The Washington Commanders secured an upset 33-31 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, handing Seattle its first loss since November 16 during a high-stakes slate of Week 3 NFL action that also featured the league’s international debut in Rio de Janeiro.
Commanders Stun Seahawks in Capital Upset
Playing without starting quarterback Daniels due to injury, the Commanders turned to veteran Marcus Mariota to lead an unexpected charge against a Seattle squad that entered the matchup on a 12-game winning streak, which included their victory in Super Bowl 2026. The Seahawks also welcomed back starting quarterback Sam Darnold, but failed to secure the win in the capital.
The defining moment arrived with four minutes remaining when Kain Medrano—stepping in for the injured Leo Chenal—intercepted a pass and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown. Washington then relied on crucial ground gains from Rachaad White and Mariota to salt away the victory. Seattle wide receiver Smith Njigba hauled in 128 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the loss, but the Seahawks dropped to a 2-1 record.
Ravens Edging Dallas in Rio de Janeiro Thriller
Further south, the NFL played its first game in Brazil at Rio de Janeiro’s historic Maracanã stadium, where the Baltimore Ravens topped the Dallas Cowboys 34-31 in a dramatic finish. With just seven seconds remaining on the clock, Dallas kicker Brandon Aubrey tied the game with a 23-yard field goal.
Baltimore quickly answered when quarterback Lamar Jackson connected with Zay Flowers—who returned from injury just in time for the contest—on a 27-yard completion. Kicker Tyler Loop then drilled a 56-yard field goal as time expired to snatch the win for the Ravens, pushing their record to 2-1 while Dallas fell to 1-2.
Broncos Outlast Rams in Sunday Night Drama
In the Sunday night clash, the Denver Broncos mounted a fierce comeback to defeat the Los Angeles Rams 30-26. The Rams controlled the opening half to build a 16-0 lead before the game descended into lead changes. Denver claimed the advantage when Talanoa Hufanga intercepted Matthew Stafford and returned it 66 yards for a pick-six.
Los Angeles responded as Stafford found Mumpfield for a touchdown to pull ahead 26-23. Following a controversial defensive pass interference penalty that kept a Denver drive alive, Broncos quarterback Bo Nix punched in a quarterback sneak to take a 30-26 lead. The Rams drove to the Denver 14-yard line in the dying seconds, but Hufanga sealed the outcome by intercepting Stafford in the end zone with two seconds left.
Around the League: Week 3 Results
Thursday night opened the week with the Atlanta Falcons defeating the Green Bay Packers 35-14 at Lambeau Field behind a strong debut from quarterback Penix. In Sunday’s other notable contests, a 42-year-old quarterback threw for 292 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Pittsburgh Steelers past the Cincinnati Bengals 30-27, exposing defensive vulnerabilities as Joe Burrow fumbled after a sack with 44 seconds left.
Elsewhere, the Jacksonville Jaguars cruised past the New England Patriots 35-6, the Buffalo Bills overcame five turnovers to edge the winless Los Angeles Chargers 24-16, and the Kansas City Chiefs leaned on the enduring connection of Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce to hold off the Miami Dolphins 24-10.
San Francisco improved to 3-0 by outlasting Arizona 36-30 on a trick-play touchdown by Samuel, while Las Vegas beat New Orleans 35-27 behind tight end Bowers. Indianapolis edged Houston thanks to a late 53-yard field goal by Shrader, Detroit topped the New York Jets 31-24, the New York Giants defeated Tennessee 12-7 on a late interception by Holland, and Cleveland slipped past Carolina 21-18. Finally, Minnesota moved to 3-0 by defeating Tampa Bay 23-16.
Week 3 Schedule Checkpoint
The third week of NFL action concludes on Monday night with a primetime matchup between Chicago and Philadelphia.
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