NFL
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Another action-packed football Sunday is in the books, and now it’s time to reflect on the biggest letdowns from NFL Week 3. This week, that list includes the New England Patriots, but they’re certainly not alone.
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New England Patriots
NFL5
September 20, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel looks on during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Heading into Sunday’s matchup between the Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars, it felt like either team could win. But only one of these two represented the AFC in the Super Bowl last season. Yet, the Patriots didn’t come close to being competitive on Sunday, losing by 29 points in Jacksonville. Even though the Jaguars were also a playoff team, this Week 3 matchup showed that the Patriots aren’t in the same class as last year.
Houston Texans
NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans5
Sep 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans reacts during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
There’s no way to sugarcoat a 0-3 start for a team that made the postseason in 2025 and was expected to do so again in 2026. Sunday’s matchup against the Indianapolis Colts should have been winnable, but the Houston Texans generated just 223 yards of offense, and their struggles have been a common theme all season long. The Texans continue to let their fan base down, and Sunday’s was simply the latest example.
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Los Angeles Chargers
NFL: Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers5
Sep 20, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh looks on against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Even though the Los Angeles Chargers weren’t expected to beat the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, falling to 0-3 is never ideal for a team with playoff aspirations. Especially one that was expected to take a step forward after hiring Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator. If the losses keep piling up, there will be pressure to make changes. Yet, many would argue they have the right head coach in Jim Harbaugh and the right QB in Justin Herbert, so things could get interesting in Los Angeles.
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Dallas Cowboys
NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Dallas Cowboys5
Sep 27, 2026; Rio De Janeiro, BRA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer looks on during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Maracana Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Dallas Cowboys have made it clear that last season’s 7-9-1 effort, in which they missed the playoffs, wasn’t good enough. Last year’s team was 1-2 after three games. After Sunday’s loss, the Cowboys are now 1-2 for the second season in a row. If the Cowboys, who always have Super Bowl expectations, want to actually end up in the postseason this year, something will have to change. Could they react by making a knee-jerk trade?
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Seattle Seahawks
NFL: Seattle Seahawks at Washington Commanders5
Sep 27, 2026; Landover, Maryland, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) reacts with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) in the second half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
The Seattle Seahawks managed to get two wins out of their backup quarterback, but starter Sam Darnold returned on Sunday, and this time Mike Macdonald’s team lost. Ironically, it came against the Washington Commanders‘ backup QB. With a 2-1 record, there’s no reason for the Seahawks to panic after one loss, but this was a game the reigning Super Bowl champs should have won.