The third week of the NFL season was a roller coaster, providing us with unexpected upsets and standout performances. Just when we thought we had a feel for how things would shake out, the weekend left us with more questions than answers.
Now that it’s all said and done, here are some of Week 3’s biggest winners and losers:
Winners
Washington Commanders
It’s early, but it looks like the Commanders have found their quarterback in Jayden Daniels. The rookie went 21 of 23 passing for 254 yards and two scores, while also tacking on 39 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Cincinnati was woefully underprepared for Daniels’ dual threat ability, and it allowed him to walk into the end zone for an easy score in the second quarter. The Commanders were able to put the game on ice with just over two minutes remaining as Daniels connected with Terry McLaurin on a 27-yard touchdown strike.
I was still skeptical about the Commanders after their narrow win over the Giants in Week 2, but beating the Bengals on the road should be an encouraging sign for Washington fans. They’re now 2-1 and will travel to Arizona next week.
New York Giants
I had no confidence that New York could handle a road game against Cleveland’s defense, and I was completely wrong. Daniel Jones seems to have found his top target in rookie Malik Nabers, who logged 78 yards and two touchdowns, including an incredible snag in the left corner of the end zone to give his team the lead.
Jones has now targeted Nabers on 30 of his last 62 passes. Devin Singletary also had a productive day for the G-Men, rushing for 95 yards and a touchdown.
New York is now 1-2 and will have an opportunity to pick up a huge win against division rival Dallas on Thursday Night Football.
Minnesota Vikings
Nobody thought much of Minnesota’s Week 1 win over the Giants. They were supposed to win that one. Their Week 2 victory over the 49ers turned some heads, but San Francisco has been plagued by injuries. However, the Vikings were able to justify their first two wins by throttling the Texans, one of the AFC’s best teams, 34-7. Sam Darnold was tossed four touchdowns, while running back Aaron Jones accounted for 148 total yards and a score.
Minnesota’s defense turned over C.J. Stroud twice and limited to Texans to 38 rushing yards. Houston was missing their workhorse in Joe Mixon, which hurt, but the Vikings’ run defense has already shown vast improvements.
The Vikings will head to Lambeau field for a battle with the Packers in Week 4.
Losers
Las Vegas Raiders
A week removed from their miraculous comeback win against Baltimore, the Raiders were picked apart by the worst team in football. The final score was 36-22, but it was never that close. Carolina running back Miles Sanders opened the fourth quarter with a 1-yard rushing touchdown, stretching the lead to 33-7.
Last week, Gardner Minshew connected with Davante Adams and Brock Bowers 18 times for 208 yards and a touchdown. This week, the star pass catchers only combined for seven catches and 81 yards. Adams was visibly frustrated during the game.
The Raiders will try to right the ship at home against Cleveland next week.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After impressive performances against Washington and Detroit in the first two weeks, Tampa Bay was poised for a 3-0 start as they welcomed an inexperienced Denver team to town. The Buccaneer defense allowed rookie quarterback Bo Nix to have his best showing as a pro. He accounted for 263 yards and a touchdown and didn’t turn the ball over.
Rachaad White’s regression has been concerning for Tampa Bay. While he has caught 12 passes out of the backfield in three games, he is has only rushed for 66 yards on 31 carries. His 2.1 yards per carry ranks 144th in the NFL. If the Bucs hope to make a playoff run, they can’t rely on Baker Mayfield and their star wideouts to win them every game.
The Buccaneers will look to rebound as they host Philadelphia, a team they have owned in recent years, in Week 4.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags haven’t had an easy schedule to start the year, but that doesn’t excuse their poor execution on both sides of the ball. It felt like their game against Buffalo was over as soon as James Cook crossed the goal line to give the Bills a 6-0 lead, and Jacksonville hadn’t even had the ball yet. Everything the Bills ran worked to perfection, and Josh Allen’s four touchdown night looked effortless.
Trevor Lawrence was just 21 of 38 passing for 178 yards, a touchdown and an interception. His 560 passing yards on the season rank 25th among starting quarterbacks, and his two passing touchdowns are 24th. It’s encouraging that he has only thrown one interception in three games, but it was a senseless one that ended up right in Damar Hamlin’s hands.
The Jags will continue the search for their first win of the season as they travel to Houston in Week 4.
Week 3 Final Scores
Patriots 3, Jets 24
Chargers 10, Steelers 20
Broncos 26, Buccaneers 7
Packers 30, Titans 14
Eagles 15, Saints 12
Texans 7, Vikings 34
Bears 16, Colts 21
Giants 21, Browns 15
Dolphins 3, Seahawks 24
Panthers 36, Raiders 22
Lions 20, Cardinals 13
49ers 24, Rams 27
Ravens 28, Cowboys 25
Chiefs 22, Falcons 17
Jaguars 10, Bills 47
Commanders 38, Bengals 33
In the Shadows Sports 
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