Week 3 NFL picks against the spread: Built Stafford Tough

The last time the Detroit Lions started 0-2 was surprisingly five years ago in 2010 when the team finished 6-10. Feels like it would've been more recent. Anyway, that year Matthew Stafford didn't make it through halftime of Week 1, injuring his shoulder in the season opener against the Chicago Bears, which caused him to miss the next five games. He re-injured his shoulder in his second game back in an overtime loss to the New York Jets, which required him to go under the knife and effectively ended his season.

Five years later, the Lions again find themselves 0-2 (straight up and against the spread). There's a stark contrast between that team and this team, however -- Matthew Stafford is still standing. In fact, he hasn't missed a game since that 2010 season. Stafford was "dinged" up in Week 1 and was knocked around so much in Week 2 he was practically mummified. Reading one article about how badly Stafford was beaten up after the game oddly made me think of the image of Batman getting his back broken by Bane. KRAKT. Stafford's status for Week 3 was understandably in doubt, but as of writing this, Stafford appears ready to play on Sunday night against the Denver Broncos.

If things crumbled now like they did in 2010, Stafford's in a body cast. He still might wind up in one if his offensive line doesn't get things fixed, but it's one of the only remaining encouraging signs about the Lions' season. Hey, our quarterback is not dead, yet. Stafford's powering through some of the biggest beatings he's taken in his career and if this sign of toughness is anything like that awe-inspiring comeback win against the Cleveland Browns his rookie season, he might just will them to a win on Sunday.  Or at least a cover of the spread.

Like Stafford, I'm withstanding the hits of a rough Week 2 (6-10). My gut really hurts.

Stafford tough picks against the spread presented without further comment:

GIANTS (-4) over Redskins
Raiders (+3.5) over BROWNS
Falcons (-2) over COWBOYS
Colts (-3.5) over TITANS
RAMS (+1) over Steelers
VIKINGS (-2.5) over Chargers
Jaguars (+13.5) over PATRIOTS
Eagles (+2) over JETS
PANTHERS (-3) over Saints
RAVENS (-2.5) over Bengals
TEXANS (-6.5) over Buccaneers
49ers (+6.5) over CARDINALS
DOLPHINS (-2.5) over Bills
SEAHAWKS (-14.5) over Bears
LIONS (+3) over Broncos
Chiefs (+6.5) over PACKERS

LAST WEEK:  6-10

From the comments, JonnieT improves to 19-12. Sgriggl is 17-15. BaconNasty19 joins the party with a 6-10, like me. Let's talk about these games in the comments below.

If picking all of the games against the spread isn't your thing, let me know if you're interested in starting a midseason FourPlay Football league. You pick 4 games each week with a teased spread, +14 in your favor. It's a Detroit-based start up so be a part of something local.