As a benefit to anyone who takes the time to read my sports blog, I'm going to give away free picks each week on the NFL games that I can get a "read" on.  I'm fairly successful at picking winners (money management's a different story).  In Week 1, I picked all the games and went 10-6.  In Week 2, I was 9-7.

Week 3 (picks are in bold)

1.  Panthers (-3) at Buccaneers: With Steve Smith coming back, look for the Carolina offense to roll against an all-around sorry Bucs squad. 

2. Bears at Vikings (+3): Gotta love the home-team underdog in this one.  The Vikings are still flying under the radar, and that's why they're getting points.  Minnesota's Chester Taylor is the most underrated running back in football.  This will be a grind-it-out, close game, as Chicago QB Rex Grossman falls back to earth against a legit Minnesota D.

 3. Bengals (+2) at Steelers: Quite simply, the Steelers aren't as good as they were last year, while Carson Palmer's as good as ever.  Plus, the Bengals have a chip on their shoulders when they play their division rival, and the Steelers have failed to show an emotional spark this season.

4. Jaguars (+7) at Colts: Whoever made this line is stuck in the past.  Jacksonville has one of the best pass defenses in the league, so Peyton Manning could struggle.  Meanwhile, Jacksonville's ball-control offense will minimize the Colts' offensive possessions.  I'd be surprised if the Colts score more than 20 points.

5. Jets (+5.5) at Bills: Chad Pennington's back in peak form, and the Bills are starting a very young secondary.  Plus, the Bills' offense struggles to score points.

6. Redskins at Texans (+4): Again, you gotta love the home dog, especially when they're playing a team that's been as absent offensively as the Redskins.  Until the 'Skins offense gets in synch, it's a good idea to bet against them every week.

7. Ravens (-6.5) at Browns: Ravens are going to roll against a young Browns squad.  Browns QB Charlie Frye will be heavily pressured by an excellent Ravens D.  I can't believe the Ravens aren't favored by two touchdowns.

8. Eagles (-6) at 49ers: The up-and-coming Niners have become a bit of a media darling this year, and that explains why the Eagles aren't favored by 10 or more.  With the Eagles coming off an awful 4th quarter collapse, look for them to punish the overconfident Niners.  The Eagles D may be depleted, but their schemes will still confuse Alex Smith.

9. Falcons (-3) at Saints: Michael Vick looks like he's finally going to put together a complete season.  The Saints may have the emotional edge in playing their first game back at the Superdome, but that won't overcome the Falcons' superior talent.

Can't get a read on:

Packers (+6.5) at Lions

Titans(+10.5) at Dolphins

Giants (+3.5) at Seahawks

Rams (+4.5) at Cardinals

Broncos (+6.5) at Patriots