The third week of the NFL season delivered decisive results across both conferences as the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Las Vegas Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, and Minnesota Vikings maintained their undefeated records. While autumn has barely arrived, several organizations find themselves facing immediate pressure in the early-season playoff race.
Unbeaten Giants Hold Fast in the AFC
In the American Football Conference, the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills preserved their perfect starts. Patrick Mahomes directed the Chiefs to a 24-10 victory over the Miami Dolphins, completing passes for 246 yards and two touchdowns at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins dropped to 0-3 on the season.
Buffalo labored through a tougher matchup before subduing the Los Angeles Chargers 24-16. Cook continued his strong run of form by accumulating 154 rushing yards and a touchdown for the Bills, while the Chargers fell to a 0-3 record.
The Las Vegas Raiders joined the unbeaten ranks at 3-0 by defeating the New Orleans Saints 35-27 at home. Bowers paced the Raiders’ passing attack with 116 receiving yards and a touchdown, capping a strong opening month for the Nevada franchise. The Saints slipped to 1-2.
Climbing the AFC Standings
Behind the frontrunners, several teams established a 2-1 record through disciplined performances. The Jacksonville Jaguars cruised past the New England Patriots with a 35-6 rout, while the Pittsburgh Steelers edged the Cincinnati Bengals 30-27 in a tight AFC North divisional clash powered by three touchdown passes from Rodgers.
In one of the weekend’s most dramatic finishes, the Denver Broncos outlasted the Los Angeles Rams 30-26. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens traveled to South America for an international showcase in Rio de Janeiro, defeating the Dallas Cowboys 34-31 to secure their second win of the campaign.
San Francisco and Minnesota Lead NFC Unbeaten Slate
In the National Conference, the San Francisco 49ers improved to 3-0 after holding off the Arizona Cardinals 36-30. Quarterback Purdy orchestrated the attack with four touchdown passes. The Cardinals fell to 1-2 with the divisional loss.
The Minnesota Vikings also preserved their perfect record, traveling to Raymond James Stadium to defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-16. The Buccaneers dropped to 0-3 and suffered an additional setback when quarterback Mayfield left the contest due to a hand injury.
Early Struggles and Upset Results
The defending champion Seattle Seahawks suffered their first loss of the year, dropping a 33-31 decision to the Washington Commanders. Seattle quarterback Darnold returned to throw four touchdown passes, including two connections to Smith-Njigba, who finished with 128 receiving yards. Washington improved to 1-2, while the Seahawks moved to 2-1.
Elsewhere, the Green Bay Packers dropped to 1-2 following a 14-35 home defeat against the Atlanta Falcons. In other Week 3 action, the Cleveland Browns edged the Carolina Panthers 21-18, the New York Giants defeated the Tennessee Titans 12-7, the Indianapolis Colts topped the Houston Texans 19-17, and the Detroit Lions held off the New York Jets 31-24.
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