#3: Philadelphia at NY Jets
(9-3: buf, TB, AZ, GB, MN, PIT, LAR, KC, no, DAL, LAC, ind)

The Eagles play their second game in two weeks at MetLife Stadium in Jersey, this time against the NY Jets. These Jets aren’t an easy out, as demonstrated by their victories over the Titans and Bengals by 3 points each earlier this season, both at home. But the Eagles have an outside chance of making the playoffs and need to bounce back after last week’s loss to the Giants.

In looking at these teams, the Jets are weaker in every category except for passing yards, they have a total of nine takeaways in 11 games, turned the ball over 24 times, which is most in the league, and Zach Wilson will be back under center leading Gang Green. Can you say formula for disaster?

So why is this my 3rd choice this week? Well, based upon the games that I have chosen, Minnesota seems like the better choice even though it is against a divisional opponent. And if you are still in your pool, it’s dicey leaving a big week to an Eagles team that is tearing itself apart internally and the fans are calling for Nick Sirianni’s head.

#2: Indianapolis over Houston
(9-3: TB, GB, DEN, no, NE, LAR, bal, cin, MIA, BUF, CLE, DAL)

Here we are again with the Colts having an “easy” matchup in comparison to last week’s game against Tom Brady and the Bucs (which this writer chose – and lost). Frank Reich has found a gem in Jonathan Taylor, the current NFL rushing leader, and will rely heavily on him in this divisional game. Will he score four touchdowns like two weeks ago? Probably not, but Carson Wentz now has T.Y. Hilton back to take some pressure off Michael Pittman Jr. and both should open the running lanes for Taylor.

Tyrod Taylor, no relation, will be back under center but a number of players including Brandin Cooks and David Johnson did not practice Wednesday because of an illness running through the squad. Combine that with number one defense in generating turnovers against a team that gives up the 7th most turnovers, and you can safely take your skill players for Indy as well as their defense this week in the second game of the season between these division foes.

#1: Minnesota over Detroit
(10-2: SF, CLE, CAR, BUF, TB, KC, AZ, LAR, dal, IND, ten, BAL)

Another week, another divisional game that will have you biting your nails off in the final minutes – like last week’s Monday night game. This week the Vikings visit Ford Field and the Lie Downs where they should easily win. No, they won’t have Dalvin Cook, but Alexander Mattison, the super backup, should have a 100-yard day with at least one score in place of Cook. It is rumored that Kirk Cousins is going to be given free rein to throw the ball. The question is why, when the Lions defense is ranked 29th against the run?

Meanwhile, management in Detroit definitely has hurt this team. They consistently blow their first rounds picks, and are now left with Jared Goff leading a team that hasn’t won a game all season. D'Andre Swift (game-time decision) isn’t likely to play and newly signed Josh Reynolds is their No.1 wideout. Yikes.

These teams are going in opposite directions and the Vikings are playing better football than they were in the early part of the season. They will make the playoffs and this game will be another NFC Conference notch in their belt.