this week, he’ll do just that.

Atlanta Falcons: Bijan Robinson rushes for 150 yards

Robinson put on a show against the Vikings last week, rushing for 143 yards. Well, against the Carolina Panthers, he has an even better matchup. The Panthers struggled against Travis Etienne Jr. in Week 1, although they did fare a bit better against James Conner and Trey Benson in Week 2. Well, Robinson is probably the best running back in the NFL, making this a prime opportunity for a huge performance.

Falcons’ defense sacks Bryce Young five times 

The Atlanta defense has already shown its talons, sacking Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy six times in Week 2 and forcing three turnovers. And against the Panthers’ offensive line – which currently is missing Robert Hunt and Austin Corbett to injury – they should be able to put the heat on Bryce Young.

Carolina Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan scores first NFL TD

The Panthers have started 0-2 and could be 0-3 following their clash with the superior Falcons. However, it’s not all negative in Carolina, as first-round rookie Tetairoa McMillan has emerged as a true WR1. He’s already caught 11 passes for 168 yards in his first two games, and against a mediocre Falcons secondary, it’s a good time for him to get into the end zone.

The Panthers allow fewer than 200 passing yards

Carolina has struggled to stop opposing teams from scoring so far this season, allowing 26 points in Week 1 and 27 in Week 2. But they have been able to limit QBs in terms of passing yardage, surrendering just 398 yards through three games. And with the Falcons’ strong rushing attack likely to be the primary focus, the Panthers will limit the damage through the air to a minimum.

New Orleans Saints: Juwan Johnson gains 100 receiving yards

It’s been a surprisingly good start to the season for Johnson, who has 13 catches for 125 yards through two games. If he continues to prove reliable, then the numbers could get even better for Johnson. On the road against Seattle, the Saints should fall behind, meaning they will have to pass the ball. As a result, Johnson could be due for his first 100-yard game of the season.

Rattler throws his first interception of the season

Through two games, quarterback Spencer Rattler has taken excellent care of the football. Though the Saints are 0-2, Rattler has not yet committed a turnover and has looked sharper than I expected. However, on the road against an improving Seahawks defense, I believe that Rattler will throw his first interception, which could prove costly.