NFL
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Sunday delivered another action-packed event for football fans, with 13 games across the early and late-afternoon windows of NFL Week 3. Some players and teams took major steps ahead on Sunday. Others took steps backward. Through it all, some clear winners and losers stood out. Below is a compilation of the best and worst from NFL Sunday in Week 3.
Related: Week 4 NFL Power Rankings: Massive Shakeup After Chaotic Week 3
Winner: Aaron Rodgers
NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots16
September 20, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks back after handing off the ball during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Just when it started to look like the NFL’s oldest starting quarterback might be cooked, the 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers turned in a signature performance. The four-time NFL MVP threw for 292 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception while taking two sacks. He even had a 12-yard rush. The Pittsburgh Steelers had scored just 23 points across two games, but after shrinking the playbook, they produced a season-high 30. Perhaps they discovered their winning formula in Cincinnati.
Loser: Drake Maye
NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots16
September 20, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) assesses the field during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Last year, Drake Maye led the New England Patriots to a Super Bowl appearance. That journey will be a lot tougher with a rougher start to a tougher schedule. With two more interceptions on Sunday, Maye is now just two away from matching his total from last season. He also lost a fumble on Sunday too, bringing his season turnover total to seven in just three games. He wasn’t effective otherwise, completing just 14-of-25 passes for 199 yards while taking three sacks. The Patriots need to get their two-time Pro Bowl QB back on track.
Winner: Genesis Smith
NFL: Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans16
Aug 13, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans tight end Marlin Klein (83) runs after the catch against Los Angeles Chargers safety Genesis Smith (22) in the first quarter at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles Chargers entered Sunday’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills with a 0-2 record. Yet, fourth-round rookie safety Genesis Smith did his best to help his team get a win by recording two interceptions. The second came with impressive downfield concentration when many thought the play was over, but Smith kept battling as the ball landed in his lap and fended off D.J. Moore, the intended receiver. Not bad for a 21-year-old, but it still wasn’t enough.
Loser: Jim Harbaugh
NFL: Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers16
Sep 20, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh reacts after a play against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Sunday’s opponent happened to be one of the NFL’s best teams; there’s nothing the Chargers could do about running into the Bills. Still, it felt like nearly a must-win game for head coach Jim Harbaugh. After falling to 0-3, the Chargers’ next matchup, against the Seattle Seahawks, is a must-win. Harbaugh shouldn’t be in any danger of losing his job, but starts like this will cause chatter.
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Winner: Travis Hunter
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) is introduced before an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium on16
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) is introduced before an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Browns 34-10. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Playing in just his 10th NFL game, Sunday was the first time Travis Hunter recorded an interception, and it came off Drake Maye, one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks. This could serve as a confidence booster for the second-year cornerback who also sees occasional snaps on offense. It might even help him get increased opportunities to catch more passes, but from Trevor Lawrence rather than opponents. Hunter also recorded four tackles and a pass deflection in one of his best performances yet.
Loser: Jameis Winston
NFL: New York Giants at Los Angeles Rams16
Sep 21, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston (19) throws during the third quarter against the New York Giants at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
While the New York Giants got the win, the manner in which they got the job done shouldn’t convince the front office that they have what they need to compete for a playoff spot despite a 2-1 start. One person who emerged as a loser from Sunday is Jameis Winston, who completed 14-of-22 passes for just 118 yards while taking three sacks. That type of performance will definitely lead to the Giants bringing in some serious competition at the QB position, rather than making a mild free agency signing to simply add another body.
Related: New York Giants’ QB Options Reportedly Include J.J. McCarthy Trade
Winner: Cleveland Browns
NFL: Cleveland Browns at Tampa Bay Buccaneers16
Sep 20, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) talks with head coach Todd Monken during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Deshaun Watson is suddenly off to a roll, leading the Cleveland Browns to two consecutive wins while performing fairly well in the process. Sunday wasn’t as crisp as last week; he completed just over 50% of his passes (16-of-30) for 144 yards. Yet, he did find the end zone twice while chipping in 45 yards as a rusher in a positive performance overall. Most importantly, the Browns held the Panthers to just 18 points after coming into the matchup ranked second in scoring after posting 37 and 34 points in the first two games of the season.
Loser: Miami Dolphins
NFL: Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders16
Sep 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (28) warms up before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Brytus-Imagn Images.
Falling to 0-3 is bad enough, but that was the expectation for the Miami Dolphins. Sunday’s 24-10 loss to Kansas City was anticipated, but insult was added to injury when Pro Bowl running back De’Von Achane had to leave the game with what could be a major knee injury. If Achane is forced to miss extended action, this Dolphins offense will get much worse before it gets any better.
Winner: Marcus Mariota
NFL: Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys16
Sep 20, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) walks on the field after a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
There’s no telling how long the Washington Commanders will be forced to be without franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels. Yet, Marcus Mariota‘s performance on Sunday will instill some confidence in the locker room. The Commanders’ backup QB didn’t just serve the Seahawks their first loss of the season in Sam Darnold‘s return from an oblique injury; Mariota tossed three touchdown passes. On a day when the rushing attack averaged just 2.6 yards per carry, Mariota’s efficiency in the red zone made a significant impact in the Commanders’ first win of the season.
Loser: Houston Texans’ Offense
NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans16
Sep 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) rushes against the Cincinnati Bengals at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
While C.J. Stroud was able to throw for 353 yards last week, it led to just six points and a loss for the Houston Texans. It wasn’t any better on Sunday. Falling to 0-3 is the worst part of the equation, and while the defense held up by allowing just 19 points, Houston’s offense once again failed them. Stroud completed just 16-of-27 passes for 167 yards and a touchdown while taking three sacks. Plus, the team’s rushing offense was atrocious again; they finished with an average of 3.3 yards per carry after generating 70 yards on 21 attempts. It’s hard to win in the NFL with just 223 yards of offense, but until the Texans can get their rushing attack on track, this group won’t go anywhere.
Winner: Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady is relaxed on the sidelines before the Bills home opener game against the Detroit Lions on16
Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady is relaxed on the sidelines before the Bills home opener game against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 17, 2026.
It wasn’t pretty, but the Buffalo Bills emerged from yet another hard-fought battle against a good team with a win, placing them at 3-0 in Joe Brady’s first season as head coach. It’s hard not to be excited about this team’s start, putting them among the top Super Bowl contenders and possibly even prompting an all-in move ahead of the NFL trade deadline. Even though Sunday’s victory came against a winless squad, a hungry Chargers team gave this Bills group everything they could handle.
Loser: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NFL: Cleveland Browns at Tampa Bay Buccaneers16
Sep 20, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles looks on prior to the game against the Cleveland Browns at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers started the game on the wrong foot, falling behind 10-0 before responding with their first touchdown. Overall, the Bucs shouldn’t be too upset with their performance, but being that the result is another loss that sends them to 0-3, it feels like a dagger. Even though his defense held the Vikings to just 230 yards, Todd Bowles’ seat will now get even warmer in Tampa Bay. Both teams were sloppy; the Vikings just happened to put forth a more complete performance, and winning the close games rather than losing them is a big reason why one is undefeated and the other is winless. Adding insult to injury, now Baker Mayfield may be dealing with a thumb injury.
Winner: Brian Flores
NFL: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings16
Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores looks on against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
An 86-yard punt return touchdown from Myles Price was a huge factor in helping set the tone and mask a punchless offensive performance in Kyler Murray‘s first game back from his concussion. Justin Jefferson’s departure with a first-quarter ankle injury surely didn’t help, but head coach Kevin O’Connell should be very grateful for yet another masterful performance from defensive coordinator Brian Flores. The Vikings held the Bucs to just 243 yards while recording six sacks and forcing two turnovers. The Vikings are 3-0, but this win is all thanks to their defense and special teams.
Winner: Las Vegas Raiders
NFL: Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers16
Sep 20, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) celebrates after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Why couldn’t the Falcons have this type of success with Kirk Cousins? Well, they didn’t have Klint Kubiak. Don’t look now, but the Las Vegas Raiders are one of just three undefeated teams in the AFC. Unfortunately, one of them is in the same division. Nevertheless, the Raiders have to be thrilled with a 3-0 start, especially considering they didn’t get their third win until Week 18 last season.
Winner: Tyler Loop
NFL: New Orleans Saints at Baltimore Ravens16
Sep 20, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop (33) kicks a field goal in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
Playing in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who would have thought a kicker would make the game-winning play? That’s exactly what happened, thanks to Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop, who came through with a 56-yarder as the game clock expired. After missing a kick in Week 1, this one had to feel good for the Ravens kicker, who rewarded the team for sticking by the 2025 sixth-round pick’s side.
Loser: Dallas Cowboys
NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Dallas Cowboys16
Sep 27, 2026; Rio De Janeiro, [ENTER STATE], BRA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones talks on the field before the game between Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys at Maracana Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Even though they played well, someone had to end up on the losing end; this time it’s the Dallas Cowboys. A 1-2 start won’t make their playoff aspirations any easier to accomplish. Could falling below .500 spur action from a Cowboys front office that has hinted at making a sizable trade? Next up is a winless Texans team, but the Cowboys can’t afford to take their in-state rivals lightly.