2025 NFL: Previewing Week 3

Another week of the NFL is in the books.

Here we review Week 2, and preview Week 3 which kicks off tonight with Miami at Buffalo.

Week 2 Quick Hits: 

Packers 27 Commanders 18 –  The Commanders pulled within a TD at 17-10 early into the 4th Quarter, but the Packers answered with 9 play, 65 yard, 5 minute drive to effectively put the game away. Green Bay outgained Washington 404 yards to 230. They also had 22 first downs to the Commanders 15. Washington managed just 51 rushing yards on 19 attempts. They also lost Austin Eckler to an Achilles injury. Zach Ertz, Terry McLaurin, and Deebo Samuels each had at-least 5 catches, but it was a pedestrian night overall for Jayden Daniels.  No running game, and Daniels being sacked 4 times obviously isn’t a winning combination. Green Bay came out of the game 2-0, with both wins over other quality NFC teams. The Packers clearly look like one of the overall favorites for a Lombardi Trophy. Josh Jacobs had 23 carries, and TE Tucker Kraft had 124 yards and a score on 6 receptions. As mentioned, the Packers defense had 4 sacks.

Bengals 31 Jaguars 27 – This is a Baltimore site, and I’m a Ravens fan; but I take zero joy in the Joe Burrow injury. When healthy, there is a collective understanding he’s a top 5 overall QB. You don’t want to see anyone hurt, and certainly not a talent like that. With him, it was plausible that Cincinnati could challenge the Ravens for the AFC North title. Despite their defensive issues, he’s good enough that if they got to the playoffs with him up-right; they’d have a puncher’s chance vs. anyone. Without him? Jake Browning has some ability. Browning might be good enough to keep the Bengals around .500 the rest of the way. If they finish 9-8, that might be good enough to reach the playoffs. But that’s the ceiling. I guess all of the current estimated on Burrow say he’s out 3 months, which takes you to mid-December.  If Browning can keep them around .500, and Burrow could possibly return for the last 2-3 weeks; that would be interesting. Focusing on this Week 2 game, I guess the Bengals get some credit for not mentally folding after Burrow went out, and finding a way to win. Jacksonville not being able to win this game after those events is pretty disappointing if you are a Jaguars fan. I mean Browning was picked 3 times, and they still lost.

Cowboys 40 Giants 37 OT – I generally prefer games with defense; but this was a fun watch. Neither team could stop each other in the 4th, as they combined for 41 fourth quarter points. Both teams had a ton of penalties. Russell Wilson looked horrible the week prior, but threw for 450 yards here. OT was a fun watch in the sense that both teams looked spent.  Cowboys K Brandon Aubrey is pretty ridiculous. His 64 yarder to force OT seemed easy. I know there is talk about the footballs being ‘juiced’, but still.  I like the Giants defensive front, but they didn’t make much of a difference here. They got Dax Prescott to the ground 3 times, but the Giants allowed 97 yards on the ground to Javonte Williams, and 23 combined catches from CeeDee Lamb, Jake Ferguson, and George Pickens.  The Dallas defense allowing Russ to cook for 450 is hard to fathom. Yeah, Malik Nabors is awesome, but you let him go for 167 yards, and you allow 142 more to Wan’Dale Robinson? Ouch. Dallas’ path to a Wild Card is clear; they’re going to have score a ton of points. If they continue to get usable production from Williams and Miles Sanders; that helps. Wilson’s big game gives him another start this coming week, but I still think he doesn’t have a particularly long leash.  The heat continues to grow under Brian Daboll’s seat.

Lions 52 Bears 21 – Caleb Williams was sacked 4 times, and had a pick. Jared Goff was 23 of 28, for 334 yards and 5 TD’s.  A lot made about Ben Johnson facing his former team; maybe more should be made about the Bears defense getting destroyed.  Yeah, Williams isn’t a finished product and there are questions about him holding the ball too long – but the Bears defense gave up 511 yards, and 8.8 yards per play. That loss isn’t on him.  Know the Bears invested a lot into their O-Line. I guess I’d be curious to know if the 4 sacks were on Williams for not getting rid of the ball quicker, or on the line not holding up. Goff is not an elite QB, but he’s been very productive in a Lions uniform. He’s good enough to win with, and that’s all that matters. He has fantastic weapons in Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Amon-Ra St.Brown, Jameson Williams, and Sam LaPorta. The Lions aren’t going to 15-2 like they did last year, and GB might have passed them in the NFC North; but they remain a threat.

Rams 33 Titans 19 – Down 13-10 at halftime, the Rams pulled away in the second half with 20 unanswered. LA had 439 total yards to the Titans 252. Davante Adams and Puka Nacua combined for 14 catches, 197 yards, and a score. Kyren Williams and Blake Corrum had a combined 110 rushing yards. The Rams defense came up with 5 sacks, with 3rd year LB Bryon Young having 2. Cam Ward had his first NFL TD for Tennessee, showing off the arm strength as moved to his right and threw across his body for the score.

Patriots 33 Dolphins 27 – Miami went up 27-23 midway through the 4th on a Punt Return for a TD; only to give up the ultimate winning score on the ensuing Kickoff. Tua Tagovailoa was 26 of 32 for 315 yards, and 2 scores; but he was sacked 5 times, and had a pick. Three Dolphins had at-least 5 catches and 68 yards receiving, but they had zero ground game (De’Von Achane had 11 carries for 30 yards). New England’s offense was mostly Rhamondre Stevenson, who had 54 yards rushing, and 88 yards receiving. Drake Maye was 19 of 23 for 230 yards and 2 scores.

49ers 26 Saints 21 – Playing without Brock Purdy, the Niners received a 279 yard 3 TD day from Mac Jones. George Kittle was out with a hamstring. Kyle Juszczyk left with a concussion. Given that, you understand San Francisco was just happy to be leaving New Orleans with a win. The Saints battled, pulling within the 5 point closing margin with Spencer Rattler’s 3rd TD pass of the day with 6:18 left. Alvin Kamara had a good day rushing for NO, finishing with 99 yards on 21 carries. The Niners skill room looks a little thin currently, but there are reinforcements coming. I’m going to keep making the most obvious point with them, which is if SF keeps Christian McCaffrey upright – and he produces as you would expect – the offense will be productive. Purdy practiced yesterday, which was quicker than expected. Given Jones’ performance, I’d think they would be looking to give Purdy another week off.

Bills 30 Jets 10 – I guess this should have been the expected outcome, but I did think after an emotional game vs. the Ravens – that it was possible the Bills would be flat vs. the Jets.  Also felt NY had reasons to feel good about themselves entering Week 2 after a solid outing Week 1 vs. Pittsburgh. Nope, this game was over quickly, and the Jets had Justin Fields knocked out of the game with a concussion. Fields will also not be available in Week 3.  Buffalo put up 30 points with Josh Allen only throwing for 148 yards.  The story offensively was James Cook running for 132 yards and 2 scores on 21 attempts. The Bills don’t have world beating skill talent, but they’ve got a lot of good contributing players. Put them together (with Allen) and it’s a formidable bunch. 4 sacks for the Bills defense.

Seahawks 31 Steelers 17 – Seattle outscored Pittsburgh 24-3 in the 2nd half. 395 total years for Seattle vs. 267 for Pittsburgh. 105 yards rushing for Kenneth Walker on just 13 carries. Seattle’s defense a more difficult challenge for Aaron Rodgers than the Jets. Jaylen Warren the bright spot for the Pittsburgh offense as he had 48 yards rushing and 86 yards receiving. Pittsburgh’s path to being a playoff team is their defense being elite, and Rodgers being complimentary. You can’t ask him to carry you week-to-week at this stage of his career.

Colts 29 Broncos 28 – In our Season Preview I said if Daniel Jones could replicate his 2022 season with the Giants; the Colts could be a playoff team. Basically they need average QB production from him. Keep the chains moving, and have a play action game with Jonathan Taylor. Through two weeks, Indianapolis is getting above average play from Jones. Taylor looks like he’s back to be one of the Top 5 backs in the league. Four different Colts players had 50 or more receiving yards, led by Rookie TE Tyler Warren. Wild finish in this game with Denver being called for the leverage penalty, giving the Colts another (closer) FG attempt for the win. Reminds me of a game years ago in Indianapolis where the Ravens were called for leaping. This was a missed opportunity for the Broncos to go 2 games up on KC. JK Dobbins had a good game running for Denver, contributing 76 yards on 14 attempts.

Cardinals 27 Panthers 22 – Bryce Young threw for 328 yards and 3 scores, and the Panthers still lost. I don’t think having Young drop back for 55 attempts is ideal. 39 year old Calais Campbell had 2 sacks for Arizona. Some people had Arizona as a darkhorse in the NFC West; I’m not seeing it.

Eagles 20 Chiefs 17 – Even if you like defensive battles as I do, this was admittedly a tough watch. Both teams have quality defenses, but it also felt like the respective offenses were helping the opposing defenses. Philadelphia has excellent skill talent, and Jalen Hurts (as shown) is good enough to win a title with. I think we’ve also seen that the MVP consideration he was receiving two years ago is a bit much. He makes enough plays to win, and is a good leader. That works. Leading an offense which has Saquon Barkley, AJ Brown, and DeVonta Smith and struggling to break 100 yards passing is kind of wild, even while crediting KC’s defense. KC’s offense should improve when Rashee Rice, and Xavier Worthy are available; but this group is not going to transform into the offensive powerhouse they were 5 years ago. Patrick Mahomes is getting some heat for his errant throws downfield, and people becoming tired of seeing the Chiefs offense struggle. The Eagles have a strong defensive front, but Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco combining for 53 yards on 18 carries, doesn’t give Mahomes much help. In this game, Travis Kelce had the important goal line bobble that was picked, and it mattered that much more not just because points came off the board, but also because this offense doesn’t have a ton of margin for error.  If you are an Eagles fan, or a Chiefs fan; I’d just shrug your shoulders at my comments here.  Who cares, really? Philadelphia is the defending World Champion, and a co-favorite currently with Green Bay in the NFC.  KC has been to the AFC Championship Game in 7 straight seasons. They’ve averaged 21 points a game for several seasons, and continued to find ways to win in January. It’s still hard for me to envision them not overcoming their 0-2 start, and again being a post-season factor. Strong Coaching, plus Special Teams, and Mahomes will make the most of the opportunities he gets.

Falcons 22 Vikings 6 – This was a game where I think we learned something. I’ve liked Atlanta’s skill talent. I wondered if Michael Pennix could be average ish at QB. I questioned their pass rush which has been non-existent for sometime. In this game, Atlanta put up 6 sacks. Maybe some of that was on JJ McCarthy holding the ball too long in his second NFL start; but still – that’s encouraging for the Falcons. Atlanta also got 143 yards on the ground from Bijan Robinson. The Falcons have some talented offensive players. Penix didn’t do much in this game, but he had zero turnovers. If he warms up and is near average, the Falcons become a potential playoff team. Robinson is one of the most talented RB’s in football. If the running game is consistent, and the Falcons are now able to get to opposing QB’s; that’s a formula which works.  Conversely, the Vikings leave this game with questions. They managed just 6 points at home. We knew going from Sam Darnold playing like a near MVP last year to McCarthy getting his first NFL snaps was going to be a transition. And to be fair to him, the Vikings have been without Jordan Addison these first two weeks (and he’ll also miss Week 3) with his suspension. You couldn’t reasonably ask McCarthy to match what Darnold did last year. But you do need him to be productive, and get the ball out to Jordan Jefferson, TJ Hockenson, and crew. The Vikings (and McCarthy) also need to be able to count on a running game with Aaron Jones. This result sours me on the Vikings odds of getting back to the playoffs. EDIT: McCarthy has an ankle injury which will keep him out of action for 2-4 weeks.

Buccaneers 20 Texans 19 – The difference between winning and losing isn’t much in the NFL.  But these teams leave this game feeling like they are in different places, but I think they are pretty similar. Baker Mayfield and Tampa improved to 2-0, while CJ Stroud and Houston fell to 0-2. Stroud and the Texans weren’t able to do much in the 2nd half, while Mayfield capped an 11 play, 80 yard drive for the winning score. Houston didn’t have a ton of offensive plays, but they might want to give Nick Chubb more than 12 carries. Houston’s receiving core is still missing a few guys, but that is a group which can improve. Tampa Bay checks a lot of boxes when you are thinking about teams which have a chance to play multiple January games. I’d still have Houston as a slight favorite over Indianapolis in the AFC South.

Chargers 20 Raiders 9 – The Chargers look formidable this year as Jim Harbaugh continues to build his program. Many had Denver ahead of LA in the West. The Chargers are saying not so fast. If anything, I think it’s possible the West gets three (KC) playoff teams. For me, LA looks like a solid playoff team, that I’d say has a puncher’s chance vs. anyone in one game with Justin Herbert and three quality receivers. For me to believe they’re a threat to win the conference, they’re going to have show they can get consistent production at RB with Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton. Above I said the Titans are only going to win 4-5 games, but they the players to bite teams. The Raiders are an even better example of that. They’re not good to win enough games to matter, but they’ve got enough players on both sides of the ball to cause problems on any given Sunday. They can’t win when Geno Smith throws for 3 picks though.

 Week 3 Quick Hits: 

Thursday September 18th

Miami at Buffalo – The last game for Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniel?

Sunday September 21st

Green Bay at Cleveland – The Packers roll, and the Browns move one game closer to starting their rookie QBs.

Indianapolis at Tennessee – If the Colts are a real contender to win the South, they take care of business here.

Cincinnati at Minnesota – With McCarthy out 2-4 weeks, the Vikings tun to Carson Wentz.  Wentz should have some opportunities against the Bengals defense. Is there a chance that Wentz finds lighting in a bottle? He was last a full time starter in ’21 with the Colts. If Wentz goes off the next few weeks, will the Vikings immediately go back to McCarthy when McCarthy is healthy?

Pittsburgh at New England – Both of these teams would like to hang around the playoff race. This game means more to the Steelers to me.

LA Rams at Philadelphia – The Eagles are a 57.1% favorite to win according to ESPN’s Match-Up predictor. Can Matthew Stafford put some points on the board, and get the Eagles uncomfortable?

NY Jets at Tampa Bay – The Bucs should win comfortably here.

Las Vegas at Washington – Fairly comparable teams talent wise.  Expectations are different.  Vegas should probably finish at the bottom of the AFC West. Washington was in the NFC Conference Championship last year, and would like to think they can push the Eagles in the East this year. Commanders need this game, and they’d like to see Daniels have a big day. I guess most importantly they’d like to see Daniels play, and he’s currently questionable with a knee sprain.

Atlanta at Carolina – If the Falcons are a real contender to make the playoffs, they take care of business here.

Houston at Jacksonville – The Jaguars have an opportunity to have the Texans staring at an 0-3 record. I’ll take the Texans to get the road divisional win.

Denver at LA Chargers – Will there be more Broncos fans than Chargers fans?  Both of these teams want to unseat KC in the West.  First step is how they do vs. each other head-to-head. Obviously LA wants to defend their ‘home’ field.

New Orleans at Seattle – The Saints didn’t give up against San Fran, and Rattler threw for 3 TD’s, but I think this is another loss for New Orleans. See if the Seahawks can build off of Week 2, and sustain their running game.

Dallas at Chicago – The Cowboys have to outscore teams, and they’ve been watching video all week of Detroit putting up 52 on the Bears. Caleb Williams and his WR’s have been looking all week at what the Giants did against that Dallas defense.  Maybe a shootout here?

Arizona at San Francisco – The Niners would be feeling pretty good about themselves if they can win here and improve to 3-0 while banged up.

Kansas City at NY Giants – I don’t think Wilson is going to throw for 450 years vs. the Chiefs.

Monday September 22nd 

Detroit at Baltimore – It’s an opportunity for the Ravens to beat a good team at home under the National lights. Do Marlon Humphrey and Kyle Van Noy play? Is Patrick Ricard still out? What about Isaiah Likely? How about some production from Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman?  Derrick Henry was limited to 23 yards on 11 carries vs. Cleveland.  I can’t imagine that happening again.

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