Thursday is MVP! Week three is the first week of certainties that are confirmed. And the first is that Josh Allen seems to have found the right configuration on the Buffalo side. Freed from the whims of the stars around him, he plays and makes others play wonderfully. A little less good this week, Derek Carr and Baker Mayfield drop back while Saquon Barkley and Sam Darnold are in place thanks to a third very good game this season. Absolutely exceptional this week, Jauan Jennings revealed himself to everyone but will have to work even harder to enter our top 5.
Star of the week: Josh Allen (QB), Bills
Josh Allen has done it again and is now a frontrunner for the MVP award. In the Buffalo Bills' 47-10 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday Night Football, the quarterback delivered a masterful performance. His numbers speak for themselves: 263 passing yards, four touchdowns and 44 rushing yards, with an impressive 75 percent completion rate. But beyond the numbers, it's Allen's fluidity and control that stand out this season. Buffalo is now 3-0, and Allen has never looked more in control.
This season, Allen is in great shape and leads an attack where everyone contributes. “Everyone eats”he summarized in a press conference. On Monday, no fewer than six players scored a touchdown, including rookie Keon Coleman, who scored his first NFL touchdown after being sidelined in the first quarter for a disciplinary matter. This collective is a reflection of Buffalo's attack this season, diversified and fearsomely effective under the leadership of a quarterback who uses all of his weapons wonderfully.
If Allen continues to deliver like this, he could be on his way to winning the MVP award and, in the process, his best season in the NFL. His current stats are proof of that: the league's best quarterback rating (QBR), a record-breaking completion rate, and no interceptions in three games.
Revelation of the week: Jauan Jennings (WR), 49ers
In the 49ers' loss to the Rams, Jauan Jennings delivered a memorable performance that could very well mark a turning point in his career. With 11 receptions, 175 yards and three touchdowns, he not only reached a career high, but also made 49ers history. In fact, he became the second 49ers player to throw for at least 175 yards and three touchdowns in a game, joining legend Jerry Rice, who accomplished the feat three times.
Jennings was imperious throughout the game, but his most spectacular play was probably his third-quarter reception, where he flew over Rams safety Quentin Lake for a 32-yard gain. This key moment illustrated how Jennings is capable of responding in critical moments, especially in a game where the 49ers' offense was without several of its usual playmakers. Kyle Shanahan did not hide his admiration for the receiver, highlighting his solidity even on plays where the ball should not have gone his way but which he still knew how to negotiate perfectly.
This game could be a turning point for Jennings, who is often overshadowed by offensive stars like Deebo Samuel and George Kittle. In the absence of those pillars, he has shown that he can be a formidable weapon, capable of carrying the offense all by himself. His performances, mixing determination and talent, now make him a player to watch closely, especially in an NFC West that could be tighter than expected.
Disappointment of the week: Baker Mayfield (QB), Buccaneers
After a fiery first week, Baker Mayfield seems to be gradually marking time now. And yet, he seemed well supported and facing Broncos within his reach. But Baker Mayfield clearly missed his game and this is reflected in his disappointing statistics. Despite 82 passes attempted in three games this season, only four exceeded 20 yards, including none in this last game. This lack of deep attempts has not only limited the effectiveness of the Buccaneers' attack, but also strongly impacted Mike Evans, usually a deep threat.
By focusing on short, predictable passes, Mayfield made his offense too easy for the opposing defense to read. That conservative playmaking, coupled with an inability to vary his passing zones, exposed Mayfield's weaknesses under offensive coordinator Liam Coen. The result was a lackluster performance that kept Tampa Bay's offense from fully expressing itself.
The ranking
1- Josh Allen (+2) Quarterback – Buffalo Bills (3-0)
3 games – 634 yards at 75% completion – 7 touchdowns, 133.7 rating
2- Derek Carr (-1) Quarterback – New Orleans Saints (2-1)
3 games – 585 yards at 68.8% completion – 6 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 115.7 efficiency rating
3- Saquon Barkley (+3) Running Back – Philadelphia Eagles (2-1)
3 games – 351 yards at 5.6 yards per carry, 4 touchdowns – 10 receptions, 53 yards, 1 touchdown
4- Sam Darnold (+2) Quarterback – Minnesota Vikings (3-0)
3 games – 657 yards at 67.9% completion – 8 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 117.3 efficiency rating
5- Baker Mayfield (-3) Quarterback – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1)
3 games – 637 yards at 74.4% completion – 6 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 110.7 efficiency rating
