Week 3 of the 2026 NFL season featured shocking performances in the early window Sunday, including another turnover-filled afternoon by Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and a three-touchdown performance by Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Commanders backup quarterback Marcus Mariota also led the team to a huge upset over the Seahawks.
Elsewhere during the early window, the Steelers got the best of a shootout versus the Bengals. The Giants defeated the Titans without starting quarterback Jaxson Dart, and the Browns won their second straight game.
Our NFL Nation reporters reacted to all the action, answering lingering questions coming out of each game and detailing everything else you need to know for teams that played Sunday. Fantasy football analysts Matt Bowen and Tristan Cockcroft also have fantasy takeaways from each matchup. Let's get to it.
Jump to:
SEA-WSH | CAR-CLE | CIN-PIT
TEN-NYG | LAC-BUF | HOU-IND
NYJ-DET | NE-JAX | KC-MIA
Catch up on Thursday's game:
ATL-GB
Washington 33, Seattle 31
Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap
Commanders
How did this happen? Turnovers and an efficient offense. The Commanders forced three turnovers, leading to three touchdowns -- two by the offense and another on a pick-six by linebacker Kain Medrano. The offense capitalized on two short fields after a fumble and an interception, while quarterback Marcus Mariota did what was needed. He was smart with the ball, making quick throws and taking checkdowns to keep the chains moving. And he was aggressive when necessary, like on a tight-window throw to WR Trey Burks for his second touchdown. It was an unlikely win without quarterback Jayden Daniels, linebacker Frankie Luvu, tight end Chig Okonkwo, right guard Sam Cosmi and safety Nick Cross.
Trend to watch: Washington did not force any turnovers in its first two games, which continued an ugly trend: Only one team has forced fewer turnovers than the Commanders since 2024. But they harped on it all offseason, and the focus paid off Sunday. Can they sustain it? It helped that they played coverage much better than they did against Dallas in Week 2. But to get more, the front needs to generate more consistent pressure. It'll help when they get blitzing linebacker Frankie Luvu back soon from a groin injury. -- John Keim
Next game: vs. Colts in London (Sunday, 9:30 a.m. (London) p.m. ET)
Seahawks
What was most concerning about Seattle's upset loss? The defending Super Bowl champions came into this game on a 12-game winning streak, with Sam Darnold back at quarterback, and as the much healthier team. There were plenty of reasons they lost as 8.5-point favorites, but a big one was their absence of a run game -- something they could have used in the rain. Seattle's tailbacks gained just 39 yards on 17 carries. Rookie Jadarian Price lost his second fumble in as many weeks to set up Washington's first touchdown. The Seahawks got away with turnovers last season because their defense and special teams were so good. But they didn't do enough to overcome three giveaways against Washington.
What to make of the QB performance: Darnold's return from the glute injury that sidelined him for most of the first two games was a mixed bag. With no run game, he carried the offense by completing 31 of 45 attempts for 379 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions -- one coming on a throw that was deflected at the line of scrimmage, while the other was a back-breaking pick-six in the fourth quarter. Two of Darnold's TD passes were to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but he spread the ball around more than Drew Lock did.
Next game: vs. Chargers (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Best quote from the locker room: On his pick-six, Darnold was trying to find tight end AJ Barner, but defensive end Odafe Oweh kept him in the pocket, and Medrano jumped the short, play-action throw over the middle. "Just a bad decision," Darnold said. "The end did a good job of not letting me escape to the outside and I had to make a quick decision and I should have dirted it at his feet. ... I saw him. He made a really good play, but that's a ball I've got to throw away." -- Brady Henderson
Fantasy football takeaway: Commanders WR Terry McLaurin caught six of a team-high nine targets from Marcus Mariota, finishing with 77 yards and a touchdown (19.7 fantasy points). With this type of volume -- and clear on-field chemistry with Mariota -- McLaurin fits as a WR2/flex option for Week 4. -- Bowen
Cleveland 21, Carolina 18
Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap
Browns
Is Deshaun Watson turning the corner? For the second straight week, Watson engineered a game-winning touchdown drive. This time, it helped turn around a slow start for the Browns' offense that lasted three quarters. Entering the fourth quarter, Watson was 10-for-21 for 67 yards and a touchdown. However, he has been at his best when the Browns have needed it the most. On the game-winning drive, Watson converted a pair of third downs, including his touchdown.
Key stat to know: Defensive tackle Mason Graham recorded his fourth sack in three games (two on Sunday against Bryce Young). That made him the first Browns player since Myles Garrett in 2019 to record a sack in the first three games of the season. Graham had a half-sack throughout all of last season as a rookie.
Best quote from the locker room: "We're playing for first place. Holy s---! Is that cool or what? Our guys are ready to rock and roll and we'll be good to go," coach Todd Monken exclaimed after Sunday's win. "But appreciate the fans and we're not perfect. We're not coaching or playing. We're going to fight like hell to get there, I promise." -- Daniel Oyefusi
Next game: vs. Steelers (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Panthers
Is this offensive line sustainable until Taylor Moton and Ikem Ekwonu return from their respective injuries? The Panthers have struggled to run the ball efficiently through three weeks. Carolina's ground attack was stifled Sunday, as running back Chuba Hubbard produced 18 yards on 10 carries in the first half; he still finished with 82 rushing yards on 19 carries. With left guard Damien Lewis forced from the game for a stretch, the line leaned on backup Corey Bullock, who didn't improve matters during his brief playing time. In addition, QB Bryce Young was sacked twice before halftime.
What to make of the QB performance: While Young led five scoring drives, his aerial attack was subdued by the Browns. He was erratic with a crowded pocket, and he benefited from a pair of roughing the passer penalties on the final drive of the first half to put points on the board. Young finished with 291 passing yards, a TD and an INT.
Best quote from the locker room: "I think we all just got to do a better job. I think we're just kind of -- I hate to say it -- one man off every time. That could be from me or anybody else," said Panthers right guard Rob Hunt of the team's run game struggles. "So we've just got to be on the same page. I think we've just got to click, and I think later in the game, it felt good and it looked good. We've got to start early. If we start early, it's a different ball game." -- Mike Kaye
Next game: vs. Lions (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Fantasy football takeaway: Browns rookie WR Denzel Boston was a priority waiver wire add after catching a touchdown in each of his first two games. In Sunday's win, he caught only two of four targets for 41 yards (8.1 points). Boston has the explosive play ability to post a big number in the lineup, but he should be viewed as a boom/bust WR3 in a very inconsistent offense. -- Bowen
Pittsburgh 30, Cincinnati 27
Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap
Steelers
How has CB Joey Porter Jr.'s absence impacted the Steelers? Porter was inactive for a third week in a row as he continues to "ramp up" amid his aggravated back injury and contentious contract situation. Bengals QB Joe Burrow picked on CB Asante Samuel Jr., eventually leading to rookie Daylen Everette replacing Samuel in the fourth quarter. Big-bodied receivers Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase overpowered Samuel several times, including on Higgins' second-quarter touchdown, when the receiver boxed out the smaller Samuel. In the fourth quarter, the rookie was then part of a group responsible for a busted coverage that resulted in a Mike Gesicki touchdown.
Trend to watch: With Rico Dowdle out, running back Jaylen Warren played more than 90% of the offensive snaps -- a far cry from the balanced workload he carried with Dowdle in the first two weeks. With 17 carries for 127 yards, he showed Sunday that he's more than capable of carrying the load. It wasn't a perfect afternoon for Warren, though, as he got tripped up on the turf yards away from a breakaway touchdown late in the fourth quarter. -- Brooke Pryor
Best quote from the locker room: "It sucks that you have to have something like this happen after a loss," said LT Troy Fautanu on the offense's bounce-back performance. "Obviously you want to do this regardless if you win the week before or not, but sometimes you got to get punched in the face in order to learn."
Next game: at Browns (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Bengals
Are the Bengals playing well enough to be considered a serious contender? Sunday put a serious dent in that belief. After a good performance in all three phases against Houston, it was anything but that against the Steelers. Notably, the team had two bad special teams blunders -- a roughing the punter penalty and a muffed punt that ultimately led to 10 points. And Cincinnati's defense, while good in spots, gave up significant yardage after the catch, including on a late 47-yard reception by tight end Darnell Washington. The Steelers finished with 411 yards.
What to make of the QB performance: It was good up until the end. Burrow probably tried to do a bit too much trying to extend a play late and coughed up the ball with the Bengals driving for a potential tie or win. He completed his first 14 passes of the game and threw three touchdown passes, including a key fourth-down conversion that kept Cincinnati's hopes of winning alive. -- Ben Baby
Next game: vs. Jaguars (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Fantasy football takeaway: Warren took on a volume role with Rico Dowdle out with a toe injury, scoring a season-high 20.6 fantasy points. If Dowdle has to sit again in Week 4, Warren can be played as a midtier RB2. -- Bowen
N.Y. Giants 12, Tennessee 7
Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap
Giants
Did Jameis Winston do enough to inspire confidence as Giants QB? It wasn't perfect, but a win is a win. Winston did enough to help the Giants beat a struggling Titans team. His accuracy was off early, but he made some big plays throughout the game, especially on the opening drive of the second half. He finished 14-of-22 for 118 yards. It should be enough for him to remain the starter, and the Giants are still intent on adding another QB. Jimmy Garoppolo, J.J. McCarthy and Gardner Minshew are the most likely options.
Trend to watch: Running back Najee Harris' role increases. The veteran had four carries in his debut last week and nine Sunday for 52 yards. Harris jump-started the Giants' offense with six carries for 36 yards on their first drive of the second half. It should increase his playing time and role moving forward. Starter Cam Skattebo had 23 touches for 100 yards.
Best quote from the locker room: "That was a great win," Skattebo said. "A year ago, we lose that game 100%." -- Jordan Raanan
Next game: vs. Cardinals (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Titans
Are the Titans playing like the worst team in the league? The Titans' offense was downright miserable for most of the game. Quarterback Cam Ward failed to see open receivers on multiple plays and missed Carnell Tate for what should have been an easy touchdown. They opened with five consecutive three-and-outs and finally got a first down late in the third quarter. The series of three-and-outs came after Chimere Dike fumbled the opening kickoff. It was a respectable effort by the defense, but Ward's inexplicable pass late in the fourth resulted in an interception and a Titans loss.
Trend to watch: Time of possession was an issue for the third game. At one point, the Giants held a 28:15 to 9:49 edge. The Titans managed to drive 91 yards in seven minutes late in the fourth quarter for their first points to help cut the deficit in time of possession and the overall score. The final drive, which ended in an interception, made it 34:26 to 25:34. -- Turron Davenport
Next game: at Ravens (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Fantasy football takeaway: Giants WR Malik Nabers is struggling terribly with QB Jaxson Dart sidelined. Nabers' 7.6 fantasy points gives him two of the four worst fantasy scores of his career in the past two weeks. Nabers might have difficulty delivering even WR2 value without a QB upgrade. -- Cockcroft
Buffalo 24, L.A. Chargers 16
Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap
Bills
How did the Bills remain undefeated after committing five turnovers? Five turnovers, 10 penalties, two dropped interceptions and four sacks allowed. Quarterback Josh Allen's passer rating was barely north of 50. The Bills had no right to have kept this one close, but despite that the game never spun out of control. These battled-tested Bills somehow avoided spiraling or pressing. Give the defense its flowers, but the real impressive trend was the team's overall composure in the face of mistake after mistake to keep the win in reach.
Key stat to know: This was the first time the Bills won a game with a minus-four turnover differential since 1997. The opposing quarterback that afternoon was Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh. That was also the last time the Bills won any game in which they turned the ball over five times. -- Nick Suss
Next game: vs. Patriots (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Chargers
How concerning is Justin Herbert's start to the season? The defense tried its best to give Herbert and the offense a chance to win. Herbert -- who could have easily had three interceptions -- ended up throwing just one, and yet, the interception to C.J. Gardner-Johnson was a dagger. Herbert's play wasn't the only issue, as there were dropped passes and questionable playcalls. But ultimately, he hasn't looked like the superstar he was during the first six years of his career.
Most surprising performance: The Chargers' defense. Five turnovers typically means a win in the NFL. Somehow, it didn't on this day. Nevertheless, putting a lid on the league's best offense was encouraging. This is a unit that struggled against Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins and Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett. So the Chargers should feel encouraged that their defense -- which has been the top unit the past two seasons -- is back. -- Kris Rhim
Next game: at Seahawks (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Fantasy football takeaway: Is Chargers RB Omarion Hampton's grip on the primary running back role no longer ironclad? He barely edged Keaton Mitchell in snap share (42% to 36%) and total touches (15 to 11). Mitchell also had the better underlying metrics, hinting at more sharing moving forward. Add Mitchell, who is available in 84.4% of ESPN leagues. -- Cockcroft
Indianapolis 19, Houston 17
Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap
Colts
Has the Colts' defense stopped the bleeding? The Colts entered this game ranked last in several major defensive categories, including a staggering 1,029 yards allowed in the first two weeks -- second most in NFL history. On Sunday, the missed assignments that led to wide-open receivers in the first two games and the flurry of missed tackles seemed to be mostly addressed. The Colts also took advantage of Houston's porous pass protection to consistently pressure Texans QB C.J. Stroud. Whether this was a one-week reprieve or the start of a trend, the Colts needed this.
What to make of the QB performance: Daniel Jones did not play smart in this game, as at least two of his three turnovers could be attributed to his own decisions. Jones' interception came when he threw a desperation pass while under pressure in field goal range. He also fumbled in the fourth quarter after not protecting the ball despite having multiple pass rushers converging on him. He did make some clutch throws on the game-winning drive. -- Stephen Holder
Next game: vs. Commanders in London (Sunday, 9:30 a.m. (London) p.m. ET)
Texans
Is it time to panic on the Texans' 2026 season? It's trending that way. Even though the Texans' defense forced three turnovers (two in the second half) and had clutch plays from Stroud on their second-to-last drive to take the lead, it wasn't enough. Yes, the Texans started 0-3 last season and recovered, but that is not sustainable again. No team in NFL history has ever overcome 0-3 starts in back-to-back seasons, so expecting Houston to do that again is unrealistic.
Trend to watch: Houston's defense had zero turnovers coming into Week 3, but forced three, which gave them a chance to win. That's the type of playmaking defense Houston wants. And they're going to need it to dig themselves out of this hole. -- DJ Bien-Aime
Next game: vs. Cowboys (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Fantasy football takeaway: Colts WR Keenan Allen scored 18.3 fantasy points, stepping up as a short-route target over the middle while Alec Pierce (heel) heals. Daniel Jones' area of strength has come in the short game so far this season, so Allen shapes up as a matchup-dependent fantasy WR3 in the short term. -- Cockcroft
Detroit 31, N.Y. Jets 24
Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap
Lions
Have the Lions fixed their defensive issues after rough start to season? After giving up 71 points through the first two weeks, Detroit shook up its secondary with Rock Ya-Sin serving a reserve role, while CB Roger McCreary started at outside cornerback alongside veteran D.J. Reed. Entering the game, the Lions were outgained by 191 total yards, fifth worst in the NFL, but second-year defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard refused to do any finger-pointing. Instead, he held a Monday meeting to dissect the struggles. The unit responded with a key takeaway in crunch time, but the defense still has major work to do.
Key stat to know: Jahmyr Gibbs finished with three total TDs, but his two rushing touchdowns helped him surpass Billy Sims (42) for the second-most rushing TDs (43) in franchise history -- trailing only Barry Sanders (99). Sanders was in attendance as part of the Lions' alumni homecoming. Gibbs put on a show in front of the Hall of Famer, finishing with 20 carries for 99 rushing yards and seven catches for 65 receiving yards. -- Eric Woodyard
Next game: at Panthers (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Jets
Why can't the Jets win close games? Another week, another crushing loss. The Jets had a chance to steal one in Motown, but their defense -- ranked No. 1 in yards allowed heading into the game -- imploded in crunch time. They let the Lions march 65 yards on four plays for the winning touchdown with 2:20 left in the fourth quarter, thanks to blown coverages on two pass plays. Then QB Geno Smith fumbled on the ensuing possession. Good teams rise up in the clutch; the Jets haven't mastered that yet. They blew a 10-point lead last week and lost in overtime. This week, a 14-point comeback wasn't enough.
Trend to watch: Rookie TE Kenyon Sadiq has arrived. It took only three games for the first-round pick to establish himself as a versatile target. He caught seven passes for 105 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown on a diving play in the end zone. Sadiq now has a receiving TD and a rushing TD (Week 1) in his first three games. -- Rich Cimini
Next game: at Bears (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Fantasy football takeaway: Sadiq displayed his seam-stretching ability in a positive matchup versus the Lions' secondary, scoring a career-best 23.5 points. Available in over 65% of ESPN leagues, he should be added this week. But Sadiq should still be viewed only as a deeper league starter. -- Bowen
Jacksonville 35, New England 6
Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap
Jaguars
Do the Jaguars even need Travis Hunter to play offense? After three weeks, Hunter has one catch and one carry. He hasn't touched the ball on offense since the opener. Hunter played five offensive snaps Sunday, giving him 16 for the season. But the Jaguars have scored 82 points, rookie WR Josh Cameron has emerged, and QB Trevor Lawrence is having success spreading the ball around. The run game cranked up against New England, too (135 yards). Why force Hunter on the field if the offense is rolling without him?
Most surprising performance: The Jaguars gave Cameron a bigger role in Week 3, and he delivered with a touchdown catch (second on three catches this season) and a 42-yard kickoff return. Through three quarters versus the Patriots, he had nearly as many snaps on offense (16) as Brian Thomas Jr. (21) -- an indication that more work could be ahead as the season progresses.
Best quote from the locker room: Hunter on his end zone interception: "I know [Maye] tried me a couple times, so I was just in there saying, 'I'm getting too close to the ball. I got to get me one.' So we just continued to just do what the coaches schemed up for us and we just played our best part of it." -- Michael DiRocco
Next game: at Bengals (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Patriots
What can the Patriots do to get Drake Maye back on track? Maye's 2026 woes continued with his 10th game of multiple turnovers (tied for most in NFL since 2024). The end zone interception just before halftime, on third-and-goal from the 2-yard line, was a shocking decision as WR Efton Chism III was tightly covered by Travis Hunter. It was a play similar to Maye's miscue in the season-opening loss at Seattle. In the first half, Maye was pressured 11 times -- his most before halftime in his career -- and went 2-of-7 with an interception and two sacks, per ESPN Research.
Trend to watch: Offensive line injuries. Veteran Greg Van Roten, who started at right guard in place of Mike Onwenu (broken ankle), didn't return after leaving the game in the second quarter (thigh). Walter Rouse, who was acquired in a trade with the Vikings in August, took over for Van Roten.
Best quote from the locker room: Maye on the biggest difference from last season: "I think it's getting out of my own way. These mistakes that I'm making personally are really [not] them beating us, it's me beating myself. ... This league will humble you quick." -- Mike Reiss
Next game: at Bills (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Fantasy football takeaway: Though Chris Rodriguez Jr. scored, Bhayshul Tuten continued to flash his elite speed, scoring 17.0 fantasy points on 17 touches. Tuten's 48% snap share and usage offer encouragement that he can be a weekly fantasy RB2. (And, for what it's worth, sit Maye next week at Buffalo. Please.) -- Cockcroft
Kansas City 24, Miami 10
Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap
Chiefs
Despite winning, should the Chiefs be concerned about their pass rush? Entering Week 3, no NFL QB had been sacked more than Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis (nine). The fact that the Chiefs couldn't pressure him while not blitzing was similar to the pass-rush struggles of last season, when defensive tackle Chris Jones was the lone major presence. On Sunday, defensive end George Karlaftis was the lone defender to record a hit on Willis. The Chiefs won't beat better opponents with a similar performance. The Chiefs also didn't sack Colts quarterback Daniel Jones last week -- and that game ended in overtime.
Stat to know: Running back Kenneth Walker III is the first player to have two games with a rushing and receiving touchdown within his team's first three games of a season since 2017, when former running back Todd Gurley was a member of the Rams. Walker is also the first player in Chiefs history to accomplish the feat. -- Nate Taylor
Next game: at Raiders (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Dolphins
Have the Dolphins begun to turn the page on both sides of the ball? On defense, absolutely. The Dolphins kept the game in front of them, forced turnovers and rallied after an ugly first two drives. Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez recorded his first career takeaway and looked like a future star. The Chiefs' offense made plenty of mistakes, but Miami flew to the ball and limited explosives for the most part. Meanwhile, the Dolphins' passing game looked sharper than it has all season, but they struggled to run the ball after De'Von Achane was injured on the opening drive. We will see if Miami can build on this next week.
What to make of the QB performance: Willis completed 20 of 36 passes for 210 yards in possibly his best performance of the season. Unlike his previous two games, Willis made quicker decisions with the football and was far more willing to take off if receivers weren't open. That being said, his accuracy waned at times, and he missed a few deep shots. -- Marcel Louis-Jacques
Next game: at Vikings (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Fantasy football takeaway: Dolphins RB Ollie Gordon II played 83% of the offensive snaps after Achane's injury, recording 20 touches and 14.5 fantasy points. The Dolphins would probably activate Jaylen Wright for depth next week, but Gordon should be a priority pickup if Achane's prognosis for Week 4 is iffy. -- Cockcroft