Week 3 is here people and in case you didn’t know it’s backup season. After 2 weeks of action we’ve already got 5 teams forced to start backup QBs because of injury. Not to brag but Bick’s Picks started this backup trend last week when Matthew Brady answered the call after my recurring case of sucking at parlays flared up again. Unfortunately Brady’s Parlay of the Day fell just short on its debut week because Mr. Swift got a case of the dropsies at the goalline. On the other hand if you can believe it, Bick’s Picks was actually able to cobble together a winning week. First the Pats got a dramatic win for the Dawgs and the Rams finally took care of business for the Lock. Of course it wasn’t a perfect week though as we somehow managed to pick the one Over that didn’t hit. Honestly that one is probably on me but I find it much easier to blame all the problems in my life on the Eagles so fuck Philly. But as always we’re not here to stress our losses, we’re here to pick winners so let’s get into it.

Life’s Too Short to Bet the Under

Bengals @ Vikings (41.5)

Typically the Over has been kind to us here at Bick’s Picks but so far we couldn’t be more wrong. I thought maybe I’d lost my touch but then I remembered everything is the Eagles fault. After that moment of clarity I started scouring the totals for that low number I just can’t say no to, which brought me here. Now I know what you’re about to say: doesn’t this game feature two backup QBs? Yes it does and I don’t care. Despite both of these teams turning to QB2 this was 41.5 total that felt right. Even without Burrow the Bengals whole team is built around the offense and when thrust into action Jake Browning has proven he can put up numbers. On the other side I’m certainly not gonna hype up Carson Wentz but he should be more competent than what we’ve seen from JJ McCarthy. At the very least Wentz finally gets to throw to Justin Jefferson which should give Philly fans some Jalen Raegor PTSD so that’s neat. I’ll admit this Over comes with some risk but if Jake Browning’s fiance is wearing her iconic white bodysuit we’ll cruise to this total with ease.

Over 41.5 (-115)

Fade Dawgs

Steelers @ Patriots (ML)

Yup that’s right somehow I’m once again hitching my wagon to the Pats. Living a stone’s throw from Gillette Stadium is clearly poisoning my mind because this was the Dawg I liked the most and it wasn’t really close. But I want to be clear this is less a New England thing and more a “man I really wanna see Aaron Rodgers fail spectacularly thing”. I can’t stand the whole guy’s shtick and would love to see him fall flat on his mopey face. I’ll also add I did like the resiliency Vrabel and company showed against the Dolphins. There were several moments where they had to respond and actually did unlike the Mayo led team we saw the season before. So just like last week, sorry in advance to the Foxboro faithful but I gotta ride with you again.

Patriots ML (-102)

Brady’s Parlay of the Day

The Parlay: Eagles ML, Jets +6.5, Chiefs -6

In a rematch of probably the most entertaining playoff game from last season the Rams visit the Eagles today. Two undefeated teams so far going into Week 3 and with the Rams doing so against a couple bad AFC South teams they will need to prove they are for real against the defending champs. I expect a close game but I lean Philly here until the Rams prove they can beat them. The Jets vs Buccaneers is leg number 2 this week. A battle between two teams that are pretty banged up. The Bucs offensive line is in shambles right now and Fields is out for the Jets. Have no fear though, an old friend of Jake the editor of this site, Tyrod Taylor is playing and I think he will help the Jets keep it close! Take the points here with the Jets. And finally leg number 3, they have let me down twice already this year. Once in a survivor pool week 1 and last week they killed the debut of Brady’s Parlay of the Day with their dud against the Eagles. Third time’s the charm though and I’m taking the Chiefs to win their first game of the season on the road against a very bad Giants team. If they lose this week we might have to start talking about the Chiefs dynasty being over but I think it survives one more week. Bet it all on the Chiefs by at least a touchdown in this one.

Brady’s Parlay of the Day: Eagles ML, Jets +6.5, Chiefs -6 (+465)

Bick’s Stone Cold Lock of the Century of the Week

Raiders @ Commanders (-2.5)

Did you really think we were gonna make it through a Bick’s Picks without me mentioning Washington? Of course I gotta address the elephant in the room, yes I know Jayden is not playing but frankly that shouldn’t matter. Now don’t get me wrong this team ALWAYS has a better chance with JD5 under center but this is a game that this veteran team should win without him. Now I say veteran team because as some of you might not know this Commanders team actually has the oldest 53 man roster in the league. Sure that does mean we look a little slow at times, looking at you Wagner, but all that experience should also be a strength. Despite my initial doubts when we signed him Mariota proved that he was more than capable of filling in last season when needed and I expect him to do the same today. We also get the benefit of some extra rest and preparation after playing on TNF Week 2. Now I am whistling past the Raiders a little bit but I’ll be honest aside from Brock Bowers and maybe Jeanty there’s not a whole lot that worries me about their team. Don’t get me wrong of course I’m stressing this game but that doesn’t change the fact we should win at home against an inferior opponent. So just like Week 1 let’s #RaiseHail and prove that this team is here to stay.

Commanders -2.5 (-120)