NFL Picks, Week 3: Bear Bias

One win and suddenly the St. Louis Rams have some respect among the folks who pick the games this season. Jeff Fisher's squad takes its "dirty" reputation on the road to Chicago this weekend for what should be a really interesting matchup against the Bears, especially with Jay Cutler coming off a four interception, seven sack outing last week against the Packers.

Over at SB Nation.com, Joel Thorman picks the Rams to win this week:

The Rams are good. I'm telling you. I'm hanging onto my preseason prediction that the Rams will surprise you and so far they are -- four-point season opening loss to a tough Lions team and beating RGIII and the Redskins last weekend. The Rams' upset tour continues this weekend against the Bears. And this is a huge upset. The Rams opened as 10-point 'dogs.

Teammates arguing publicly, like this Jay Cutler and J'Marcus Webb (and D.J. Moore!) thing, is never a good recipe, especially this early in the season. I like a healthy Steven Jackson to propel the Rams to their second win in a big upset.

The pick: 28-24, Rams

Pete Schrager at Fox Sports picks the Bears to win:

St. Louis at Chicago: Jay Cutler got pummeled by the media for his immature behavior in Thursday night's debacle out in Green Bay, but I don't believe he's fully to blame for his frustration. For the third straight season, the Bears' front office has put Cutler's safety in danger by not giving him an offensive line that can adequately protect him. Though this may sound a tad Gruden-ish - this football; it's a dangerous game. And every time Cutler drops back to pass, he's put in harm's way. I've been accused of being a "Cutler apologist" over the years, and that's fine. I think he's one of the most athletically gifted quarterbacks in the game. I think he deserves a few NFL-capable offensive linemen - at some point in his Bears career, at least - to protect him. Was he right to yell at Webb on national TV? No. Should he have to deal with J'Marcus Webb as his opening day starting left tackle? Absolutely not. They'll win on Sunday, but don't think Chris Long isn't going to have a field day with that Bears' O-line.

The Pick: Bears 24, Rams 17

Over at ESPN, their experts have just one person taking the Rams to win this week.