Arizona Cardinals
That was an enormous blown alternative.
The Playing cards had an opportunity to take sole possession of first place within the NFC West. But, they in some way couldn’t cease Mac Jones from placing collectively a ten-play, 63-yard drive in 1:46 that led to the 49ers kicking a game-winning subject purpose. That could be a main pink flag for a head coach who is meant to be a defensive specialist. This loss may find yourself being the distinction between Arizona making and lacking the 2026 NFL Playoffs.
Atlanta Falcons
Any individual goes to be fired mid-season.
How are you going to get completely blown out by the Carolina Panthers, the crew that has the NFL’s worst file for the reason that begin of the 2023 season? There are main issues with the offense. For that motive, the Falcons let go of their broad receivers coach and gave his tasks to passing sport coordinator T.J. Yates. Additionally, offensive coordinator Zac Robinson is shifting from the teaching field all the way down to the sphere, like that’s speculated to cease his horrible playcalls. These aren’t actual modifications. This offense will proceed to battle, which is able to lead to both Robinson or Raheem Morris dropping their jobs in a number of weeks. At this second, it’s unclear who will probably be getting the axe.
Baltimore Ravens
This group doesn’t reply properly to adversity.
When issues are going properly, and also you’re beating the Cleveland Browns by 31 factors, it’s all laughs and giggles. However when this crew will get punched within the mouth, they don’t know tips on how to reply. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry had been each throwing mood tantrums on the sidelines throughout the Monday Evening Soccer sport, although they had been answerable for many of the errors. The Ravens blew it within the fourth quarter and had been outscored 17-6. There ought to be considerations in Baltimore. This doesn’t appear to be the crew we noticed final yr.
Buffalo Payments
The AFC East is on lock.
The Payments should not have any drawback tearing by way of this division and as soon as once more claiming the AFC East crown for a sixth consecutive yr. Buffalo annihilated the Jets on the street. In the meantime, the Dolphins are gutless and won’t be any type of risk to the Payments. The one crew which may make Buffalo sweat a bit of is the New England Patriots, and proper now, they’re taking part in leaps and bounds higher than the Pats. Buffalo ought to be targeted on incomes the number-one seed within the AFC and home-field benefit as a result of they’re going to run away with the division.
Carolina Panthers
That was the very best win of the post-Cam Newton period.
Wins have been onerous to return by since Cam Newton left the Panthers 4 years in the past. Carolina has solely gained 15 video games for the reason that begin of the 2022-23 season. Earlier than Sunday, the Panthers had a mean margin of victory of seven.6 factors per sport of their final 14 wins. On Sunday, they gained by 30 factors whereas shutting out an explosive offense that has probably the greatest operating backs within the league. The Cats definitely have some massive issues, however followers ought to revel within the decisive win they’d this previous weekend.
Chicago Bears
That’s what it seems like when Ben Johnson’s offense is buzzing.
This crew had 385 whole yards of offense whereas averaging 6.75 yards per play. The Bears transformed eight of their 14 third-down makes an attempt. The trick performs labored to perfection. Most significantly, quarterback Caleb Williams appeared utterly snug and had no problem finishing passes to eight totally different receivers. There are nonetheless some points within the operating sport, however when you possibly can move the ball like that, who provides a crap about establishing the run?
Cincinnati Bengals
No less than issues can’t get any worse!
There was a second when the Cincinnati Bengals trailed by 45 factors on Sunday, the most important deficit in franchise historical past. This sport was over within the first quarter after the Jake Browning pick-six. Cincy would wish to have a traditionally unhealthy efficiency subsequent weekend to look worse than they did in Week Three. Contemplating the Denver Broncos don’t have the offensive playmakers the Vikings do, the Bengals ought to look a bit of higher in Week 4. In spite of everything, there’s no approach they are often any worse… proper?
Cleveland Browns
This protection is frightening good.
The Browns utterly overwhelmed the Packers’ offensive line on Sunday, which could be very onerous to do if you understand how constantly good Inexperienced Bay is at making offensive linemen. Myles Garrett proved he’s nonetheless probably the greatest defenders in soccer, whereas rookie defensive sort out Mason Graham has already confirmed himself to be a difference-maker within the trenches. Cleveland is first in yards allowed, first in dashing yards allowed, fourth in passing yards allowed, and tied for second in sacks. This unit could have the Browns competing in loads of video games this season.
Dallas Cowboys
All of the unhealthy emotions about this season may be undone subsequent weekend.
There’s a lot to really feel unhealthy about in the event you’re a Cowboys fan, however all of the damaging ideas and emotions may be alleviated if the ‘Boys can beat the Packers subsequent weekend. It’s your likelihood to make a press release! Ever for the reason that Micah Parsons commerce, everyone has ragged on Dallas and its incapability to hurry the passer, and (extra importantly) win video games. However the season may be rotated if the Cowboys can forestall Micah Parsons from coming into their constructing and stealing a win along with his new crew. You simply know proprietor Jerry Jones sees Week 4 as Dallas’ most essential sport of the season.
Denver Broncos
The sky just isn’t falling, however the vibes are off.
The Broncos ought to be capable to appropriate issues over the following few weeks. 4 of their subsequent 5 video games are towards the Bengals, Jets, Giants, and Cowboys. They need to win all of these matchups and lose on the street to the Eagles, bringing them to 5-3 by Week 9. Sadly, they haven’t crushed good groups. They’re 1-8 towards groups with profitable data for the reason that begin of final season. Denver is nice sufficient to beat the unhealthy groups however can’t recover from the hump towards the NFL’s higher squads, which isn’t one thing you wish to see from a crew led by a second-year quarterback. They need to be taking part in higher, not regressing.
Detroit Lions
There ought to not be worries in regards to the offensive line.
There have been some comprehensible considerations following the losses of Kevin Zeitler and Frank Ragnow. After three weeks, although, their offensive line seems to be higher than ever. They ran by way of the Baltimore Ravens. It was the third-most dashing yards allowed in Baltimore Ravens historical past. To prime all of it off, the Lions didn’t enable a single sack final evening. This group remains to be the spine of Detroit and appears like one of many NFL’s finest.
Inexperienced Bay Packers
The offensive line has not been adequate.
The Packers’ offensive line, which was anticipated to be a weak spot coming into this season, has been even worse than anticipated. On Sunday, quarterback Jordan Love was pressured on 42% of his dropbacks, the very best strain charge of his profession. Additionally, the offensive line completed the sport with a PFF grade of 15.5. Earlier than that, the Packers’ lowest PFF offensive line grade for a single sport was 39. In opposition to higher move rushes, this unit could have points.
Houston Texans
It’s time to hit the panic button.
The Texans’ offense simply isn’t doing properly, which might clarify why they’re 0-3. Houston is useless final in scoring, averaging a measly 12.7 factors per sport. They’ve one of many worst turnover differentials within the league (tied for twenty sixth in takeaways whereas tied for second in giveaways). They’re twenty sixth in passing yards and twenty third in dashing yards. Their protection is robust, but it surely’s not adequate to make up for the offensive deficiencies. The Texans have an opportunity to alter their course towards the Titans, but when they lose that sport, heads will roll.
Indianapolis Colts
Indy is legit.
Everyone is anticipating the Colts to be the 2025 model of the 2024 New Orleans Saints, however this crew has answered the decision each step of the best way. They’ve two convincing wins over bottom-feeders and a come-from-behind victory over one of many higher groups within the NFL. Their largest check of the season is available in Week 4 towards the Rams. If they will win that sport, then they need to be checked out as an precise risk to win the Lombardi Trophy. They’re already forward of the curve with a 3-0 begin.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags have taken an enormous step ahead on the defensive aspect of the ball.
Even after the disappointing loss to the Bengals, Jacksonville remains to be tied for fifth in defensive scoring (17 factors per sport allowed). I wager you didn’t know that the Jags additionally lead the league in takeaways with 9 on the season. They’re fifth in dashing yards allowed and look a lot better defending the move (sixteenth this yr vs. thirty second final season). This unit might battle later within the season towards elite passing assaults, however for now, their protection is an enormous motive why they’ve a profitable file.
Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
KC nonetheless seems very disappointing.
Did the Chiefs win that sport, or did the Giants lose? If Russell Wilson had been a considerably competent quarterback, there’s an opportunity the Giants would have gained that sport. Wilson completed the evening with a 29.9 QBR, but when the Giants had a participant with a 50 QBR in that sport (which is the league common), I’m satisfied KC could be 0-3 proper now. With their subsequent three video games coming towards the Ravens, Jaguars, and Lions, there’s an opportunity the Chiefs may very well be 2-5 and even presumably 1-6 by Week Eight.
Las Vegas Raiders
This isn’t a playoff-caliber crew.
The Raiders have obvious holes and main issues all through their roster. The offensive line is a catastrophe, with Quarterback Geno Smith being pressured on 18.2% of his dropbacks (the league common is 17.7%) whereas operating again Ashton Jeanty is averaging simply 48 dashing yards per sport (twenty fifth within the league). The protection is twenty fourth in passing yards allowed and nineteenth in dashing yards allowed. There isn’t one factor this squad does notably properly, which is worrisome for a crew anticipated to win now with a veteran head coach and QB.
Los Angeles Chargers
They’re both a top-two crew within the AFC.
Proper now, it’s between them and the Buffalo Payments. I’m favoring the Payments as a result of they’ve the reigning MVP, and the Chargers don’t have their finest move rusher in the intervening time, however LA is neck-and-neck with Buffalo. Justin Herbert is my present front-runner for MVP. They’ve responded properly to adversity each likelihood they’ve had. On prime of that, they’re up 3-0 of their division. By means of three weeks, that is clearly probably the greatest groups within the AFC.
Los Angeles Rams
This was the worst lack of the Sean McVay period.
Sean McVay had a disappointing efficiency in Tremendous Bowl LIII in addition to 30+-point losses in 2019 and 2024, however this to me looks like the largest failure of Sean McVay’s teaching tenure. In these video games, the Rams by no means actually had an opportunity. On this one, Los Angeles choked away a large lead towards the crew that knocked them out of the playoffs final yr. You had the defending Tremendous Bowl champs trailing at dwelling by 19 factors at halftime, and also you in some way managed to lose that sport? That’s inexcusable. The worst half is that it will seemingly have an effect on seeding for the 2026 NFL Playoffs and power the Rams to go on the street sooner or later in January and February.
Miami Dolphins
It’s time to maneuver on from Tua Tagovailoa.
Tua Tagovailoa just isn’t an excellent quarterback. He’s tied for second within the league in interceptions with 4 in three video games. He’s twenty ninth in QBR, forward of solely J.J. McCarthy, Cam Ward, and Russell Wilson. In his final 5 begins, Tua has seven touchdowns, seven interceptions, 4 fumbles, and 11 sacks. The man makes bone-headed performs on the most important moments within the sport. In the event that they weren’t paying him a lot cash, the ‘Phins would have already discovered one other quarterback to begin over Tua.
Minnesota Vikings
Sunday’s beatdown gained’t change how this franchise feels about J.J. McCarthy.
Regardless that the Minnesota Vikings scored probably the most factors they’ve in a sport over the past two seasons, it doesn’t influence their long-term plans. They’re nonetheless going to begin J.J. McCarthy as quickly as he’s wholesome sufficient to play. It’s not like Carson Wentz was lighting the world on fireplace. He was fantastic. He had two TDs, 173 passing yards, and managed to not flip the ball over. It wouldn’t have mattered if Minnesota gained 100-0. They nonetheless view McCarthy as their quarterback of the long run. Regardless, in the event you’re a Vikings fan, this was enjoyable to observe.
New England Patriots
This crew could be very undisciplined.
Fumbles are a killer, and this group leads the league in them with 4 on the season. They’re on tempo to match their fumble whole from final yr, a nasty signal contemplating the whole offensive and defensive overhaul this franchise went by way of. They’re ranked within the prime 5 in giveaways and penalties. They will’t even belief their number-one operating again to hold the ball with out dropping it and costing them soccer video games. This was not what was promised by the Mike Vrabel regime. The Pats are a Tua Tagovailoa botched drive away from at present being 0-3.
New Orleans Saints
The jury’s not out on Spencer Rattler.
It was enjoyable to knock Spencer Rattler and the Saints’ quarterback room within the preseason, however the second-year QB has been strong. He’s 18th in each quarterback score and QBR. Plus, he has solely turned the ball over as soon as whereas taking simply six sacks. Sadly, he has not made the Saints higher, as confirmed by the 0-3 file. He’s but to raise the fellows round him, which is what’s required of the very best quarterbacks within the NFL. Then once more, he’s solely three video games into the season and has proven some clear growth from final yr to this yr. If he truly begins to win some video games, the Saints might not have to draft a quarterback subsequent low season.
New York Giants
Russell Wilson is completed in New York.
Wilson appeared God-awful on Sunday, which might clarify why the Giants are going with rookie Jaxson Dart as the starter for next week. In his final seven begins, Russ has eight passing touchdowns, 5 interceptions, and 23 sacks taken. Nonetheless, these numbers are inflated by his Week Two efficiency towards Dallas. Now that he’s on the bench, there’s an excellent likelihood he has performed his final snap with the Giants, barring some kind of damage. Some crew will signal him subsequent low season, and he’ll be named their starter.
New York Jets
Don’t lose religion in Aaron Glenn.
The Jets did one thing that I haven’t seen them do in a very long time: they put up a combat and didn’t roll over when the chips had been down. Usually, Gang Inexperienced would’ve folded like a home of playing cards after Tyrod Taylor’s pick-six. However that’s not what occurred on Sunday. As a substitute, they outscored the Buccaneers 21-9. That is a superb signal from a gaggle that has sometimes not performed onerous when dealing with a big deficit. It provides you motive to imagine that possibly Aaron Glenn is definitely altering the Jets’ tradition. Dan Campbell solely gained three video games in his first yr with Detroit, however he created a brand new tradition within the locker room. We must always imagine that his teaching disciple is doing the identical factor within the Huge Apple.
Philadelphia Eagles
That was an emphatic method to silence the doubters.
Philly was confronted with their hardest check in virtually two years, and so they handed with flying colours. There aren’t any considerations about Jalen Hurts as a passer after a three-touchdown efficiency. Folks had been apprehensive Philly might solely play properly with a lead? They staged a 19-point comeback. The offensive playcalling can’t get the ball to the broad receivers? A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith mixed for 14 catches, 169 yards, and two touchdowns. The protection can’t cowl anyone, proper? Unsuitable! They held the very best receiving corps within the league to 196 yards.
Pittsburgh Steelers
This looks like a really totally different crew from final yr.
One thing tells me that if the 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers had been taking part in the 2025 crew’s schedule, they’d at present be 0-3. There’s no approach Russell Wilson or Justin Fields levels a game-winning drive towards the Patriots in New England. And no one on the 2024 roster is throwing 4 passing touchdowns towards the Jets. There are positively some issues that must be cleaned up, however the Steelers are going to finally get more healthy on the defensive aspect of the ball. Then, this crew can do some harm.
San Francisco 49ers
This squad can go all the best way.
The damage to Nick Bosa is a devastating loss for the protection, however that shouldn’t distract you from the truth that the Niners are 3-0, lead the NFC West, and have already got two divisional wins beneath their belt. And, they did all of that with their star quarterback lacking two video games. If Brock Purdy and George Kittle can keep wholesome as soon as they return to the sphere, then this crew could make it to the Tremendous Bowl. The protection is nice (fourth in yards and third in factors), and so is the teaching employees. Plus, quite a few gamers on this roster had been concerned in each of the Niners’ current Tremendous Bowl appearances, in order that they know what it takes to make it there.
Seattle Seahawks
They’d an virtually flawless sport on Sunday.
It will have been so enjoyable to be a Seahawks fan this weekend. They scored 44 factors and went 4 for 5 within the pink zone. Sam Darnold didn’t flip the ball over. They’d their first punt return landing in ten years, a 95-yarder. The Seahawks gave up one landing within the fourth quarter, however by that time, the rating was 44-6. They might’ve been a bit of extra environment friendly on third down, however that doesn’t actually matter if you common 11.1 yards per move try. Seahawks followers ought to bask on this large win a short time longer earlier than preparing for Thursday Evening Soccer.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs haven’t performed an excellent crew but.
Everyone knows that the Buccaneers are 3-0, and that they bought these three victories by orchestrating last-minute, game-winning drives, which is outstanding. However the groups Tampa Bay has confronted are a mixed 1-8 by way of the primary three weeks of the season (Jets 0-3, Falcons 1-2, and Texans 0-3). The win over the Houston appeared spectacular at first, however the Texans have been extremely disappointing this yr. The Bucs virtually gave away the sport towards the Jets. And, the Atlanta Falcons have one of many worst offensive sport plans within the NFL. The Buccaneers are certainly an excellent crew, but it surely’s additionally true that they’ve solely confronted rubbish opponents to this point.
Tennessee Titans
Brian Callahan is not going to be the coach of this crew subsequent season.
The Tennessee Titans are only a unhealthy crew from prime to backside with an excellent quarterback and an elite defensive sort out. Exterior of these two guys, this group stinks, and that speaks extra to the teaching employees than something. They spent an excellent chunk of change in free company and had premium draft capital, but they give the impression of being worse than they did final yr. Brian Callahan is meant to be an offensive line specialist, however the Titans lead the league in sacks. The one motive Brian Callahan has a head teaching job is due to how revered his father, Invoice, is in league circles. If he had a unique final identify, he could be an offensive assistant someplace and never a head coach.
Washington Commanders
Marcus Mariota is an unbelievable asset.
There’s a case to be made that Marcus Mariota is among the 5 finest backup quarterbacks within the NFL proper now. That could be very helpful for the well being and way forward for Jayden Daniels. The Commanders shouldn’t really feel pressured to hurry again Daniels from damage so he can find yourself like Robert Griffin III. Sunday proved that Washington can depend on Marcus Mariota to climate the storm till Jayden Daniels is as soon as once more absolutely wholesome. The more healthy he’s, the higher he’ll look when he returns to the sphere.
