Week 3 of the 2025 NFL Season: A Rollercoaster of Surprises and Struggles
Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season is proving to be an exhilarating chapter in the football narrative, with an electrifying Sunday game slate drawing fans’ attention across the nation. As teams square off, some emerge with confidence while others scramble to find their footing.
The Struggling Houston Texans
Unfortunately for the Houston Texans, this season isn’t off to a promising start. With a record of 0-3 following their loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, they join fellow winless teams such as the New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, and Miami Dolphins. This disheartening trend is notably grim, especially considering that since 1990, only four out of 162 teams starting a season 0-3 have made it to the postseason. The Texans’ situation serves as a sobering reminder of the uphill battle they face.
Teams on the Rise: Undefeated Status
Conversely, teams like the Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Indianapolis Colts are basking in the comforts of an undefeated status as we move into the early afternoon games. The Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, and Los Angeles Chargers all eye the chance to maintain their winning streaks. However, with the Cardinals and Niners facing off, one team is guaranteed to drop out of the ranks of the undefeated—a heartbreaking prospect for their fans.
Quarterback Adjustments: A Season of Change
The quarterback landscape continues to shift dramatically in Week 3. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has been sidelined for at least three months due to a turf toe injury and underwent successful surgery late last week. In his absence, Jake Browning stepped into the spotlight, but his performance has faltered, marred by a pick-six and additional turnovers that have become concerning. Browning now has five interceptions to his name over two games—a statistic that will certainly weigh heavily on him.
In other matchups, the veteran presence of Carson Wentz, Tyrod Taylor, and Marcus Mariota filled gaps left by injured starters. Wentz, starting for the Vikings in place of J.J. McCarthy, and Mariota, stepping in for Jayden Daniels, both secured wins, while Browning and Taylor faced tough losses. The New York Jets, with their nail-biting almost-comeback against the Buccaneers, showcased the unpredictable nature of the NFL, especially with a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown that temporarily shifted momentum.
Notable Comings and Goings: Injury Updates
As injuries continue to wreak havoc, the afternoon window sees Mac Jones making his second start for the San Francisco 49ers, taking over for the injured Brock Purdy. Purdy’s shoulder sprain and turf toe raise questions about the team’s scrutiny going forward, especially without All-Pro tight end George Kittle, who is on injured reserve, and an injured receiving corps with Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings sidelined as well.
Early Window Recap: Scores and Highlights
The early games were showered with thrilling performances and surprising outcomes. Here’s a quick breakdown of the scores:
- Steelers 21, Patriots 14: A tightly contested game that showcased defensive prowess.
- Panthers 30, Falcons 0: The Panthers delivered a dominant performance, leaving no room for the Falcons to rally.
- Browns 13, Packers 10: A defensive battle that saw the Browns edge out their competitors.
- Eagles 33, Rams 26: The Eagles maintained their rhythm with a decisive victory over the Rams.
- Jaguars 17, Texans 10: The Texans’ stagnant offense struggles continued against a tenacious Jaguars defense.
- Commanders 41, Raiders 24: A high-scoring affair that left the Raiders reeling.
- Colts 41, Titans 20: The Colts showed offensive firepower in a rout.
- Vikings 48, Bengals 10: The Vikings clocked in a significant win, capitalizing on every opportunity.
Afternoon Window Schedule
As teams prepare for the afternoon matchups, anticipation builds for more action-packed football.
Live Updates and Coverage
For those eager to stay in the loop, follow along with Yahoo Sports for live updates, highlights, and insights from the Sunday game slate in Week 3 of the NFL season. Football remains unpredictable, and every play could alter the fabric of this season.
With every game unfolding drama on the field, Week 3 promises to be remembered for both heartache and triumph. The journey to the Super Bowl is long and winding, and as we dive deeper into the season, fans are eagerly watching the narrative unfold.