With the first two weeks behind us, the stories from the preseason are starting to fade as the reality of the regular season becomes clear.

This season has already thrown up some surprises, notably which teams have started at 2-0 and which have struggled to a 0-2 record. In Week 3, at least two unbeaten teams will face off, with the Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings, as well as the Los Angeles Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers, both fighting to maintain their perfect records. There are sure to be more unexpected developments as the Sunday games unfold and the “Monday Night Football” doubleheader wraps up.

Here are four bold predictions from YSL News Sports’ NFL experts for Week 3:

Malik Willis Will Have a ‘Career Day’ in Tennessee of All Places

This all hinges on the health status of Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love, who returned to practice this week on a limited basis while recovering from a left knee MCL sprain. Packers coach Matt LaFleur mentioned that a decision regarding Love – who was initially expected to be out for three to four weeks after his season opener injury – might not come until the teams announce their inactive players 90 minutes before the game.

So, why take the risk of a setback? Willis, now in his third year with the Packers, proved against the Indianapolis Colts last weekend that he can step up. He achieved more in his single game filling in for Love than he did in two full seasons with the Tennessee Titans. He threw for a “career high” of, well, 122 yards, completing 85.7% of his 14 passes. He avoided turnovers, scored his first NFL touchdown, and secured a win. Drafted by Tennessee in the third round in 2022, Willis returns to Nashville, insisting he isn’t out for revenge after his potential was overshadowed by Will Levis’s emergence (the second-round pick in 2023).

Willis started three games as a rookie Titans quarterback, with a passing high of just 99 yards, and made 66 attempts over 11 games. His time in Tennessee culminated in a dismal 49.4 passer rating, falling short of the diamond-in-the-rough expectations. Fortunately, he got a fresh chance with LaFleur, a quarterback coach who also made the transition from Nashville to Green Bay.

Let’s predict that under LaFleur’s guidance, and with Josh Jacobs running the ball along with a group of agile receivers, Willis will surpass his previous best and throw for at least 123 yards against his former team. Okay, I’ll take a stretch and say he might even hit 300 yards—but I’ll keep it realistic for now. Still, I believe Willis has picked up some insights from practicing against the Titans’ defense over the last two years that he can utilize on Sunday.

— Jarrett Bell

Lamar Jackson’s MVP-Like Performance Will Guide Winless Ravens to Their First Victory

The Ravens rely heavily on Jackson, and they need a remarkable display from the two-time MVP to clinch their first win of the season. Jackson will don his MVP cape against the Cowboys and come through in what feels like a must-win contest for Baltimore. This dual-threat quarterback is expected to throw for over 200 yards and run for 100 yards. Jackson has achieved this impressive milestone in nine games, the most in NFL history; this Sunday will mark his 10^th such game.

Baltimore’s defense must generate a decent pass rush and make a few stops to relieve some pressure off Jackson and the offense. Luckily, he boasts a 20-1 record in games against NFC opponents.

— Tyler Dragon

Dolphins and Jaguars Will Both Score Road Victories

The situation in Jacksonville is dire, so much so that quarterback Trevor Lawrence remarked, “We suck right now.” Taking on a Buffalo Bills team that appears potent on offense through the first two weeks of “Monday Night Football” isn’t exactly encouraging. Is the pairing of Lawrence and head coach Doug Pederson really a failure? An 0-3 comeback seems impossible, casting this game as one of desperation for the Jaguars.

In contrast, the Dolphins are prepared for Skylar Thompson to start in place of the injured Tua Tagovailoa after their extended break. Meanwhile, Seattle, under rookie coach Mike Macdonald, has impressively started 2-0, but the Dolphins’ fleet-footed playmakers will find ways to make enough plays to pull off a surprise win on the road.

— Chris Bumbaca

Cardinals Stun the Lions with an Upset

Typically, I aim for a more focused bold prediction rather than just picking a winner. However, I find myself standing alone among YSL News Sports’ NFL writers in forecasting that the Arizona Cardinals will defeat the Detroit Lions, so let’s delve into this prediction.

Dan Campbell’s team has struggled to replicate last season’s performances, with their offense ranking 28th in red-zone efficiency after only scoring one touchdown out of seven opportunities in last week’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It’s fair to expect Ben Johnson’s offense to find its rhythm soon, but it probably won’t be immediate.

Any hiccups could lead to Detroit’s downfall, especially with a Cardinals offense capable of a shootout, currently ranked second in scoring. With Kyler Murray in great form, Marvin Harrison Jr. emerging as a strong contributor, and James Conner consistently performing well as their lead back, Arizona presents a formidable challenge with their versatile attack. The Cardinals will have to contend with Aidan Hutchinson, who leads the NFL with 5 ½ sacks after primarily facing backup offensive linemen in his first two games, though Murray will definitely be prepared for the challenge.

— Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz