NFL Football 24 Hours

Last updated: September 28, 2026, 2:06 PM ET

Quarterback Carousel

The Giants acquired quarterback J.J. McCarthy from the Vikings for a 2027 fifth-round pick, according to sources, adding a young signal-caller to a room that will continue to be led by Jameis Winston. Coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed Winston remains QB1 even with McCarthy arriving, saying there is no quarterback controversy in New York.

The Buccaneers will be without Baker Mayfield for at least three weeks after the quarterback suffered a dislocated thumb in Sunday's loss, with an MRI planned to determine the full extent of the damage. The injury comes as Tampa Bay tries to stay afloat in a competitive NFC South.

Injury Wave

The Dolphins' backfield took a devastating hit as running back De'Von Achane tore his ACL during Sunday's loss to the Chiefs, ending his season. Coach Mike McDaniel acknowledged the injury doesn't sound very optimistic, and Miami will now turn to free agency for help. Melvin Gordon leads the options to replace Achane's production, according to fantasy expert Eric Karabell.

The Giants also lost pass rusher Brian Burns, who is believed to have torn his ACL, a source told ESPN. Carolina cornerback Jaycee Horn will be out indefinitely with a torn quad and will seek a second opinion. Commanders linebacker Leo Chenal is set for season-ending neck surgery after being carted off the field during Washington's win over Seattle.

Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson exited Sunday's victory with an ankle injury and was "close" to returning but never did. The 49ers lost veteran wideout Mike Evans to a rib injury in the first half of their win, while Jets running back Breece Hall suffered a thigh injury in the team's late collapse against Detroit.

Week 3 Results

The Ravens delivered one of the most remarkable finishes in recent memory, beating the Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro on a last-second field goal after Dallas' kicker missed a potential game-winner. Lamar Jackson, Tyler Loop and the Ravens pulled off the wild victory, with Zay Flowers cleared to play before the game. Baltimore's Rio trio of unsung contributors helped Jackson produce the walk-off win, and the team trolled the Cowboys afterward, declaring "Rio's team now."

The Broncos rebounded from a first-half shutout to beat the Rams, but coach Sean Payton said the team can't keep relying on comebacks. The Colts edged the Texans 19-17 as injured kicker Spencer Shrader, who sustained a groin injury in warmups, booted the game-winner. Trevor Lawrence's decision to kneel at the 1-yard line instead of scoring hurt fantasy managers more than the actual game, as the Jaguars beat the Patriots.

Marcus Mariota, subbing for the injured Jayden Daniels, led Washington to a 33-31 win over the Seahawks, with teammates saying they'd "run through a wall for him." Travis Hunter grabbed his first career interception in a "huge" turning point for the Jaguars. Deshaun Watson fed off the crowd and led a game-winning drive for the Browns, one month after fans booed him in a preseason game.

Patrick Mahomes was perfect on play-action passes in the Chiefs' win over Miami, completing all 14 attempts for 201 yards and a touchdown. Joe Burrow and the Bengals couldn't "close it out" against Pittsburgh, with special teams gaffes and a Burrow fumble late in the fourth sealing Cincinnati's fate.

Trending Topics

Brock Purdy is emerging as an MVP front-runner after another strong performance, though it's early in the season. The Cowboys are reacting to a third straight 1-2 start, with players calling Sunday's loss particularly painful. Bill Barnwell breaks down five important Week 3 losses and their aftermath, including the Patriots getting blown out and the Seahawks losing to a QB2.

The Saints are confused again after ending up on the losing end of a fumble ruling in their home loss to the Raiders. The Bears' Tyson Bagent has cleared concussion protocol, but Case Keenum is expected to start Monday night against the Eagles. Drake Maye's turnovers haunted the Patriots in Jacksonville, with the quarterback vowing to lead an "unacceptable" offense back.

Roster Moves

The Packers are adding Mekhi Becton to their struggling offensive line, with the veteran signing to the practice squad. The Commanders are reuniting with Austin Ekeler, expected to sign the free agent running back to bolster their backfield. Jim Harbaugh stands by his offense as the Chargers remain winless, saying there is "no disconnect" between coordinator and players.

Fantasy & Betting

Amon-Ra St. Brown and Omarion Hampton have lower ceilings than expected this season, according to fantasy analysts. Jahmyr Gibbs and Jaxon Smith-Njigba came up big in Week, while St. Brown and Jonathan Taylor went quiet. The 8.5-point underdog line has been the magic number this season, with four straight-up wins by underdogs of eight points or greater — the most through three weeks in NFL history. For Week, four games offer immediate value once odds came out, including the Cowboys, Bills, Jaguars and Bengals over the Dolphins.

Rookies & Rising Stars

Cardinals rookie Jeremiyah Love has earned a bigger role in the offense, rushing 21 times for 90 yards and catching five passes. Bears tight end Colston Loveland has just one catch this season and faces a tough Eagles defense on Monday night. DeVonta Smith is undisputedly the Eagles' No. 1 receiver after the A.J. Brown trade, shaped by years of perseverance.

ESPN's Football Power Index projects the 2027 draft order for Round, with several teams positioned for early picks. The playoff picture is starting to take shape with updated projections and Super Bowl LXI odds. NFL draft analysts are watching Colin Simmons as a potential top edge rusher for 2027, plus notes from Saturday's college games.

Around the League

The Rams held a scoreless Broncos team at halftime on Sunday Night Football, with Derrick Henry making history in Rio. Week 3's gameday arrivals were led by Lamar Jackson's fashion statement in Brazil. The Colts' "Anvil Strike" and Bills' "Nickel City" gray alternates topped the uniform rankings for Week.

Key Numbers

The "Next Ben Stats" from Week 3 include a 3.6% lost win probability, 870 days and 3.19 seconds — coaching decisions costing the Texans and milestones for a Commanders linebacker and Raiders player. Our NFL Nation reporters made sense of Week 3, answering the biggest questions from the Broncos, Ravens, Jaguars and Steelers wins. For betting on Sunday Night Football, here's how to bet Rams-Broncos with odds and analysis.