Thursday 2 November 2017 19:16, UK
In Week Three, TV presenter and NFL fan Vernon Kay takes on Sky Sports News' NFL reporter Richard Graves for our weekly predictions.
Graves bounced back from a Week One defeat to Premier League prediction expert Paul Merson by just edging out Team GB hockey gold medallist Samantha Quek in Week Two with a lofty 13-3 record.
Kay, his opponent this week, is hosting the Hero Challenge - which features eight of the world's best golfers playing 'nearest to the pin' on a Par 3 - with Sky Sports News' Kirsty Gallagher ahead of the British Masters, live on Sky Sports from Wednesday, September 27.
But Kay is also a massive NFL fan, playing occasionally as cornerback for the London Warriors and tuning in to Sky's coverage throughout the season.
"I've not played for two years, but I recently got a phone call to play for the Warriors," said Kay. "I kitted up and played for three quarters but my cardio wasn't exactly 'on fleek' as the kids say. But I enjoyed it. Any time you can get onto the field and run into people for fun, you're winning.
"This will sound cheesy, but I do sit down and consume my NFL via everything that Sky puts out. I think Neil Reynolds and the team do a sterling job.
"Last week was a prime example: I watched the Neil and the team on the tele, but I also had my iPad up watching RedZone, and my laptop on too checking my Fantasy Football scores too. I'm a bit of an obsessive."
But how will Kay fare against Graves? Here's a look at the pair's Week Three predictions...
Graves: Baltimore's perfect 2-0 record is built on the back of a resurgent defence, one which has allowed only 10 points this season and created 10 takeaways in those two games.
As for Jacksonville, they were outstanding in their Week One win in Houston, but the standard of their play dramatically fell off against Tennessee. The issues surrounding Blake Bortles at QB have been well documented and they've also lost star wide receiver Allen Robinson for the year. Once again, their offensive game plan will likely centre around feeding rookie, workhorse RB Leonard Fournette but, against one of the stoutest run defences in the NFL, that'll be a tough challenge.
GRAVES PICKS: RAVENS
Kay: I want to say the Jaguars because obviously they've invested a lot of time in London and I think British NFL fans really appreciate the hard work and effort they've put in to sustain the sports in the UK. I think having a team visit regularly makes a massive difference and they should be everyone's second favourite team, if not their first. My heart says the Jags to win, but my head is telling me Ravens.
KAY PICKS: RAVENS
Graves: The Falcons have shown no sign of a Super Bowl hangover, winning in Chicago in Week One before dispatching Green Bay as they opened their new Mercedes-Benz Stadium last Sunday night. A third successive game against NFC North opposition may prove to be their toughest yet though.
The Lions paid QB Matthew Stafford handsomely in the offseason and if his performances through two weeks are anything to go by, it's money well spent. Stafford's stats weren't head-turning on Monday night against the Giants, but his decision-making at crucial times was impressive. Detroit's defensive unit is underrated, but faces its biggest test of the season though against Julio Jones, Devonta Freeman and co.
GRAVES PICKS: FALCONS
Kay: This is going to be one of those shootouts. For people who like lots of passing, this is going to be a great game. Both teams have got amazing offences, but I think the Falcons overall have just got a little bit too much for the Lions. It's going to be a close game, it may even go to overtime, but I'm backing the Falcons to get the 'W'.
KAY PICKS: FALCONS
Graves: Kareem Hunt has well and truly announced himself on the NFL stage. The MVP on opening night then exploded in the second half of Sunday's game against the Eagles with a 50-yard TD run. If the Chargers slow him down, they then will have to find a way to bottle up tight end Travis Kelce.
The Chargers' biggest problem through two weeks has been they simply can't close out games! Both of their games have come down to a final kick. Against Denver they had a field goal to take the game to overtime, and against Miami they had one to win it - both were missed.
GRAVES PICKS: CHIEFS
Kay: Chiefs are an awesome team at the moment. They have a great running game, with rookie Hunt, a great quarterback in Alex Smith, and a great defence, which is my pick on my fantasy football team. I'm going to go for the Chiefs in this one, definitely.
KAY PICKS: CHIEFS
Graves: It's often said that a trip from the west coast to the east is tough for a team to overcome, but the Raiders enjoyed great success on their travels in 2016 and this year they've already enjoyed a successful trip to Tennessee. Last week they blew away the Jets as wide receiver Michael Crabtree claimed a hat-trick of touchdowns.
The Redskins have had a mixed start to 2017, losing at home to the Eagles before overcoming the Rams on the road. This is a team that entered the season with high hopes but this is a step-up in class from either of their previous opponents.
GRAVES PICKS: RAIDERS
Kay: The Raiders are another team that are flying and could be an dark horse for the Super Bowl. I'd rather they didn't, as they got rid of offensive lineman Menelik Watson - a Manchester boy, who is now with the Denver Broncos. It would be a real shame if the Raiders win the Super Bowl and Menelik is not there to enjoy it. That would really annoy me, him, and his family.
However, I do think the Raiders are going to win this game, because I think Derek Carr is a great quarterback. He has the potential to be the next Tom Brady - he is so composed in the pocket. They've also got Marshawn Lynch in the backfield and a great set of wide receivers.
KAY PICKS: RAIDERS
Graves: The Cardinals have been far from impressive after coming into this season looking for a bounceback year. Of course, their cause hasn't been helped by losing star RB David Johnson for an extended period of time.
The Cowboys defence was being hailed after shutting down the Giants in their season opener but last week they were shredded, both on the ground and in the air, by Denver. While their famed offensive line has a point to prove after Ezekiel Elliott was limited to just eight yards on nine carries against the Broncos.
GRAVES PICKS: COWBOYS
Kay: The Cowboys got destroyed in Denver last week, while the Cardinals struggled against a lacklustre Colts team, only just winning in overtime. Dallas might just have the edge, with so many offensive weapons on their team. But saying that, the Cardinals defensive backs are awesome. If Cowboys QB Dak Prescott comes out throwing, the Cards might get a couple of picks in this game. It's a tough one to call, but I'm going to stick my neck out and say Arizona by a score.
KAY PICKS: CARDINALS
Graves: Even in defeat, there were reasons for the Rams to be positive in Week Two. Defensively, they didn't match the high standards set in their opening game but they rallied to tie the game in the fourth quarter, only to see the Redskins get the decisive score inside the final two minutes.
The Rams will want to see continued production from running back Todd Gurley - he finished with two TDs and 136 total yards against the Redskins. Once again their game plan this week will heavily feature him against the 49ers.
San Francisco's task isn't made any easier with the loss of their veteran safety, Eric Reid, to a knee injury. The 49ers are very much in rebuilding mode so, with that in mind, they'll be pleased with how long they were able to stay in touch with Seattle last week, but to back that performance up against another division rival four days later is a big ask.
GRAVES PICKS: RAMS
Kay: It's in San Francisco, the home of Super Bowl 50, which brings back fond memories. I was sat on the 50-yard line, but I don't like to talk about it obviously. The Rams are doing well so far, with a great running game. I also think Jared Goff is going to slowly become, not an elite quarterback, but certainly a competent one. I'm going to go with a Rams victory.
KAY PICKS: RAMS
Watch the Los Angeles Rams @ San Francisco in Thursday Night Football, live on Sky Sports Action from 12.30am on Friday, while Week Three continues on Sunday with four live games on Sky Sports Action, starting with Baltimore Ravens @ Jacksonville Jaguars, from Wembley at 1.30pm.
Follow the 2017-18 NFL season with us on Sky Sports and through our website skysports.com/NFL also our app for mobile devices and iPad, or follow our Twitter account @SkySportsNFL
