WhatIfSports NFL Week 3 predictions: Cam Newton and the Panthers top Minnesota

Each Tuesday, WhatIfSports.com's NFL simulation engine generates predictions and box scores for every NFL game for the coming week. Our highly sophisticated algorithms simulate every play of every game to produce each team's likelihood to win. Each matchup is simulated 501 times.

To account for injuries and roster moves announced late in the week, we will be re-simulating games on Thursdays through the season.

Note: Our predictions use the latest available team and player information, while NFL SimMatchup includes all players that were or will be available at any point during the 2016 season so that theoretical and "what if" scenarios can be simulated.

Week 2 in Review

Our NFL simulation engine had a rough time in Week 2, going 8-8 in picking games straight up, but an ugly 3-8 (27.3 percent) against the spread. That being said, our "Game to Watch" pick of the Cardinals over the Bucs was correct, and so was our "Lock Pick" of the Panthers over the 49ers.

Nailed It: Ravens 25 -€“ Browns 20. This one looked in serious danger after the Browns jumped out to a big 20-0 lead, but the Ravens came storming back to pull off the win. We had the Ravens winning 73.6% of the time by an average score of 29-20. 

Wide Right: Seahawks 3 -€“ Rams 9. We predicted the Seahawks would win this game 80.0 percent of the time by an average score of 28-17, but the Rams once again beat the system by pulling off the upset. 

Track our 2016 performance or view our accuracy last season.

Week 3 Game to Watch

Vikings at Panthers: The Vikings are coming off a huge win in their home opener against the hated Packers, but Sam Bradford and company will face a tough test on the road without Adrian Peterson. We have Cam Newton and the Panthers protecting home field and winning 60.8 percent of the time by an average score of 22-18. 

Week 3 Upset Pick

Raiders (+1.5) over Titans: The Raiders have been an offensive juggernaut through the first two weeks, but haven't been able to stop anyone on the defensive side of the ball. A matchup with the Titans might be just what the doctor ordered. Our engine has the Raiders winning on the road 54.9 percent of the time by an average score of 23-22. 

Fantasy Radar

Fantasy Start -- Charles Sims, TB: Our simulation engine is expecting big things from Sims, as he'll likely start ahead of the injured Doug Martin in a matchup against the Rams. We have Sims scoring 15.1 fantasy points, making him a clear RB1 this week. 

Fantasy Sit -- John Brown, ARI: Although the matchup against Buffalo's secondary is a good one, Brown isn't getting the snaps or the targets he was last year. Perhaps he's still dealing with the effects of his preseason concussion, but Brown isn't a major factor in the Cardinals offense right now and should be benched until he shows up this year. 

Fantasy Add -- Dennis Pitta, BAL: Pitta has re-emerged onto the fantasy scene as a target monster, hauling in 9 catches last week against the Browns. A matchup against a struggling Jags D should bode well for his continued fantasy success.

For more fantasy football tips, view our Week 3 player projections.

For additional content, view our Week 3 NFL Power Rankings, NFL archive or sortable weekly NFL predictions.