Week 3 in the NFL is here, and you might be entering the weekend with your own preferences regarding which games to focus on, and which to place on the backburner.
Most of you have your favorites and fantasy players to track. But in case you’re completely neutral or need help breaking ties with regard to what to watch, we’ve ranked all 16 games from most appealing to least enticing.
1. Bengals at Ravens (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS): Cincy could make a huge statement by basically burying the 0-2 Ravens, but that won’t be easy in Baltimore’s home opener. Expect fireworks here.
2. Eagles at Jets (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FOX): It’s possible we could be witnessing the beginning of the end of the Chip Kelly era. And could the Jets start 3-0? They’re favored to do exactly that at home against a Philadelphia team that always entertains.
3. Bills at Dolphins (Sunday, 4 p.m. ET, CBS): A chance to see Tyrod Taylor and the Bills on a large late-afternoon stage in a game that might determine which of New England’s top two challengers has a better chance to competing for the AFC East crown.
4. Chargers at Vikings (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS): Both quarterbacks are fun to watch and both teams should be playoff contenders. Can’t complain.
5. Saints at Panthers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FOX): Carolina could basically bury the Saints, who may not have their future Hall of Fame quarterback for a huge early-season road game.
6. Broncos at Lions (Sunday night, NBC): It’s possible Denver will eke out another unimpressive win with plenty of rest against an 0-2 Lions team. That’s something to watch, and there should be plenty of offense here.
7. Chiefs at Packers (Monday night, ESPN): You just have to watch Aaron Rodgers at the height of his game every chance you get, especially against a quality defense like Kansas City’s. I don’t think this’ll be close, but you never know with the Chiefs.
8. Steelers at Rams (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS): Pittsburgh’s offense is fun to watch and the St. Louis front seven is a thing of beauty. That makes for a fun matchup, provided it doesn’t become a blowout. In St. Louis, the Rams might stick around.
9. Falcons at Cowboys (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FOX): One of these teams will be an extremely unexpected 3-0, especially if it’s the Cowboys sans Tony Romo, Dez Bryant and maybe even Jason Witten. Will be interesting to see if they pull it off at home.
10. Jaguars at Patriots (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS): Check out the art that is Tom Brady right now. Plus, the Jags look like a real football team for once.
11. Raiders at Browns (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS): One of these two frequently laughed at teams will be 2-1. Plus, it could be a fun matchup between two quarterbacks from the oft-criticized 2014 draft class (assuming Cleveland starts Johnny Manziel).
12. Redskins at Giants (Thursday night, CBS/NFL Network): It doesn’t look like either team is going to the playoffs, but both are fun to watch and it’s a good old rivalry.
13. 49ers at Cardinals (Sunday, 4 p.m. ET, FOX): Arizona is trying to strengthen that early grip on the NFC West against a 49ers team that isn’t good but remains entertaining.
14. Colts at Titans (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS): Tune in from time to time to check out the desperate, turmoil-ridden Colts as well as rookie sensation Marcus Mariota. But we rank this low due to the high blowout potential.
15. Buccaneers at Texans (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FOX): Houston is a bad football team and isn’t fun to watch. Same goes for the Bucs, except at least they have some exciting offensive weapons. I’ll glance at this from time to time, but it’s not worthy of much attention.
16. Bears at Seahawks (Sunday, 4 p.m. ET, CBS): Inevitable blowout. Otherwise, tune in late.
