Week 3 of the NFL season began Thursday evening with a San Francisco 49ersvictory over the New York Giants.
On Sunday, the New Orleans Saints began off scorching however allowed the Inexperienced Bay Packersto come again from a 17-0 deficit to win after quarterback Derek Carr left witha shoulder damage. TheMiami Dolphins’working backsran all around the Denver Broncosin a 50-point blowout, the Buffalo Payments’ protection crushed theWashington Commanders,and theIndianapolis Coltskicked a late area purpose to pressure extra time, after which kicked one other to beat the Baltimore Ravens.
Our NFL Nation reporters are reacting to all of the motion, answering lingering questions popping out of every sport and choosing out who — or what — is rising and falling for each group. Let’s get to it.
Soar to a matchup:
NYG-SF | TEN-CLE | ATL-DET | NO-GB
DEN-MIA | LAC-MIN | NE-NYJ | BUF-WSH
HOU-JAX | IND-BAL
Colts
Ought to the Colts rethink their season targets? The Colts anticipated this may be a rebuilding yr with rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson studying to be a franchise quarterback. On this sport, with out Richardson, the protection continued to ascertain itself as a pressure and will proceed to maintain the Colts in video games with a manageable schedule the remainder of the best way. The working sport has carried out solidly and must be improved when Richardson returns, however the protection has risen to the event and put the remainder of the NFL on discover.
Replenish after the win: RB Zack Moss.Regardless of dealing with a lower-body damage all through the second half, Moss completed with 122 yards on 30 carries for simply the second 100-yard sport of his profession.
Inventory down after the win: The Colts’ secondary. There have been approach too many wide-open receivers on this sport, permitting Lamar Jackson at one level to finish his first 10 makes an attempt of the sport — essentially the most consecutive completions to start out a sport in Ravens historical past. — Stephen Holder
Subsequent sport: vs. Rams (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Ravens
What occurred to Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ offense? The Ravens’ offense was lacking 4 injured starters in left sort out Ronnie Stanley, middle Tyler Linderbaum, vast receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and working again Justice Hill. It confirmed. The Ravens produced as many turnovers (fumbles by Jackson and working again Kenyan Drake) as touchdowns. Baltimore could not push the ball downfield and relied on the legs of Jackson, who ran for over 100 yards for the primary time since Week 3 of final season.
Replenish after the loss: Security Kyle Hamilton. His three sacks had been essentially the most within the first half by a defensive again in NFL historical past. In accordance with NFL Subsequent Gen Stats, Hamilton sacked Gardner Minshew in beneath 4 seconds every time.
Inventory down after the loss: Ravens’ run protection. Baltimore gave up 122 yards to Zack Moss, who grew to become the second 100-yard rusher towards the Ravens over the previous 29 video games. — Jamison Hensley
Subsequent sport: at Browns (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Dolphins
Are the Dolphins the very best group within the NFL proper now? Miami’s offense simply put up 726 yards with probably the greatest playmakers within the league, Jaylen Waddle, on the sideline whereas within the concussion protocol. By three video games, the Dolphins rank first in offensive anticipated factors added, yards per play and per sport and factors per drive. Miami’s protection additionally compelled a number of turnovers for the second straight sport. Subsequent week’s showdown with the Buffalo Payments will present some solutions about league superiority.
Replenish after the win: RB De’Von Achane. In his first distinguished function, the rookie compiled 233 whole yards and 4 whole touchdowns. It does not matter who’s wholesome subsequent week, Achane must be featured on this offense transferring ahead.
Inventory down after the win: C Connor Williams. The Dolphins’ beginning middle did not botch any snaps after doing so a number of occasions in every of the group’s first two video games, however he did commit two holding penalties on the identical drive and finally left with a groin damage. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Subsequent sport: at Payments (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Broncos
How badly do the Broncos want a win in Chicago subsequent week? As badly as they’ve wanted one over the previous eight years, as a result of the schedule will not be doing Denver any favors after subsequent week. After yielding over 700 yards to the Dolphins, the Broncos will journey to a Bears group that has had points on and off the sector. If Denver cannot beat the Bears, wins can be arduous to come back by with two video games towards the Chiefs and one vs. the Payments within the ensuing 5 weeks. It could possibly be one of many worst begins in franchise historical past.
Replenish after the loss: Rookie WR Marvin Mims Jr. The Broncos have nonetheless provided little to elucidate why Mims’ snap depend stays so low on a group that so clearly wants his explosiveness. He had 113 yards on two receptions towards the Commanders, and Sunday he had 73 yards on three receptions — and 5 targets — and was repeatedly standing on the sideline when the Broncos had been in a three-wide look.
Inventory down after the loss: Dashing protection: The Dolphins gained 350 yards dashing. It was essentially the most Denver has allowed since 2000, and the third most in franchise historical past. Miami entered the sport fifteenth in dashing yards per sport (107.5) by way of the primary two weeks. — Jeff Legwold
Subsequent sport: at Bears (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Packers
What sort of elevate might this give the younger Packers? Down 17-0 by way of three quarters and with out their greatest working again, most explosive receiver, top-two offensive linemen and greatest cornerback, the Packers had nothing going for them. Now, they’ve each motive to consider they’ll do one thing particular even when they’re nonetheless going to be with out Aaron Jones, Christian Watson, David Bakhtiari, Elgton Jenkins and Jaire Alexander a short while longer. Per week after Jordan Love could not muster a single completion on a possible game-winning drive, he masterfully led three fourth-quarter scoring drives.
Replenish after the win: LB Rashan Gary. To this point, it does not appear like final yr’s torn ACL has impacted him in any respect. Together with his first profession three-sack sport Sunday, the Packers would possibly wish to lock up Gary with an extension sooner slightly than later. He’s taking part in on the fifth-year choice of his rookie deal value $10.892 million this season.
Inventory down after the win:Offensive self-discipline. They’d seven offensive penalties within the first three quarters, they usually had been of all varieties. They’d three false begins, two holds, an unlawful formation and a cross interference. — Rob Demovsky
Subsequent sport: vs. Lions (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Saints
How will the offense perform if Derek Carr misses time? The Saints gave Carr a four-year deal to attempt to repair among the offensive issues from final yr, and the offense could not do something as soon as he left the sport with an injured proper shoulder, with a comeback try ending in a missed area purpose try. If Carr misses time, can the Saints’ offense work with out him or will it look just like the offense that struggled in 2022? To this point, not so good.
Replenish after the loss: CB Alontae Taylor. The Saints’ protection had a giant drop-off within the second half, but it surely’s arduous to disclaim that Taylor performed probably the greatest video games of his profession. He received his first profession sack and set a profession excessive with 5 cross breakups.
Inventory down after the loss: The offensive line. The OL wasn’t answerable for the play that injured Carr, however the group hasn’t jelled the best way the group had hoped. The unit posted a 33.3% cross block win charge and a 38.5% cross rush win charge towards the Packers. Guard Cesar Ruiz left the sport early with a concussion, main to a different unhealthy day for the unit. — Katherine Terrell
Subsequent sport: vs. Buccaneers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Chargers
What’s mistaken with the Chargers’ secondary? The Chargers’ cross protection has been among the many worst within the NFL. Each time opposing groups wanted an explosive play, they’ve gotten them. There was a 70-yard strike within the Chargers’ Week 2 loss to the Titans, a 47-yard cross towards the Dolphins in Week 1, and a 53-yard one to Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson on Sunday. The Chargers received due to an offense close to the highest of the league in yards and factors scored per sport, however this group will wrestle to win constantly so long as it permits passing-yard totals just like the Vikings’ 345 from Sunday.
Replenish after the win: WR Keenan Allen. The receiver had 18 catches for 215 yards, setting the group document for single-game receiving yards — and he additionally threw a 49-yard landing cross to Mike Williams.
Inventory down after the win:CBJ.C. Jackson. The Chargers signed Jackson final offseason to a five-year, $82.5 million deal to be a nook who might shadow No. 1 receivers. However towards Jefferson, maybe the league’s greatest receiver, Jackson was a wholesome inactive. — Kris Rhim
Subsequent sport: vs. Raiders (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Vikings
Did the Vikings simply kiss their season goodbye? An surprising 0-3 begin, together with two at residence and with some powerful opponents forward on the schedule, will go away the Vikings in a wrestle to make the playoffs. Within the Tremendous Bowl period, solely 2.4% of 0-3 groups have overcome such a begin to make the postseason. Sure, that statistic spans 14-game, 16-game and 17-game seasons. Nevertheless it hasn’t occurred for the reason that NFL expanded the common season to 17 video games. The final 0-3 group to make the playoffs was the 2018 Houston Texans.
Replenish after the loss: RB Alexander Mattison. Per week after a troublesome sport in Philadelphia, and 4 days after the Vikings acquired Cam Akers from the Rams, Mattison rushed for a season-high 93 yards on 20 carries.
Inventory down after the loss: Go protection. The Chargers threw at will towards the Vikings, who allowed a surprising 445 whole passing yards (on 41 completions) and should return to the drafting board after a scheme that was largely unable to stress quarterback Justin Herbert. — Kevin Seifert
Subsequent sport: at Panthers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Texans
Can rookie QB Stroud sustain his scorching begin? C.J. Stroud threw for 280 yards in his third begin and have become the third quarterback in NFL historical past to cross for 900 yards by way of their first three profession video games. Stroud completed with a passer ranking of 118 and threw two touchdowns — and he is but to throw an interception. Each time Stroud wanted to make throws, he made them — as he had two passes longer than 40 yards to rookie receiver Tank Dell. If the No. 2 general choose can hold this up, Rookie of the Yr honors is likely to be on the desk.
Replenish after the win:WR Tank Dell. The rookie retains getting higher. He caught 5 passes for 145 yards and a landing, which included a 68-yard catch to assist put the sport out of attain.
Inventory down after the win: WR Nico Collins. He had solely 34 yards on two catches with a drop after a career-high 146 yards final week. — DJ Bien-Aime
Subsequent sport: vs. Steelers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Jaguars
Did the Jaguars’ run final yr give them false hope? It is beginning to appear like it. The Jaguars received 5 in a row on the finish of the season to win the division, however the final three QBs they beat — Zach Wilson, Davis Mills and Joshua Dobbs — have not recorded a win as a starter this season. They rallied from 27-0 to beat the Chargers within the first spherical of the playoffs however are simply 1-3 since. The offense that was purported to be probably the greatest got here into Sunday’s sport ranked thirty first in third downs and seventeenth in yards per sport. The Jaguars simply received routed at residence by a winless group down eight starters and led by a rookie QB.
Replenish after the loss:TE Evan Engram.Not a lot to select from, however Engram set a season excessive with seven catches for 67 yards and now leads the group with 18 catches this season. He is been essentially the most constant pass-catcher by way of three video games and has outperformed WR Calvin Ridley, who had two end-zone drops and two penalties towards the Texans.
Inventory down after the loss: Particular groups. Okay Brandon McManus had a area purpose try blocked and missed one other, however essentially the most embarrassing factor was permitting Texans FB Andrew Beck to return a kickoff 85 yards for a TD — the primary time a fullback has executed that since Jacksonville’s Derrick Wimbush in 2005. — Mike DiRocco
Subsequent sport: vs. Falcons in London (Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET)
Patriots
Did Ezekiel Elliott present he generally is a larger a part of the offense? One of many high questions when the Patriots signed Elliott within the offseason was how a lot he had left within the tank. The eight-year veteran, who stated final week that he felt contemporary as a result of he hadn’t performed a lot by way of two weeks (50 snaps), had his greatest sport as a Patriot by ending with 80 yards on 16 carries — at one level turning to his trademark post-carry celebration to maintain feeding him. The Patriots go to the Cowboys, the place Elliott spent the primary seven years of his profession, subsequent Sunday.
Replenish after the win:TEPharaoh Brown. Within the first two video games, Brown performed a complete of 14 offensive snaps. He was an even bigger a part of the plan Sunday, with offensive coordinator Invoice O’Brien calling on the 3-TE package deal extra frequently, and he delivered a 58-yard catch-and-run landing on a blown protection by the Jets.
Inventory down after the win: Roster depth. Beginning DT Davon Godchaux (ankle) and reserve DT Daniel Ekuale (elbow) had been knocked out of the sport within the first half, and beginning LG Cole Unusual (knee) left within the second half and did not return. — Mike Reiss
Subsequent sport: at Cowboys (Sunday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Jets
Ought to the Jets keep on with Zach Wilson or flip to Tim Boyle? It could be a desperation transfer after solely three video games, however the offense has produced solely two touchdowns in Wilson’s two begins. He was dreadful for 3 1/2 quarters, trying tentative within the pocket. All three sacks, together with a security, had been on him. He wasn’t helped by a predictable sport plan that failed to make use of their high weapons, Garrett Wilson (5 catches for 48 yards) and Breece Corridor (12 carries for 18 yards). The backup is journeyman Boyle, who has solely three profession begins. Wilson confirmed some life with a late scoring drive, in all probability giving the teaching workers sufficient motive to stick with him, however his job safety can be a problem if he continues to sputter.
Replenish after the loss: P Thomas Morstead. He had eight punts, with a gross common of 51 yards per punt. A stable sport, but it surely’s unhealthy when the punter is the star of the sport.
Inventory down after the loss: The offensive line. With LT Duane Brown on injured reserve, the Jets shuffled the road, transferring Mekhi Becton to left sort out, sliding Alijah Vera-Tucker to proper sort out and inserting rookie Joe Tippmann to proper guard. The cross safety (three sacks) was spotty, and the working sport (38 yards) was weak. — Wealthy Cimini
Subsequent sport: vs. Chiefs (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Lions
Are we lastly seeing the Lions’ pass-rushing energy? The cross rush posted a single sack within the first two weeks however seemed a lot sharper versus Atlanta. Within the first quarter, Detroit wasted little time, as linebacker Derrick Barnes and defensive lineman Benito Jones registered back-to-back sacks. The Lions would finish with seven whole sacks on Atlanta quarterback Desmond Ridder, with two by Aidan Hutchinson along with Charles Harris, Alim McNeill and rookie Jack Campbell registering hits. They’re going to want one other huge elevate from the protection once they head to Lambeau Area for a Thursday evening sport in Inexperienced Bay.
Replenish after the win: TE Sam LaPorta. The rookie grew to become the primary tight finish to catch 5 or extra receptions in every of his first three profession video games for the reason that NFL-AFL merger, totaling a season-high eight receptions for 84 yards. He additionally scored his first profession landing off a 45-yard cross from Jared Goff.
Inventory down after the win: OL Penei Sewell. The Lions racked up 10 penalties for 119 yards, together with two offensive holding flags by the previous Professional Bowler Sewell. In opposition to higher groups, these errors might show expensive. — Eric Woodyard
Subsequent sport: at Packers (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Falcons
Ought to there be concern with Atlanta’s offense? Affordable concern, sure, particularly on the highway. In contrast to the season’s first two weeks, the offense by no means discovered a rhythm. QuarterbackDesmond Ridder was beneath duress Sunday and had clear accuracy issues — together with lacking WR Drake London on a key fourth-down dialog try, finishing 21 of 37 passes for 201 yards and a sack-fumble misplaced. Playcalling accentuated the Falcons’ offensive woes, and the run sport averaged 2.2 yards per carry. Atlanta’s most up-to-date landing on the highway got here from Cordarrelle Patterson on Dec. 18, 2022 — virtually 9 quarters in the past.
Replenish after the loss: LB Kaden Elliss. Making a return to the place his father, Luther, starred for the Lions within the Nineties, Elliss was all around the area with 10 tackles and a sort out for loss.
Inventory down after the loss: Offensive line. Ridder was sacked seven occasions and the run sport was basically unable to get going as a result of the blocking couldn’t maintain up. — Michael Rothstein
Subsequent sport: vs. Jaguars in London (Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET)
Payments
Can the Payments’ protection hold this degree of stress going? Buffalo’s protection made positive that Sam Howell’s day was something however straightforward, pressuring him on 67.6% of performs whereas blitzing on simply 16.2%. The stress helped end in seven sacks, 4 interceptions (together with anAJ Epenesapick-six) and simply three factors for Washington. The Commanders’ offense got here into the day scoring the second-most factors per sport (27.5) however tied for the second-most sacks allowed (10), so the Payments’ means to proceed this success towards higher strains and different quarterbacks can be important.
Replenish after the win: LB Terrel Bernard. In simply his third begin at center linebacker for the Payments, Bernard continues to star. He helped the protection get off to a powerful begin towards the Commanders with two sacks — the primary two of his profession — and an interception within the first quarter along with a fumble restoration.
Inventory down after the win: Pink zone offense. There’s not a lot to nitpick in a efficiency that noticed backup quarterbackKyle Allenenter the sport with over eight minutes to play, however the Payments began the sport 0-for-2 in crimson zone offense and will have pulled away even sooner had they scored touchdowns. As a substitute, they settled for 36- and 32-yard area targets on these possessions. — Alaina Getzenberg
Subsequent sport: vs. Dolphins (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Commanders
How does Sam Howell reply to his worst sport? Howell made one unhealthy resolution after one other — typically whereas trying to make a giant play — resulting in 4 picks. He should handle conditions higher. At occasions he took sacks he should not and was sacked seven occasions general. Howell’s power has been responding to unhealthy conditions. A part of being a younger quarterback is bouncing again. It will not be straightforward, although: Washington performs at Philadelphia on Sunday. However this can be a pivotal week and sport for Howell.
Replenish after the loss: RB Brian Robinson Jr. It is actually arduous to single out a constructive facet of this loss, however Robinson has rushed for a mixed 157 yards the previous two video games, together with 70 on 10 carries Sunday. Robinson has been working with imaginative and prescient and energy. The Commanders simply have to hold video games shut so he may be more practical. His working means might help restrict the stress on Howell.
Inventory down after the loss:Offensive line. Washington allowed 9 sacks, its most in a sport since final season vs. the Eagles. Whereas Sam Howell didn’t assist himself, the safety additionally failed. Howell has now been sacked 19 occasions in two video games. There’s sufficient fast stress to stop Howell from discovering lanes; generally it is the tackles, and different occasions the backs fail choosing up stress. Regardless, it continues to plague the offense. — John Keim
Subsequent sport: at Eagles (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Browns
Simply how elite is that this Browns protection? Cleveland confirmed that stopping the run is now not the Achilles’ heel it was final season. Tennessee’s Derrick Henry had minus-7 yards dashing within the first half, the fewest in any half of his All-Professional profession. By three video games, the Browns have now allowed only a single area purpose from the crimson zone. That is trying like an entire, top-five protection with no obvious weak spot.
Replenish after the win:DEMyles Garrett. The NFL Defensive Participant of the Yr candidate (front-runner?) had 2.5 sacks within the first half alone, together with a takedown of quarterbackRyan Tannehill on the ultimate play of the second quarter, eliminating a possible Titans area purpose.
Inventory down after the win: Working sport. The Titans have a stout entrance, and Jerome Ford and Kareem Hunt each made performs, but it surely’s clear Cleveland’s dashing assault will not have the identical devastating impact minus injured All-Professional working again Nick Chubb. They rushed for a complete of 78 yards on Sunday.— Jake Trotter
Subsequent sport: vs. Ravens (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Titans
Can the Titans’ offense get any worse? The offense was so unhealthy, it received the ball on the Browns’ 17-yard line off a Sean Murphy-Bunting compelled fumble and restoration, then went backward 9 yards in three performs earlier than Nick Folks’s 44-yard area purpose. Tennessee completed with a pitiful 94 yards of offense. Thankfully for the Titans, they will not face a pass-rusher like Garrett till Week 9 once they play T.J. Watt and the Steelers. Within the meantime, Tennessee has to discover a strategy to not get dominated up entrance and put collectively drives to attain factors.
Replenish after the loss:CBSean Murphy-Bunting. The cornerback received flagged for a few questionable defensive holding calls, however he tackled nicely on the perimeter and turned within the play of the day for the Titans when he stripped the ball from Browns receiver Elijah Moore and recovered the ball to place Tennessee in scoring place.
Inventory down after the loss:OTAndre Dillard. The sort out was outmatched by Garrett to the purpose the place he gave up 2.5 sacks, and was referred to as for holding and a false begin, lowering the variety of performs offensive coordinator Tim Kelly might name. — Turron Davenport
Subsequent sport: vs. Bengals (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Thursday
49ers
After scoring 30 factors in every of their three wins, how a lot can the 49ers enhance? Here is one thing the remainder of the league won’t wish to hear: The 49ers consider they could be a lot higher. Except for their opening week blowout towards Pittsburgh, San Francisco has confirmed some warts, whether or not it was the first-half defensive struggles towards the Rams or the first-half offensive issues towards the Giants. Even after throwing for 310 yards and two touchdowns towards the Giants, quarterbackBrock Purdy stated he could have a “unhealthy style” in his mouth from the performs he missed. That is precisely the kind of never-satisfied response coach Kyle Shanahan needs from his gamers and what they hope can push them excessive after solely their second 3-0 begin previously 25 years.
Replenish after the win: WR Ronnie Bell. The seventh-round rookie out of Michigan helped fill in for injured starter Brandon Aiyuk by catching his first NFL landing within the first half and contributing on particular groups.
Inventory down after the win: Penalty self-discipline. The Niners proceed to rack up penalties with 9 infractions for 71 yards towards the Giants and at the moment are averaging 9.3 penalties and 71 penalty yards per sport, a quantity they should deliver down sooner slightly than later. — Nick Wagoner
Subsequent sport: vs. Cardinals (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Giants
Who can be again for subsequent Monday evening towards the Seattle Seahawks? This is not a deep Giants group. It could possibly’t afford to be down 4 essential starters (together with maybe their two greatest gamers in LT Andrew Thomas and RB Saquon Barkley) like they had been towards the 49ers. Thankfully for the Giants, Thomas stated he has made progress along with his hamstring and there’s a good probability he returns quickly. Left guard Ben Bredeson (concussion) will profit from the extra off days as he hopes to return in Week 4, and the left facet of the O-line must be again intact. Barkley and OLBAzeez Ojulari are nonetheless the query marks. It is not an particularly encouraging signal that Barkley advised Amazon’s Taylor Rooks that he is coping with a excessive ankle sprain. Given his historical past, it is likely to be prudent to attend a number of extra weeks earlier than getting him again within the fold.
Replenish after the loss: LB Micah McFadden.He had 10 tackles, together with 4 for a loss in San Francisco. That is the second time in three video games that McFadden has performed a powerful sport. The second-year linebacker is proving he is a succesful starter.
Inventory down after the loss: OC Mike Kafka/coach Brian Daboll. The Giants must discover a strategy to get the ball into rookie vast receiver Jalin Hyatt’s fingers. There is no such thing as a approach in a sport like that he must be on the sector to run simply 13 routes and never get a contact. Hyatt was the important thing to the Giants’ victory the prior week in Arizona. — Jordan Raanan
Subsequent sport: vs. Seahawks (Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET)