Last updated: September 28, 2026, 10:56 PM ET
Week 3 Recap
The Ravens secured a walk-off win in Brazil after a last-second field goal by Tyler Loop, with Lamar Jackson delivering a clutch performance in the wild finish. The Commanders pulled off an upset over the Seahawks, prompting Baltimore to troll Dallas in response to the victory. Meanwhile, the Lions continued their high-scoring trend, enjoying another offensive shootout to start the season. The Broncos also notched a key win, joining Baltimore, Jacksonville, and Pittsburgh as teams with significant victories in Week.
Injury Updates
Baker Mayfield suffered a dislocated thumb and will undergo an MRI, with the Buccaneers confirming he is out for at least three weeks. Justin Jefferson avoided serious damage with an ankle sprain and could play this week, though he was later ruled out of the Vikings’ victory after being described as 'close' to returning. De'Von Achane tore his ACL and will miss the remainder of the season, a blow to the Dolphins’ backfield. Travis Etienne Jr. will miss time with a hamstring injury, while Breece Hall is week-to-week with a quad injury for the Jets. Jaycee Horn faces an indefinite absence after suffering a torn quad, with the Panthers seeking a second opinion. Leo Chenal requires season-ending surgery on his neck, a major loss for the Commanders’ defense. Brian Burns is believed to have torn his ACL, a significant setback for the Giants’ pass rush.
Player Performances
Patrick Mahomes was perfect on play-action, completing all 14 attempts for 201 yards and a touchdown in the Chiefs’ win over the Dolphins. Joe Burrow and the Bengals failed to close out the Steelers, with special teams errors and a late fumble sealing Cincinnati’s loss. Justin Fields showed resilience despite the Bears’ struggles, though the team continues to search for consistency. Trevor Lawrence acknowledged a mistake after kneeling at the 1-yard line, calling it a 'cool' moment for Bhayshul Tuten. Matthew Stafford was confirmed as the subject of Taylor Swift’s 'Patient Zero' video, dispelling rumors. DeVonta Smith was named the Eagles’ undisputed No. 1 WR following the A.J. Brown trade, shaped by perseverance and consistency.
Coaching Reactions
Jim Harbaugh offered a rare critique of Justin Herbert after the Chargers’ loss, urging the quarterback to 'be better' in a rare public rebuke. Sean McVay refused to make excuses after a controversial pass interference call in the Rams’ loss to the Broncos, insisting his team is not a 'victim' of the call. Mike Macdonald maintained faith in Jadarian Price despite fumbling issues, emphasizing ball security as the key to improvement. Brian Daboll faces growing pressure as the Cowboys react to their third straight 1-2 start, with frustration mounting in Dallas. Dan Campbell continues to embrace the Lions’ high-scoring identity, calling the offensive output 'exciting' and sustainable. Kevin O’Connell must address Justin Jefferson’s availability, balancing short-term returns with long-term health. Kyle Shanahan downplayed concerns about Evans, Williams, and Greenlaw, stating none of the injuries are long-term. Jonathan Gannon faces scrutiny after the Saints were again on the losing end of a fumble ruling against the Raiders, leaving the team confused and seeking clarity.
Fantasy Impact
Jahmyr Gibbs and Jaxon Smith-Njigba were Week 3 standouts, delivering strong performances in fantasy leagues. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jaylen Taylor went quiet, failing to meet expectations after strong starts. Jonathan Greenard is set to debut for the Eagles on Monday night, adding pass-rush depth. Travis Hunter continues his dual-role usage for the Jaguars, playing significant snaps on both offense and defense. Mekhi Becton joins the Packers’ practice squad, adding veteran depth to a struggling offensive line. Colin Simmons remains a top edge rusher prospect for the 2027 draft, with analysts monitoring his rise after strong college performances.
Transactions and Rumors
The Commanders are set to reunite with Austin Ekeler, adding the veteran running back to their roster ahead of the season’s midpoint. The Giants acquired J.J. McCarthy in a trade with the Vikings, though analysts question whether he is the answer to their QB issues. Jameis Winston remains the Giants’ QB1, with Harbaugh confirming his status even if another QB is added. The NFL asked DHS to remove a social media video featuring Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins, citing concerns over misuse of his image. The Patriots face ongoing scrutiny after a series of Week 3 losses, with analysts breaking down the implications for their season. The Eagles prepared for Greenard’s debut, hoping the edge rusher can provide an immediate impact. The 49ers avoided long-term injury labels for several key players, easing concerns about their defensive depth. The Dolphins continue to monitor Achane, with coaches expressing little optimism about his knee injury status.
Standings and Outlook
The NFL playoff picture began to take shape, with updated projections showing early separation in the AFC and NFC. The 2027 NFL draft order was projected, highlighting which teams could secure early picks based on current performance. The Lions remain in contention despite defensive concerns, relying on offensive firepower to stay competitive. The Vikings must evaluate whether the J.J. McCarthy trade benefited them, weighing what they gave up against what they received. The Commanders look to build momentum with Ekeler’s potential addition, aiming to stabilize their backfield. The Broncos must improve starts, with Sean Payton pushing for stronger beginnings after relying too heavily on comebacks. The Saints seek clarity after another confusing fumble ruling, hoping to avoid further costly mistakes. The Jets monitor Hall’s status, hoping Breece Hall can return soon to bolster their struggling offense. The Panthers face uncertainty at cornerback with Jaycee Horn sidelined, testing their depth in the secondary.