After a rocky beginning to the season, week three of the NFL brought excitement and unexpected twists.
One surprise was the anticipated Super Bowl contender (Packer) falling to the team vying for the top draft pick (Browns).
The much-anticipated clash between the Ravens and the Lions met its expectations, delivering a thrilling performance.
In a dramatic finale, the last 2:30 seconds decided seven games, and there were nine touchdowns scored without the offense doing the work.
Kickers had their moments—whether through blocked attempts, clinching last-second victories, or as seen with the Jet Buccaneers.
By the end of it all, there were six teams still unbeaten and seven that had yet to secure a win.
Here’s a look at the NFL power rankings heading into week four:
1. Bills 3-0 (1)
Terrell Bernard clinched a 31-21 win against the Dolphins with a timely interception that set the stage for a critical field goal from Matt Prater. Meanwhile, Josh Allen tossed three touchdown passes, including a crucial 15-yarder to Khalil Shakir that followed a significant penalty against the Dolphins, enhancing his impressive record against Miami to 14-2.
2. Eagles 3-0 (2)
The Eagles continued to impress, dominating the Rams by scoring 19 points in the third quarter. Jalen Hurts recorded his first three touchdown passes of the season, with crucial contributions from Dallas Goedert, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith in a comeback that wasn’t secured until the final moment. A blocked field goal from Jordan Davis helped maintain a slim lead and capped a 33-26 victory.
3. Lions 2-1 (6)
The Lions executed two impressive touchdown drives in their 38-30 victory over the Ravens, covering at least 95 yards. Head Coach Dan Campbell’s strategic prowess was evident as the Lions showcased a strong performance, with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs accumulating 218 rushing yards and scoring four touchdowns between them.
4. Chargers 3-0 (5)
For the first time since 2002, the Chargers remain unbeaten after triumphed over the Broncos, 23-20, thanks to a 43-yard walk-off field goal from Cameron Dicker. Justin Herbert connected with Keenan Allen for a critical touchdown with just under three minutes left, and the Chargers’ defense subsequently forced a quick three-and-out, setting up the winning drive.
5. Ravens 1-2 (4)
Derrick Henry faced a fumble crisis, losing the ball three consecutive games. In their loss to the Lions, a costly fumble in the fourth quarter deep in Ravens’ territory proved detrimental. While Lamar Jackson did throw two touchdown passes to Mark Andrews, the defense also played a part in the defeat.
6. Buccaneers 3-0 (8)
What started as a comfortable lead in the fourth quarter turned into a nail-biter for the Buccaneers, who won 29-27 against the Jets. Chase McLaughlin’s last-second 36-yard field goal capped his fifth attempt of the day, compensating for previous misses, while Baker Mayfield passed for 233 yards.
7. Chiefs 1-2 (7)
Though not the prettiest game, the Chiefs finally secured a win against the Giants with a 22-9 scoreline, aided by significant plays from Patrick Mahomes and good defense orchestrated by Steve Spagnuolo.
8. Packers 2-1 (3)
This was, well, unexpected. The Packers managed a mere ten points against the Browns, then squandered a ten-point lead in the last four minutes, ultimately falling 13-10. Jordan Love suffered an interception, while Brandon McManus blocked an important field goal.
9. Colts 3-0 (10)
Jonathan Taylor shone with 102 rushing yards and three touchdowns in the Colts’ 41-20 victory over the Titans, marking their first 3-0 start since 2009. Daniel Jones continued his solid performance, throwing for 228 yards.
10. 49ers 3-0 (14)
The 49ers claimed victory in a tight game that included the NFL’s first tiebreak safety in 11 years, winning 16-15 with a last-minute field goal from Eddie Pinero. Mac Jones efficiently completed a game-winning drive getting five passes for 59 yards, while Nick Bosa suffered a season-ending injury.
11. Rams 2-1 (9)
12. Commanders 2-1 (11)
13. Seahawks 2-1 (18)
14. Vikings 2-1 (19)
15. Broncos 1-2 (12)
16. Bengals 2-1 (13)
17. Cardinals 2-1 (17)
18. Steelers 2-1 (20)
19. Jaguars 2-1 (24)
20. Bears 1-2 (28)
21. Cowboys 1-2 (15)
22. Panthers 1-2 (30)
23. Falcons 1-2 (16)
24. Raiders 1-2 (22)
25. Patriots 1-2 (23)
26. Browns 1-2 (29)
27. Texans 0-3 (21)
28. Jets 0-3 (27)
Tyrod Taylor faced difficulties with a pick-six and fumble that handed the Buccaneers quick points in the first half. However, he rebounded in the fourth quarter, throwing two touchdown passes, including a sharp one to Allen Lazard, while Wil MacDonald IV made a critical field goal block. Too bad the defense couldn’t hold on for the win.
29. Giants 0-3 (25)
During prime time against the Chiefs, Malik Nabers recorded his first game with fewer than four receptions. The Giants played without a kicker for the first time in two years due to Graham Gano’s injury while Russell Wilson faced criticism amid cheers for Jackson Dart.
