Trent Richardson out of Cleveland? Not as bad as it seems! And WEEK 3 NFL PREDICTIONS

    On the surface, trading your former 3^rd overall draft pick 19 games into his career seems like perhaps the dumbest, lamest, most nonsensical, most irrational trade that an NFL team could ever make. While the Trent Richardson trade may seem like a steal for the Colts upon first observation (and second observation and third observation) this trade may not be as lopsided as you may believe. Yes, Cleveland just made their 3^rd overall selection (a pick they traded up for) completely null and void. And yes, this is an upgrade for the Colts over incumbent starter Ahmad Bradshaw. However, I believe that this trade was the right move for the lowly Cleveland Browns.

The Browns are going nowhere and they are going nowhere at the speed of light. They have a 29 year old 2^nd year QB who is more than likely also on the same track as fellow draft-mate Trent Richardson. They have a surprisingly stout defense that has zero help from the offensive side of the ball. They finished 5-11 last year and have sputtered out the gate this year to an 0-2 start. You could argue that T-Rich was their only offensive weapon. But what's the point of having a weapon if you don't have any ammo?

Cleveland sold T-Rich while he still has value; and they got a 1^st round draft pick out of it. There is no denying that Trent Richardson has all of the tools to be a superstar running back in the National Football League. But will he ever find the blueprint to put the tools together and live up to his potential? The Browns are betting 'no'. There's been a lot of talk about how Richardson's numbers should be taken with a grain of salt because every week defenses load-up with 8 or 9 men in the box. I don't believe in that theory, look at Maurice Jones Drew in Jacksonville. Their offense is arguably even worse than Cleveland's and he ran for over 1600 yards in 2011 and 4.8 yards per attempt in the few games he played in 2012; compared to the paltry 3.6 yards per attempt that Mr. Richardson averaged last year. So don't feed me that crap about defenses loading up the box, that comes with the territory of being an elite back in the NFL.

Do I think the Browns are tanking this season after 2 games? Yes I do. Do I think the Browns would have tanked anyway? You're damn right I do. And do I think Willis McGahee will fill in and do as good/maybe better than T-Rich did? Yes, yes, yes.

Week 3 Predictions

After all of that being said, I fully expect the Football Gods to unleash their wrath upon the Browns for daring to tank so early into the season. I foresee a total backfire this week and the BROWNS upset the Vikings at home.

In an obvious pick, I like the SEAHAWKS over the Jaguars; but in a closer game than you'd expect. If you're playing the line(set at -19.5), take the Jags in this game. Seattle is coming off an emotional divisional win at home and may be looking past the Jags. I expect Jacksonville to keep it close but Seattle gets settled in and pulls out the victory.

Indianapolis has the unfavorable task of going into San Francisco to take on a pissed off 49ers team. Even with the acquisition of Richardson, I expect the 49ERS to channel their inner Bobby Boucher and pretend that the Colts are the Seahawks, leading to a blow out win over the Colts.

The Giants are favored by -1.5 over the Panthers even though they're playing in Carolina. I expect the GIANTS to pick off Cam Newton at least twice and for New York to get it's first win of the year.

I think SAN DIEGO brings their offensive hot streak into Tennessee and lights up the scoreboard against a good Titans defense, but Tennessee makes a late push to bring this game within a field goal. Chargers roll.

Tampa Bay goes into New England to face the struggling Patriots offense in Foxboro this week. My guess is that if the Pats get Gronk in time for this one, Brady finds his favorite target more than a few times and the PATRIOTS take care of business at home, per usual.

Ray Rice is questionable for the underdog Ravens(-2), playing at home against the Houston Texans. I think Rice plays hurt but it isn't enough for the Ravens to protect their house from a gritty TEXANS team.

Dallas against St. Louis is a very interesting Week 3 matchup. Both teams are coming off of tough losses in games where a few plays decided the game. If the RAMS defensive front can get enough pressure on Romo and the 'Boys, I expect them to make enough plays to surprise the Cowboys at home.

I expect NEW ORLEANS to defend their home turf against the pass heavy Cardinals. A few Carson Palmer interceptions and this game has potential to get ugly.

Cincinnati is playing Green Bay in Cincy this week and the PACKERS are favored by a field goal. I say the Bengals come out flat and the Packers pick up a nice road win this week.

The Atlanta Falcons travel to Miami to face the undefeated Dolphins in their home opener this week. Atlants has some holes on their O-Line this week which is a matchup nightmare against the Dolphins defensive front. Jordan says the DOLPHINS get pressure on Matty Ice all game long and win their home opener.

Buffalo goes into MetLife Stadium to take on the Jets in an AFC East matchup this week. Jordan says the Jets defense eats rookie EJ Manuel alive and the JETS win at home.

The Windy City Bears head over to Pittsburgh this Sunday night to take on a winless Steelers team. Jordan says that Jay Cutler outshines Big Ben under the lights and the BEARS leave the Steelers searching for their first win.

The Washington and Detroit line is at a push right now, but I don't think this game will be that close. The REDSKINS are hungry for their first win and RG3 has his break out performance this week at home.

And finally the Denver Broncos are taking on the Oakland Raiders on Monday Night Football this week. The Broncos are favored at 15.5 points right now. This game has upset potential to me. Terrelle Pryor isn't an elite passer yet but the kid has wheels. I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that the RAIDERS surprise Peyton and the Broncos in Denver.