Going into Week 3, it’s a good time to reflect on the chaos and drama that’s already unfolded across the NFL. While heavyweights like the Chiefs and Bengals stumbled hard out of the gate, the Bills and Eagles quietly held their ground, proving why they’re serious contenders. We’ve witnessed fierce rivalries heat up, penalties pile up, and yes, a few snooze-worthy games. But that’s the beautiful mess of football—unpredictable, thrilling, and always full of stories waiting to be told. So, buckle up and let’s dive into the Week 3 scoop with all the flair and edge you expect.

32. Miami Dolphins (0-2)

Last week’s ranking: 31

Week 2 Result: 33-27 loss vs. New England

PFF Rankings: 30th offense, 30th defense

Week 3 Matchup: Thursday, 8:20 pm EST at Buffalo

Miami showed major fight, and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was nearly flawless, throwing for 315 yards and two touchdowns. The Dolphins kept pace and created big plays, but couldn’t overcome costly penalties and a critical interception late.

Their defense gave up too many explosive plays, and late-game execution still needs work. Fix those mental errors and tighten the defense if Miami wants to turn things around.

31. Carolina Panthers (0-2)

Last week’s ranking: 29

Week 2 Result: 27-22 loss at Arizona

PFF Rankings: 27th offense, 28th defense

Week 3 Matchup: Sunday, 1 pm EST vs. Falcons

They stormed back from a 27-3 hole with over nine minutes left in the third quarter, only to fall short. Their offense, which looked rough in the preseason, showed why those worries mattered.

What does quarterback Bryce Young really need? A better running game to take the pressure off and help open up plays downfield. Until that happens, the struggle will stick around.

30. Cleveland Browns (0-2)

Last week’s ranking: 27

Week 2 Result: 41-17 loss at Baltimore

PFF Rankings: 31st offense, 1st defense

Week 3 Matchup: Sunday, 1 pm EST vs. Packers

Lamar Jackson sliced through Cleveland’s defense, hitting 19 of 29 passes for 225 yards and four touchdowns. He spread the ball around, connecting on big plays, including a 41-yard bomb to DeAndre Hopkins that kept the chains moving.

With a tough slate of opponents coming up, this season looks painfully rough for the Browns. The defensive unit is stellar on paper, but needs to make stops in the few game-defining moments they may be given in the weeks ahead. An offensive spark is a must, as this stretch could easily turn into a nightmare that sinks their playoff hopes before the halfway mark.

29. New Orleans Saints (0-2)

Last week’s ranking: 32

Week 2 Result: 26-21 loss vs. San Francisco

PFF Rankings: 19th offense, 17th defense

Week 3 Matchup: Sunday, 4:05 pm EST vs. Seahawks

Quarterback Spencer Rattler threw three touchdown passes and, for the second straight week, had the Saints in position to win before the defense faltered. He finished 25 of 34 for 207 yards with no interceptions.

But the 49ers’ defense held firm, sacking him on a crucial fourth-and-1 to seal the win. The Saints left points on the board when they missed a first-quarter field goal. That gave the 49ers the edge on special teams, which proved crucial in a close game.

The team showed moments of promise, but inconsistency dominates.

28. Tennessee Titans (0-2)

Last week’s ranking: 30

Week 2 Result: 33-19 loss vs. Rams

PFF Rankings: 32nd offense, 15th defense

Week 3 Matchup: Sunday, 1 pm EST vs. Colts

The Titans made some impressive plays. Corner Emmanuel Forbes shadowed rookie Elic Ayomanor along the sidelines, but the Titans emerging star still pulled off a great catch.

On the touchdown, No. 1 overall draft pick Cam Ward turned superhero — escaping a rush before launching an incredible, if risky, throw across the field.

For the second straight week, the Titans were competitive late into the third quarter against a playoff-caliber team. Discipline issues and penalties continue to haunt the young team. The offense’s predictable plays only made things worse.

27. Chicago Bears (0-2)

Last week’s ranking: 21

Week 2 Result: 52-21 loss at Detroit

PFF Rankings: 23rd offense, 31st defense

Week 3 Matchup: Sunday, 4:25 pm vs. Cowboys

Chicago’s defense never found an answer for the Lions’ offense. Quarterback Caleb Williams completed 19 of 30 passes for 207 yards, two touchdowns, one interception, and a 91.9 rating. Detroit’s defense did a solid job containing the dual-threat Williams, limiting his rushing to just 27 yards on five carries. The Bears suffered a blowout loss, with an offense that couldn’t get going and a porous defense.

QB Jared Goff and the Lions embarrassed Chicago all across the field as Detroit made former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson look overmatched as Bears head coach. The putrid defense needs to redeem itself against a Cowboys offense clicking on all cylinders.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1)

Last week’s ranking: 26

Week 2 Result: 31-27 loss at Cincinnati

PFF Rankings: 13th offense, 4th defense

Week 3 Matchup: Sunday, 1 pm EST vs. Texans

Tough loss to Bengals, despite Trevor Lawrence’s three TDs. The quarterback did a solid job spreading the ball around, mixing runs with passes to keep the defense guessing. The offense showed flashes, but costly self-inflicted mistakes prevented it from gaining control. There were communication issues, and defensive lapses cost dearly.

Home field in a division battle versus Houston could be the perfect elixir. We will get a true read on whether the defense is as good as their ranking in Week 3.

25. New York Giants (0-2)

Last week’s ranking: 28

Week 2 Result: 40-37 OT loss at Dallas

PFF Rankings: 14th offense, 22nd defense

Week 3 Matchup: Sunday, 8:20 pm EST vs. Chiefs

These are the type of losses head coach Brian Daboll can’t afford if he wants off the coaching hot seat. The heartbreaking OT loss to the Cowboys showed fight but no finish. Defensive lapses led to too many big plays allowed.

The team showed serious discipline issues, racking up 160 penalty yards throughout the game (the franchise’s most since 1949). Thanks (sarcasm) to offensive lineman James Hudson III for starting the penalty race.

The Giants are stuck in a cycle of ‘almost-there’ frustration, unable to close out games cleanly due to mental errors and lapses in focus. They must clean this up fast if they want to compete seriously.

24. New York Jets (0-2)

Last week’s ranking: 17

Week 2 Result: 30-10 loss at Buffalo

PFF Rankings: 15th offense, 20th defense

Week 3 Matchup: Sunday, 1 pm EST vs. Buccaneers

The Jets’ running game struggled compared to Week 1, and quarterback Justin Fields looked desperate at times before exiting the game on concussion protocol.

For Fields to thrive and open up the passing game, the run game must improve. The key to the Jets moving forward is consistency. Fields has flashed brilliance on some days, but blown games on others.

They need steady, reliable performances if they want to take the next step. Week 2 was a disaster offensively. And Fields suffering a concussion just adds to the growing list of problems heading into Week 3.

23. Minnesota Vikings (1-1)

Last week’s ranking: 14

Week 2 Result: 22-6 loss vs. Falcons

PFF Rankings: 18th offense, 32nd defense

Week 3 Matchup: Sunday, 1 pm EST vs. Bengals

The Vikings are feeling the absence of Christian Darrisaw, one of the best left tackles in the game, who missed consecutive weeks recovering from a torn ACL/MCL. Running back Jordan Mason showed promise in Week 1 during Minnesota’s comeback win, but he largely disappeared from the offense in Week 2.

The Vikings have stumbled out of the gate and are on the brink of a 0-3 start down both starting QB J.J. McCarthy and starting running back Aaron Jones, but if they can get through the Bengals, Browns, and Steelers without more setbacks, there’s still hope for a strong season ahead.

22. New England Patriots (1-1)

Last week’s ranking: 23

Week 2 Result: 33-27 win at Miami

PFF Rankings: 17th offense, 25th defense

Week 3 Matchup: Sunday, 1 pm EST vs. Steelers

The Patriots showed resilience and clutch play throughout, with quarterback Drake Maye delivering precise throws and Antonio Gibson electrifying the field with a 90-yard kickoff return touchdown – right after New England gave up a punt return TD.

The Pats executed key stops and capitalized on Miami’s mistakes to secure the first win of the Mike Vrabel era. However, New England’s offense struggled to consistently manage the clock late, and protection issues surfaced under Miami’s pressure. Cleaning up these details will be crucial moving forward.

21. Las Vegas Raiders (1-1)

Last week’s ranking: 20

Week 2 Result: 20-9 loss at Los Angeles Chargers

PFF Rankings: 24th offense, 24th defense

Week 3 Matchup: 1 pm EST at Commanders

Quarterback Geno Smith had a rough night with costly turnovers, throwing three interceptions that flipped the momentum in favor of the Chargers. The Bolts’ defense was relentless, racking up 15 total passes defensed. And holding Smith to zero completions on his 11 attempts that traveled 10 or more yards in the air.

Smith’s aggressive deep throws backfired repeatedly, while the Chargers’ secondary tightened the noose, turning the Raiders’ offense into a sputtering mess.

The Raiders head east in Week 3 and could benefit from Commanders QB Jayden Daniels needing to sit due to a knee injury.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1)

Last week’s ranking: 12

Week 2 Result: 31-17 loss vs. Seattle

PFF Rankings: 29th offense, 16th defense

Week 3 Matchup: Sunday, 1 pm EST vs. Patriots

Aaron Rodgers’ home debut was like a tough drama: flashes of brilliance but costly mistakes led to a bumbling defeat.

Two critical interceptions and a lack of pass rush exposed weaknesses that need urgent fixing. Rodgers couldn’t compensate for the defense. It reminded us a lot of some of the worst games Ben Roethlisberger played late in his career, when he had nothing to work with.

If the Steelers don’t want to repeat that history, they’d better work on building a stronger offensive line around A-Rod … and quickly.

19. Arizona Cardinals (2-0)

Last week’s ranking: 24

Week 2 Result: 27-22 win vs. Carolina

PFF Rankings: 16th offense, 8th defense

Week 3 Matchup: Sunday, 4:25 pm EST at 49ers

The Cardinals nearly blew a 27-3 lead with poor play calling, inept clock management, and unacceptable defensive lapses.

The Cards may be the luckiest of the 2-0 lot in 2025. If Bryce Young had connected on a couple of throws, the outcome could’ve been different. They might sneak a win against the 49ers, but that won’t be because of their own playmaking.

Pluses: First, there are plenty of pieces to build from on both sides of the ball. Second, San Francisco is dealing with a mess of injuries that could seriously limit its firepower this week.

18. Dallas Cowboys (1-1)

Last week’s ranking: 16

Week 2 Result: 40-37 OT win vs. Giants

PFF Rankings: 10th offense, 29th defense

Week 3 Matchup: Sunday, 4:25 pm EST at Bears

Brandon Aubrey is turning into one of the best underdog stories of this NFL decade. He nailed a massive 64-yard field goal to keep the team alive in the regular and then put an exclamation mark on the comeback with the game-winner at the OT buzzer.

The Boys showed stunning resilience but were marred by glaring defensive lapses and offensive inconsistency. Quarterback Dak Prescott struggled at times but delivered when it counted most.

Meanwhile, the defense gave up too many big plays late. Reinforcements (hello Jadeaveon Clowney) couldn’t arrive soon enough. Dallas needs to tighten up those defensive breakdowns and ease the pressure on Prescott moving forward.

17. Houston Texans (0-2)

Last week’s ranking: 19

Week 2 Result: 20-19 loss vs. Tampa Bay

PFF Rankings: 25th offense, 21st defense

Week 3 Matchup: 1 pm EST at Jaguars

The number of sacks that quarterback C.J. Stroud took in this game can’t be blamed on the offensive line alone. At times, Stroud ran himself into trouble and took a couple of sacks. So far this season, he’s been sacked six times.

Stroud struggles under pressure and isn’t running enough to escape it. Until the offense figures things out, the defense has to step up and keep the Texans in games. They did it plenty against Tampa Bay, but rightfully appeared gassed on the Bucs’ game-winning drive.

16. Atlanta Falcons (1-1)

Last week’s ranking: 18

Week 2 Result: 22-6 win over Minnesota

PFF Rankings: 11th offense, 13th defense

Week 3 Matchup: Sunday, 1 pm EST at Panthers

The Falcons earned their first win of 2025 on prime-time turf, gaining a confidence boost that could carry into their Week 3 NFC South showdown with the Panthers.

This defense looked transformed, powered by young talent like Brandon Dorlus and Ruke Orhorhoro, who combined for two sacks, and rookies Jalon Walker, James Pearce Jr., Billy Bowman Jr., and Xavier Watt,s making key plays.

The key to continued winning ways is improving red zone execution and reducing costly penalties.

15. Denver Broncos (1-1)

Last week’s ranking: 15

Week 2 Result: 29-28 loss at Indianapolis

PFF Rankings: 28th offense, 12th defense

Week 3 Matchup: Sunday, 4:05 pm EST at Chargers

Leverage. It’s the unacceptable special teams penalty that cost the Broncos dearly in Week 2. It turned a missed 60-yarder and a 2-0 start into a 45-yard chip shot and an expletive-inducing loss for head coach Sean Payton’s crew.

The Broncos’ front seven got pushed around all game and totally lacked the discipline to close it out. They’ve got a lot of work to do on their defense. If they don’t, a crushing defeat in Week 3 awaits.

14. Seattle Seahawks (1-1)

Last week’s ranking: 22

Week 2 Result: 31-17 win at Pittsburgh

PFF Rankings: 5th offense, 14th defense

Week 3 Matchup: Sunday 4:05 pm EST vs. Saints

The Seahawks showed up at Acrisure Stadium and didn’t flinch in what was to be former Seattle wideout D.K. Metcalf’s revenge game.

Seattle had a balanced offense and an aggressive defense. Running back Kenneth Walker III proved the Week 1 doubts wrong, rushing 13 times for 105 yards and sealing the game with a 19-yard touchdown run on third-and-goal in the fourth quarter.

But to keep delivering those clutch plays, Seattle needs to work on consistency.

13. Cincinnati Bengals (2-0)

Last week’s ranking: 11

Week 2 Result: 31-27 win vs. Jacksonville

PFF Rankings: 20th offense, 7th defense

Week 3 Matchup: Sunday, 1 pm EST at Vikings

Backup QB Jake Browning showed solid execution and leadership in boosting a dejected Bengals squad to a 2-0 start. Star QB Joe Burrow’s injury news went from bad in-game to far worse after. Browning was serviceable, but turnovers exposed fragility. Without Burrow, the Bengals’ offense lost bite fast.

It’s Browning’s team for the next three months, if not more. Cincinnati needs to learn how to function without Burrow. Running back Chase Brown’s breakout 2024 hasn’t translated to next-level stardom. His slow start must end now to ensure defenses can’t cheat on the Bengals’ star wideouts all game long.

12. Kansas City Chiefs (0-2)

Last week’s ranking: 4

Week 2 Result: 20-17 loss vs. Eagles

PFF Rankings: 25th offense, 27th defense

Week 3 Matchup: Sunday, 8:20 pm at Giants

This season marks a brutal beginning for quarterback Patrick Mahomes & Co. This is Mahomes’ first 0-2 start since his college days at Texas Tech.

So, is the Chiefs’ dynasty at its end? Definitely not. But yes, the QB is out here trying to do it all by himself, carrying an offense that’s missing its weapons.

One player you’d expect to come through, future Hall of Famer Travis Kelce,  drops the ball in the end zone. A catch that should have been a touchdown, but instead turned into a gut punch.

If they don’t fix these holes, a Week 3 loss to the Giants that felt improbable before the season could send Chiefs Kingdom into full-on panic.

11. Washington Commanders (1-1)

Last week’s ranking: 5

Week 2 Result: 27-18 loss at Green Bay

PFF Rankings: 22nd offense, 26th defense

Week 3 Matchup: Sunday, 1 pm EST vs. Raiders

The Commanders looked like they showed up without a real game plan — too slow, too messy, no chemistry.

Quarterback Jayden Daniels scrambled for just 17 yards all game, a far cry from the spark they had last season when they made the NFC Championship.

Injuries piled up, too: Noah Brown and John Bates have groin issues. Deatrich Wise Jr.’s quad is hurting. Austin Ekeler went out because of an Achilles tear. Now, Daniels is questionable with a knee injury suffered on a hip-drop tackle.

On defense, Washington has to pick up the pace. The Packers’ receivers were getting wide open way too often. If Washington wants to get back to its best, it’s gotta clean this up fast.

10. Indianapolis Colts (2-0)

Last week’s ranking: 25

Week 2 Result: 29-28 win vs. Broncos

PFF Rankings: 3rd offense, 18th defense

Week 3 Matchup: Sunday, 1 pm EST at Titans

The last time the Colts started 2-0 was way back in 2009. In the same season, they tore through the AFC and landed in the Super Bowl. Fast forward to Week 2 of 2025, and the talk is about that drama-filled final field goal attempt.

If they want to keep winning, the run game has to continue full throttle, and the O-line has to give QB Daniel Jones enough room to work his magic.

9. San Francisco 49ers (2-0)

Last week’s ranking: 13

Week 2 Result: 26-21 win at New Orleans

PFF Rankings: 8th offense, 10th defense

Week 3 Matchup: Sunday, 4:25 pm vs. Cardinals

Quarterback Brock Purdy’s absence hurt, but Mac Jones stepped up with 3 TD passes to snatch a victory out of what was looking like an L.

The D looked formidable as always. The surprise under Jones: The offense looked polished and poised, spreading the ball effectively despite missing top weapons.

To keep winning, the Niners need to boost offensive consistency, and Jones needs to work on holding the ball too long.

8. Detroit Lions (1-1)

Last week’s ranking: 9

Week 2 Result: 52-21 win vs. Chicago

PFF Rankings: 7th offense, 11th defense

Week 3 Matchup: Monday, 8:15 pm at Ravens

After a Week 1 shellacking, Detroit roared back with a slashing 52-21 destruction of the Bears. Jared Goff slung 5 TD passes, connecting fluidly with wideouts Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.

The run game added fuel that was on empty in Week 1. The Lions’ defense dominated Chicago’s backfield all afternoon and disrupted their rhythm.

For Week 3, the team absolutely needs to sharpen late-game playcalling and efficiency. This means having a clear, concise plan for crucial drives, balancing run and pass to stay unpredictable against a seasoned Ravens defense.

7. Los Angeles Rams (2-0)

Last week’s ranking: 8

Week 2 Result: 33-19 win at Titans

PFF Rankings: 1st offense, 6th defense

Week 3 Matchup: Sunday, 1 pm EST at Eagles

The Rams’ defense was relentless, putting constant pressure on Cam Ward and forcing the Titans into mistakes. They sacked Ward five times and disrupted Tennessee’s rhythm early and often.

The Titans went three-and-out on their first two drives and managed just a field goal before halftime. Ward got hit in the backfield multiple times, and Tony Pollard ran for just 17 yards early on.

This did not look like a top-ranked offense on paper coming into the season. That’s the magic of Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford. That sorcery will be tested with perhaps the toughest test of the year against Philly in Week 3.

6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0)

Last week’s ranking: 10

Week 2 Result: 20-19 win at Houston

PFF Rankings: 21st offense, 23rd defense

Week 3 Matchup: Sunday, 1 pm EST vs. Jets

In critical moments when the Bucs needed quarterback Baker Mayfield, he showed up. The savvy vet led a game-winning drive for the second straight game. He completed 25 of 38 passes for 215 yards, threw two touchdowns and no interceptions en route to a 98.0 passer rating.

Running backs Rachaad White and Bucky Irving were the engines that kept the Bucs’ offense alive. And honestly, the special teams could use some serious meat on the bone, too.

5. Los Angeles Chargers (2-0)

Last week’s ranking: 7

Week 2 Result: 20-9 at Las Vegas

PFF Rankings: 6th offense, 2nd defense

Week 3 Matchup: 4:05 pm EST vs. Broncos

The urgency and consistency the Chargers showed in Week 1 weren’t quite there this time.

They kept the Raiders out of the end zone despite Vegas controlling the ball for over 32 minutes. Offensively, they ran the ball better than the Raiders and put up an overall pedestrian 317 total yards.

Quarterback Justin Herbert carved up the field for 242 yards without throwing a single pick. Sure, the offense sputtered late, but when your defense holds that strong, those lapses don’t show up in the box score.

The Chargers are the class of the AFC East with two division wins in their pocket. A divisional threepeat against Denver could set a tough-to-beat playoff pace for the Bolts.

4. Baltimore Ravens (1-1)

Last week’s ranking: 3

Week 2 Result: 41-17 win vs. Browns

PFF Rankings: 9th offense, 3rd defense

Week 3 Matchup: Monday, 8:15 pm vs. Lions

The Ravens cashed in on some short fields all game, as the Browns’ defense looked weak throughout. QB Lamar Jackson and the offense didn’t have to do much to score.

The Ravens did a better job running the ball in the second half, but still managed only 45 net yards on the ground for the entire game. Defensively, they got pushed around too much. The Browns racked up two more tackles for loss in the second half and sacked Jackson three times for a total loss of 28 yards.

Bottom line: Run harder, block better to survive the next schedule gauntlet against Detroit.

3. Green Bay Packers (2-0)

Last week’s ranking: 6

Week 2 Result: 27-18 win vs. Washington

PFF Rankings: 2nd offense, 5th defense

Week 3 Matchup: Sunday, 1 pm EST at Browns

Defensively and offensively, this was football the old-fashioned way: gritty, hard-nosed, and effective.

Running back Josh Jacobs ran like a man on a mission, barreling through defenders and turning contact into extra yards. According to Pro Football Focus, 127 of his 150 rushing yards this season have come after contact, ranking him third among all backs in that game-changing category.

Packers fans have been treated to a Micah Parsons clinic on defense — his presence everywhere, wreaking havoc. Green Bay’s off to a historic start, and honestly, there’s not much to nitpick yet.

But if opposing teams want to slow them down, focus everything on keeping Jacobs away from the goal line and perhaps triple-team Parsons. That’s easier said than done, though.

2. Philadelphia Eagles (2-0)

Last week’s ranking: 2

Week 2 Result: 20-17 win vs. Chiefs

PFF Rankings: 12th offense, 9th defense

Week 3 Matchup: Sunday, 1 pm vs. Rams

The clash between last year’s Super Bowl contenders was a snoozer compared to the offensive explosions around the league in Week 2.

The Eagles continue to bruise opponents and squeaked out a victory against the Chiefs. The Birds had success because they ran the football and used Saquon Barkley in the red zone. Jalen Hurts was his dynamic self, but the defense occasionally looked stretched thin, especially against play-action and slower pursuit on cutbacks. Their success rides on Hurts’ brilliance, but those defensive cracks are not a good look heading into Week 3.

1. Buffalo Bills (2-0)

Last week’s ranking: 1

Week 2 Result: 30-10 win vs. Jets

PFF Rankings: 4th offense, 19th defense

Week 3 Matchup: Thursday, 8:15 pm EST vs. Dolphins

Buffalo’s Week 2 demolition of the Jets was surgical. Josh Allen had an MVP-level injury comeback, playing most of the game with one functional nostril.  Running back James Cook was electric. The Bills ran the Jets into the ground with Cook’s 132-yard, two-touchdown performance.

Going into Week 3, the Bills need to fine-tune their red zone efficiency. What we saw in Week 2 was a pattern of settling for field goals instead of touchdowns — a trend they don’t want catching up with them on Thursday Night Football.