September 27–28, 2026
Week 3 arrives with the first real separation beginning to emerge around the NFL.
Several unbeaten teams face significant tests, while a number of 1–1 clubs look to establish momentum before the season moves deeper into September.
GAME OF THE WEEK
Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys
The Ravens and Cowboys meet in Brazil in one of the most anticipated international games of the season.
Baltimore brings Lamar Jackson and a dangerous dual-threat offense, while Dallas enters behind Dak Prescott, who just became the franchise’s all-time leader in touchdown passes.
Key matchup: Lamar Jackson vs. the Dallas pass defense.
MATCHUP TO WATCH
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Buffalo Bills
Buffalo enters Week 3 at 2–0, making this an important early AFC test.
The Chargers are still searching for their first victory, while the Bills will look to maintain their unbeaten start.
Buffalo’s health is worth monitoring, particularly along the offensive line. The Chargers also have several injury concerns heading into the matchup.
OTHER KEY GAMES
Kansas City Chiefs at Miami Dolphins
Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City enter at 2–0 against a Miami team still looking for its first win. Miami will need to limit explosive plays and keep the Chiefs from controlling the game early.
Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers
Cincinnati arrives at 2–0, while Pittsburgh is 1–1. Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense face a physical Steelers defense in an important AFC North battle.
Seattle Seahawks at Washington Commanders
Seattle is 2–0 and has looked strong early. Washington is 0–2 and will have to adjust after quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered a dislocated left elbow in Week 2.
New England Patriots at Jacksonville Jaguars
Both teams enter 1–1. New England will try to generate more consistency offensively, while Jacksonville gets the advantage of playing at home.
New York Jets at Detroit Lions
Both teams are 1–1, making this an important early NFC/AFC crossover matchup. Detroit will look to establish its offensive identity at Ford Field.
Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts
An important AFC South matchup. Houston needs to get its offense moving consistently, while Indianapolis has an opportunity to strengthen its position inside the division.
SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Los Angeles Rams at Denver Broncos
The Rams travel to Denver for a fascinating matchup between two 1–1 teams.
Matthew Stafford leads Los Angeles, while Denver will look to its defense and quarterback Bo Nix to control the game.
The Rams are also monitoring the status of star receiver Puka Nacua, who is listed as doubtful with a hip injury.
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MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears
Philadelphia enters Week 3 unbeaten at 2–0, while Chicago sits at 1–1.
Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley headline the Eagles offense. Chicago will need Caleb Williams to make plays against a Philadelphia defense capable of creating pressure.
INJURY WATCH
Several Week 3 injuries could have a major impact:
Nick Bosa — 49ers: Out with knee/calf issues.
Puka Nacua — Rams: Doubtful with a hip injury.
Patrick Mahomes — Chiefs: Practiced fully.
Chris Jones — Chiefs: Limited but available on the current report.
Brock Bowers — Raiders: Questionable with a knee injury.
Jaylen Warren — Steelers: Questionable with a shoulder injury.
Cooper Kupp — Seahawks: Limited in practice.
THREE KEYS TO WEEK 3
1. Protect the quarterback
Several marquee games feature defenses capable of changing games with pressure.
2. Watch the injury reports
Week 3 already features significant injuries to quarterbacks and star offensive players, making late-week availability particularly important.
3. Establish the run
With defenses beginning to adjust to early-season passing attacks, efficient rushing offenses could control possession and tempo.
WEEK 3 OUTLOOK
The Ravens-Cowboys, Chargers-Bills, Bengals-Steelers, Chiefs-Dolphins and Rams-Broncos provide the week’s biggest spotlight games.
Meanwhile, the Seahawks, 49ers, Chiefs, Bengals, Eagles and Bills enter the weekend with particularly important early-season momentum to protect.
Week 3 could be the weekend when several teams begin to separate themselves from the middle of the pack.
