Fritz 8 points out that in your first main variation, 3. Nf3! is simplest and strongest.
An Unbelievable Come From Behind Victory!!!
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That seems to work, but what if black's next move is ...Bc6?
Black has a mating threat in 2, can white get out of it?
"But what if black doesn't want to threaten checkmate because he knows that this is going to happen?"