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 objective. That could be a main purple flag for a head coach who is meant to be a defensive specialist. This loss would possibly find yourself being the distinction between Arizona making and lacking the 2026 NFL Playoffs.
Atlanta Falcons
Any person goes to be fired mid-season.
How are you going to get completely blown out by the Carolina Panthers, the group that has the NFL’s worst document because the begin of the 2023 season? There are main issues with the offense. For that motive, the Falcons let go of their extensive receivers coach and gave his obligations to passing recreation coordinator T.J. Yates. Additionally, offensive coordinator Zac Robinson is transferring from the teaching field all the way down to the sector, like that’s imagined to cease his horrible playcalls. These aren’t actual adjustments. This offense will proceed to battle, which is able to end in both Robinson or Raheem Morris dropping their jobs in just a few 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 group will get punched within the mouth, they don’t know learn how to reply. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry have been each throwing mood tantrums on the sidelines in the course of the Monday Night time Soccer recreation, though they have been accountable for many of the errors. The Ravens blew it within the fourth quarter and have been outscored 17-6. There must be issues in Baltimore. This doesn’t seem like the group we noticed final 12 months.
Buffalo Payments
The AFC East is on lock.
The Payments shouldn’t have any downside tearing by this division and as soon as once more claiming the AFC East crown for a sixth consecutive 12 months. Buffalo annihilated the Jets on the street. In the meantime, the Dolphins are gutless and won’t be any form of menace to the Payments. The one group which may make Buffalo sweat slightly is the New England Patriots, and proper now, they’re enjoying leaps and bounds higher than the Pats. Buffalo must 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 laborious to come back by since Cam Newton left the Panthers 4 years in the past. Carolina has solely received 15 video games because the begin of the 2022-23 season. Earlier than Sunday, the Panthers had a median margin of victory of seven.6 factors per recreation of their final 14 wins. On Sunday, they received by 30 factors whereas shutting out an explosive offense that has probably the greatest operating backs within the league. The Cats actually have some huge issues, however followers ought to revel within the decisive win that they had this previous weekend.
Chicago Bears
That’s what it seems to be like when Ben Johnson’s offense is buzzing.
This group had 385 complete 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 seemed fully snug and had no situation finishing passes to eight totally different receivers. There are nonetheless some points within the operating recreation, however when you’ll be able to go the ball like that, who provides a crap about establishing the run?
Cincinnati Bengals
At the least 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 recreation was over within the first quarter after the Jake Browning pick-six. Cincy would wish to have a traditionally dangerous 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 slightly higher in Week 4. In any case, there’s no manner they are often any worse… proper?
Cleveland Browns
This protection is frightening good.
The Browns fully overwhelmed the Packers’ offensive line on Sunday, which may be very laborious to do while you understand how persistently 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 dangerous emotions about this season may be undone subsequent weekend.
There’s a lot to really feel dangerous about if you happen to’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 probability to make an announcement! Ever because the Micah Parsons commerce, all people has ragged on Dallas and its incapacity 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 group. You simply know proprietor Jerry Jones sees Week 4 as Dallas’ most necessary recreation of the season.
Denver Broncos
The sky just isn’t falling, however the vibes are off.
The Broncos ought to be capable of right issues over the subsequent few weeks. 4 of their subsequent 5 video games are in opposition to 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 in opposition to groups with successful data because the begin of final season. Denver is nice sufficient to beat the dangerous groups however can’t recover from the hump in opposition to the NFL’s higher squads, which isn’t one thing you need to see from a group led by a second-year quarterback. They need to be enjoying higher, not regressing.
Detroit Lions
There ought to not be worries concerning the offensive line.
There have been some comprehensible issues following the losses of Kevin Zeitler and Frank Ragnow. After three weeks, although, their offensive line seems to be to be higher than ever. They ran by 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 permit a single sack final night time. This group continues 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 stress price 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 recreation was 39. In opposition to higher go 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 lifeless final in scoring, averaging a measly 12.7 factors per recreation. 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 in opposition to the Titans, but when they lose that recreation, 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 group has answered the decision each step of the way in which. They’ve two convincing wins over bottom-feeders and a come-from-behind victory over one of many higher groups within the NFL. Their greatest check of the season is available in Week 4 in opposition to the Rams. If they will win that recreation, then they need to be checked out as an precise menace to win the Lombardi Trophy. They’re already forward of the curve with a 3-0 begin.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags have taken a giant step ahead on the defensive facet of the ball.
Even after the disappointing loss to the Bengals, Jacksonville continues to be tied for fifth in defensive scoring (17 factors per recreation 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 significantly better defending the go (sixteenth this 12 months vs. thirty second final season). This unit may battle later within the season in opposition to elite passing assaults, however for now, their protection is a giant motive why they’ve a successful document.
Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
KC nonetheless seems to be very disappointing.
Did the Chiefs win that recreation, or did the Giants lose? If Russell Wilson have been a considerably competent quarterback, there’s an opportunity the Giants would have received that recreation. Wilson completed the night time with a 29.9 QBR, but when the Giants had a participant with a 50 QBR in that recreation (which is the league common), I’m satisfied KC can be 0-3 proper now. With their subsequent three video games coming in opposition to the Ravens, Jaguars, and Lions, there’s an opportunity the Chiefs could possibly be 2-5 and even probably 1-6 by Week Eight.
Las Vegas Raiders
This isn’t a playoff-caliber group.
The Raiders have obtrusive 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 recreation (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 significantly properly, which is worrisome for a group anticipated to win now with a veteran head coach and QB.
Los Angeles Chargers
They’re both a top-two group 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 go rusher in the meanwhile, however LA is neck-and-neck with Buffalo. Justin Herbert is my present front-runner for MVP. They’ve responded properly to adversity each probability they’ve had. On prime of that, they’re up 3-0 of their division. By 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 appears 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 in opposition to the group that knocked them out of the playoffs final 12 months. 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 recreation? That’s inexcusable. The worst half is that it will doubtless have an effect on seeding for the 2026 NFL Playoffs and drive the Rams to go on the street in some unspecified time in the future in January and February.
Miami Dolphins
It’s time to maneuver on from Tua Tagovailoa.
Tua Tagovailoa just isn’t 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 recreation. In the event that they weren’t paying him a lot cash, the ‘Phins would have already discovered one other quarterback to start out over Tua.
Minnesota Vikings
Sunday’s beatdown received’t change how this franchise feels about J.J. McCarthy.
Regardless that the Minnesota Vikings scored essentially the most factors they’ve in a recreation during the last two seasons, it doesn’t impression their long-term plans. They’re nonetheless going to start out J.J. McCarthy as quickly as he’s wholesome sufficient to play. It’s not like Carson Wentz was lighting the world on hearth. He was high-quality. He had two TDs, 173 passing yards, and managed to not flip the ball over. It wouldn’t have mattered if Minnesota received 100-0. They nonetheless view McCarthy as their quarterback of the longer term. Regardless, if you happen to’re a Vikings fan, this was enjoyable to look at.
New England Patriots
This group may 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 complete from final 12 months, a foul signal contemplating the whole offensive and defensive overhaul this franchise went by. They’re ranked within the prime 5 in giveaways and penalties. They’ll’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 presently 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 document. He’s but to raise the blokes 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 12 months to this 12 months. If he really begins to win some video games, the Saints could not have to draft a quarterback subsequent low season.
New York Giants
Russell Wilson is finished in New York.
Wilson seemed 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. Nevertheless, these numbers are inflated by his Week Two efficiency in opposition to Dallas. Now that he’s on the bench, there’s probability he has performed his final snap with the Giants, barring some sort of harm. Some group 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 have 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 bunch that has usually not performed laborious when dealing with a big deficit. It provides you motive to consider that perhaps Aaron Glenn is definitely altering the Jets’ tradition. Dan Campbell solely received three video games in his first 12 months with Detroit, however he created a brand new tradition within the locker room. We must always consider that his teaching disciple is doing the identical factor within the Massive Apple.
Philadelphia Eagles
That was an emphatic approach 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 issues about Jalen Hurts as a passer after a three-touchdown efficiency. Folks have been nervous Philly may solely play properly with a lead? They staged a 19-point comeback. The offensive playcalling can’t get the ball to the extensive receivers? A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith mixed for 14 catches, 169 yards, and two touchdowns. The protection can’t cowl anyone, proper? Fallacious! They held the very best receiving corps within the league to 196 yards.
Pittsburgh Steelers
This appears like a really totally different group from final 12 months.
One thing tells me that if the 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers have been enjoying the 2025 group’s schedule, they’d presently be 0-3. There’s no manner Russell Wilson or Justin Fields phases a game-winning drive in opposition to the Patriots in New England. And no one on the 2024 roster is throwing 4 passing touchdowns in opposition to the Jets. There are positively some issues that must be cleaned up, however the Steelers are going to ultimately get more healthy on the defensive facet of the ball. Then, this group can do some injury.
San Francisco 49ers
This squad can go all the way in which.
The harm 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 below 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 sector, then this group could make it to the Tremendous Bowl. The protection is nice (fourth in yards and third in factors), and so is the teaching workers. Plus, quite a few gamers on this roster have been concerned in each of the Niners’ latest Tremendous Bowl appearances, so that they know what it takes to make it there.
Seattle Seahawks
They’d an virtually flawless recreation 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 purple 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 may’ve been slightly extra environment friendly on third down, however that doesn’t actually matter while you common 11.1 yards per go try. Seahawks followers ought to bask on this big win a short time longer earlier than preparing for Thursday Night time Soccer.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs haven’t performed group 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 exceptional. However the groups Tampa Bay has confronted are a mixed 1-8 by the primary three weeks of the season (Jets 0-3, Falcons 1-2, and Texans 0-3). The win over the Houston seemed spectacular at first, however the Texans have been extremely disappointing this 12 months. The Bucs virtually gave away the sport in opposition to the Jets. And, the Atlanta Falcons have one of many worst offensive recreation plans within the NFL. The Buccaneers are certainly group, but it surely’s additionally true that they’ve solely confronted rubbish opponents thus far.
Tennessee Titans
Brian Callahan won’t be the coach of this group subsequent season.
The Tennessee Titans are only a dangerous group from prime to backside with quarterback and an elite defensive sort out. Outdoors of these two guys, this group stinks, and that speaks extra to the teaching workers than something. They spent chunk of change in free company and had premium draft capital, but they appear worse than they did final 12 months. 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 distinct final identify, he can be an offensive assistant someplace and never a head coach.
Washington Commanders
Marcus Mariota is an unimaginable asset.
There’s a case to be made that Marcus Mariota is likely one of the 5 finest backup quarterbacks within the NFL proper now. That may be very helpful for the well being and way forward for Jayden Daniels. The Commanders mustn’t really feel pressured to hurry again Daniels from harm 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 sector.
