The favorites haven’t been panning out thus far in the NFL.

That shouldn’t be a surprise, though, since the early weeks are not only difficult on teams, but also on oddsmakers. Eventually, favorites will start covering, but for now, be cautious with the favorites.

Here’s three favorites I’m considering for my week 3 NFL picks. As always, follow my journey through the Westgate SuperContest on this blog and on Twitter @AgainstTheChalk. The picks couldn’t be made without the help of Vegas Football Proxy.

Overall: 5-6-1 ATS

SuperContest: 4-5-1 ATS (4.5 points)

Favorites: 2-4 ATS

Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars (-6.5)

This spread is still in a bit of a flux with the uncertainty surrounding Marcus Mariota. Can you imagine Blaine Gabbert going against that Jacksonville defense?

That would be epic, in terms of how many times Tennessee could go 3-and-out or turn the ball over.

The Jaguars have a dominating defense that should swarm this Titans rushing attack, which hasn’t gotten off the ground yet this season. And I don’t anticipate that happening in week 3, especially with the injuries continuing to pile up for Tennessee.

The defense in Tennessee also has been a major disappointment, with the Titans allowing 6.5 yards per play. The Jaguars give up just 5.1 yards per play.

Even if Mariota plays, I’m still backing the Jaguars at this number. Don’t worry about a hangover from week 2’s big win against New England. — Go Chalk with Jacksonville

Quarterback Cam Newton should lead the Carolina Panthers in the week 3 NFL picks. Flickr/http://bit.ly/1G1r1FZ/Keith Allison

Cincinnati Bengals at Carolina Panthers (-3)

Both teams are similar, but I get a home-field advantage for Carolina and a missing piece in the running game for Cincinnati, so that’s why I’m backing the Panthers.

Joe Mixon is a game-changer. When he’s healthy, he balances that Cincinnati offense, which is necessary for Andy Dalton to be competent. With Mixon on the shelf for a few weeks, along with other injuries on the offensive line, I worry about Dalton’s ability to move the chains.

Giovani Bernard just isn’t capable enough to move the chains as a runner. Without Mixon, the Bengals can’t exploit the biggest weakness so far in Carolina’s defense, with the Panthers allowing 4.9 yards per rush, more than a yard more than they did last season.

I expect the Panthers defense to limit Cincinnati’s yardage total, and Cam Newton should be able to move the ball against the Bengals defense. This will be close, but three points isn’t too much to give up. — Go Chalk with Carolina

New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons (-3)

Even with some injuries, I’m still favoring the Falcons over several teams in the NFL.

Atlanta can rush the passer and the offensive unit isn’t getting the love it should. The Falcons moved the ball consistently against Philadelphia’s defense. They just couldn’t punch the ball into the endzone.

The Falcons did the same thing last week against Carolina, but this time, Atlanta was able to score touchdowns. You can’t always expect teams to score touchdowns, but when I know I’m going to get an offense that can consistently move the chains, I’m going to favor them on a weekly basis.

New Orleans is having difficulties finding its rushing game with Mark Ingram. Sean Payton needs a two-running back system to have a high-flying offense. That won’t happen until Ingram returns. — Go Chalk with Atlanta

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