After a week 2 full of surprises, week 3 could already see the destinies of many teams change. Several favorite franchises (Ravens, Bengals, Rams) have their backs to the wall. Less expected teams (Steelers, Chargers, Seahawks, Saints, Vikings, Buccaneers) can, however, take serious options on the future.
With high-flying confrontations and high-stakes matches, this week 3 marks the start of serious things, and the end of the carefree start of the season.
The stat: 6
Cincinnati Bengals (0-2) – Washington Commanders (1-1) – kickoff Tuesday, September 24 at 02:15
For once, let's start with the key statistic of this week 3. In NFL history, only 6 teams have gone to the playoffs starting 0-3. And only one, the 2018 Texans, has accomplished that feat since 2000.
So there's a red alert in the AFC North. The Ravens and Bengals, two of the division's serious contenders, are already on the ropes. Same for the Rams in the NFC, even if the list of injured players makes their chances this season doubtful. Conversely, a team that is 0-3 has more than a 70% chance of qualifying for the playoffs. The season will take its first turn this weekend.
Game of the week 3: bad omens for the Ravens?
Dallas Cowboys (1-1) – Baltimore Ravens (0-2) – Sunday, September 22, kickoff at 10:25 p.m.
If there's one team in this league whose presence in the 0-2 bracket is surprising, it's Baltimore. After an impressive performance at Arrowhead that ended with a near-toe loss to the Chiefs (27-20), the Ravens tripped up against the Raiders at home (26-23) despite a 10-point lead in the second half.
Valorous or not, a defeat is still a defeat. John Harbaugh's men are in deep trouble in the AFC North, where competition is tough. The teammates of MVP Lamar Jackson (QB) no longer have the right to make mistakes, at least for now. And Sunday's game is no gift, far from it.
The Cowboys are one of the unknowns of this league. Capable of blowing the very hot in week 1 against the Browns (33-17), they took a spanking against the Saints last weekend (44-19). Dallas has the potential to hurt anyone, especially at home. But Dak Prescott (QB) often has trouble against big teams.
Still, both teams are heavyweights in the league, with a combined record of 25-9 in 2023. In terms of expected level of play, as well as stakes, this is the match to follow this week.
Player of the Week 3: Sam Darnold, a continuing miracle?
Minnesota Vikings (2-0) – Houston Texans (2-0) – Sunday, September 22, kickoff at 7 p.m.
The NFL is an unpredictable league. On August 14, JJ McCarthy was injured, leaving the Vikings, it seems, orphaned for a 2024 season already marked by disappointment. Today, the Minnesota players are leading the NFC North, with a 2-0 record. Last week, they had the luxury of overturning the 49ers (23-17). Propelled into the starting lineup, Sam Darnold (QB) is shining like never before.
For his 4th team and his 7th season in the league, the third choice of the 2018 draft is far from what he had displayed with the Jets or the Panthers. More precise, better in his choices, and well helped by a Justin Jefferson still as impressive, the quarterback is having a blast. Over two games, he accumulates solid statistics: 36/50, 476 yards, 4 TDs, 2 ints.
Enough to allow his franchise to look upwards. But he will have to continue. Against the Texans, 3rd in yards conceded at the start of the season, and the frightening defensive line composed among others of Will Anderson Jr., Mario Edwards Jr. and Danielle Hunter, Darnold will pass a new test. He and the Vikings will once again have the advantage of the label of underdogs. But that might not last long.
Duel of the week 3: Kyler Murray vs Aidan Hutchinson
Arizona Cardinals (1-1) – Detroit Lions (1-1) – Sunday, September 22, kickoff at 10:25 p.m.
Cartoon fans, be there for the remake of Road Runner vs. Coyote this Sunday.
Honor the predator. Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson is coming off a historic performance despite his team's loss to the Buccaneers (16-20). Hutchinson finished the game with no less than 4.5 sacks, a franchise record. He already has 5.5 sacks in two games, representing a constant threat to his opponents.
And he will have to be there again to disrupt a rediscovered Kyler Murray (QB) against the Rams (41-10). The Cardinals' elf tortured his opponents: 17/21, 266 yards, 2 touchdowns for a perfect passing grade, 59 rushing yards and only one sack conceded. Elusive, he was able to establish the long-awaited connection with Marvin Harrison Jr. (4 receptions, 130 yards, 2 TDs). To win, Detroit will first have to find a way to contain him, and Hutchinson will have a key role. But then a more complete offensive performance from Jared Goff & Co. will be needed. Between the Cardinals in question mark form and the somewhat disappointing Lions, the match could in any case mark a turning point.
Coach of the Week: Brian Daboll
Cleveland Browns (0-2) – New York Giants (0-2) – Sunday, September 22, kickoff at 7 p.m.
Brian could quickly return to the kitchen. While it is relatively easy to dwell on the difficulties encountered by Daniel Jones (QB), the Giants' failed start to the season also highlights a squad that is not progressing. Brian Daboll, the Giants' coach since 2022, is more than ever under fire from critics.
Last week's performance, in which New York became the second team in history to lose by scoring three touchdowns to none for the Commanders (21-18), has heated up tempers in the Big Apple. Against Kevin Stefanski's Browns, whose quarterback Deshaun Watson is more than ever a dead weight, Daboll has a chance to make up for lost time. Not sure there will be many more.
Division clash: Rams-49ers battle of bad luck
Los Angeles Rams (0-2) – San Francisco 49ers (1-1) – Sunday, September 22, kickoff at 10:25 p.m.
Seattle Seahawks (2-0) – Miami Dolphins (1-1) – Sunday, September 22, kickoff at 10:05 p.m.
With injuries to LB Dre Greenlaw, who is still recovering from a torn Achilles tendon suffered in the Super Bowl, RB Christian McCaffrey and WR Ricky Pearsall on injured reserve, and WR Deebo Samuel's uncertain status, who is not expected to play, the 49ers can rightfully feel unlucky from a medical standpoint.
But against the Rams, they would almost seem like small players. Last week, the Californians lost Cooper Kupp. The star receiver was not placed on injured reserve but his chances of playing Sunday are almost non-existent. His colleague Puka Nacua is still on injured reserve. The offensive line is decimated with 3 starters absent, and Cobie Durant is uncertain in the secondary. Times are tough for coach Sean McVay. In office since 2017, he has never started 0-3, but the mountain seems high against San Francisco. Especially since Kyle Shanahan has not been very successful for him in the regular season (10-5 for the 49ers coach).
In addition to the Cardinals' difficult match (see above), the Seahawks have the opportunity to continue their successful start to the season against Miami. With Tua Tagovailoa out, injured, it's Skylar Thompson (QB, Dolphins) who will have to deal with Mike Macdonald's defense, which is already effective and 6th in yards conceded per game. For Seattle, there's reason to dream of remaining king for a little while longer.
Other matches
Kick-off Sunday at 7 p.m.
Indianapolis Colts (0-2) – Chicago Bears (1-1)
New Orleans Saints (2-0) – Philadelphia Eagles (1-1) – To follow live for free on M6+
Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0) – Los Angeles Chargers (2-0)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0) – Denver Broncos (0-2)
Tennessee Titans (0-2) – Green Bay Packers (1-1)
Kick-off Sunday at 10:05 p.m.
Las Vegas Raiders (2-0) – Carolina Panthers (0-2)
Kick-off Monday at 02:20
Atlanta Falcons (1-1) – Kansas City Chiefs (2-0)
Kick-off Tuesday at 01:30
Buffalo Bills (2-0) – Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2)
If you like defense, Sunday's Steelers-Chargers matchup promises to be between two teams that have made the trenches and the ground game their trademarks. The Jim Harbaugh-Mike Tomlin duel promises to be a great tactical battle sprinkled with a good dose of nostalgia.
If you like offense, Falcons-Chiefs could be a blast. As for Atlanta and Kirk Cousins, they just need to deliver on the promises they showed at the end of the game against the Eagles. With Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson, there's plenty to do. As long as Kansas City can count on Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Andy Reid's play-calling, any further explanation will be superfluous.
In the NFC, we will particularly scrutinize the performances of the Saints and Buccaneers who surprised last week in an NFC South that was ultimately much more promising than expected. For New Orleans, it would be yet another message sent to the league given the Eagles' pedigree. Tampa is the favorite against the Broncos. Bo Nix (QB, Broncos) will continue his learning curve, which has been difficult so far (4 interceptions in two games).
For the Jaguars against the Bills, the Colts against the Bears, and the Titans against Green Bay, it already looks like the last chance. Andy Dalton (QB) begins the rescue mission of the Panthers in Vegas. But for Carolina, one would be tempted to say ” the games are over, nothing is going well anymore” .
Week 3 Schedule
Kick-off Sunday at 7 p.m.
Indianapolis Colts (0-2) – Chicago Bears (1-1)
New Orleans Saints (2-0) – Philadelphia Eagles (1-1) – To follow live for free on M6+
Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0) – Los Angeles Chargers (2-0)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0) – Denver Broncos (0-2)
Tennessee Titans (0-2) – Green Bay Packers (1-1)
Cleveland Browns (0-2) – New York Giants (0-2)
Minnesota Vikings (2-0) – Houston Texans (2-0)
Kick-off Sunday at 10:05 p.m.
Las Vegas Raiders (2-0) – Carolina Panthers (0-2)
Seattle Seahawks (2-0) – Miami Dolphins (1-1)
Kick-off Sunday at 10:25 p.m.
Los Angeles Rams (0-2) – San Francisco 49ers (1-1)
Dallas Cowboys (1-1) – Baltimore Ravens (0-2)
Arizona Cardinals (1-1) – Detroit Lions (1-1)
Kick-off Monday at 02:20
Atlanta Falcons (1-1) – Kansas City Chiefs (2-0)
Kick-off Tuesday at 01:30
Buffalo Bills (2-0) – Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2)
Kick-off Tuesday, September 24 at 02:15
Cincinnati Bengals (0-2) – Washington Commanders (1-1)
