Image Source: ESPN
NFL games delivered a packed Sunday of storylines, international attention and high-profile reunions as Week 3 of the 2026 season continued on Sept. 27. The schedule included 14 games, with nine beginning in the early window and four more played later in the afternoon before Sunday Night Football closed the day.
Among the biggest attractions was the Baltimore Ravens’ meeting with the Dallas Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro. The international matchup placed two prominent franchises in a global spotlight, while also adding another major chapter to the NFL’s growing overseas presence. ESPN’s Week 3 coverage highlighted Derrick Henry making history during the Rio event, adding an individual milestone to an already significant game.
Historic NFL Games Put Rio in the Spotlight
The Ravens-Cowboys matchup was one of the most anticipated NFL games of the day. Rio de Janeiro hosted the contest as the league continued its effort to bring regular-season football to international audiences. The game featured recognizable stars, passionate fan interest and the atmosphere of a major sporting event beyond the United States.
For Baltimore, the spotlight included Derrick Henry, whose performance became one of the defining moments referenced in ESPN’s highlights coverage. Henry’s physical running style has made him one of the NFL’s most influential offensive players, and his historic achievement gave fans another reason to focus on the Rio matchup.
The Cowboys entered the contest as another central part of the international spectacle. Dallas remains one of the league’s most recognizable teams, making its appearance in Brazil especially valuable for fans following NFL news and global sports. The game’s setting, combined with the profiles of both teams, made it a centerpiece of Week 3.
Powerful Coaching Reunions Add Drama
The early window featured several compelling personal storylines. New York Jets coach Aaron Glenn returned to face the Detroit Lions, his former team. Glenn’s connection to Detroit gave the matchup an added layer beyond the result, with attention focused on how the coach handled a reunion against familiar opponents and colleagues.
Another reunion involved Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Brian Daboll and the New York Giants. Daboll faced the team that fired him during the season last year, creating one of the most intriguing coaching storylines on the schedule. These connections helped make the early slate more than a collection of routine regular-season contests.
Coaching reunions often bring a sharper emotional edge to NFL games. Former colleagues know each other’s habits, strengths and weaknesses, while players may be motivated by the chance to perform well against a familiar organization. For fans, those relationships can make even a September matchup feel unusually important.
Sunday Night Football Caps a Busy Schedule
The day concluded with the Denver Broncos hosting the Los Angeles Rams in primetime. Sunday Night Football traditionally draws a large national audience, and the matchup provided a final featured contest after a full day of football. The Broncos-Rams game also ensured that Week 3 remained in the spotlight through the evening.
ESPN’s live highlights coverage focused on the best plays, touchdowns and memorable moments from across the schedule. With afternoon games still unfolding when the report was published, the coverage was designed to update as new developments emerged.
- International spotlight: The Ravens and Cowboys met in Rio de Janeiro.
- Historic moment: Derrick Henry was highlighted for making history.
- Coaching reunion: Aaron Glenn faced the Detroit Lions with the Jets.
- Another reunion: Brian Daboll returned to face the New York Giants.
- Primetime finale: The Broncos hosted the Rams on Sunday Night Football.
Why Week 3 Matters for NFL Fans
Week 3 is still early in the 2026 season, but the results and performances can influence playoff expectations, coaching conversations and team confidence. International games also carry broader importance because they help the NFL build new audiences and strengthen its connection with fans around the world.
The combination of a historic player moment, international competition, familiar faces meeting again and a primetime finale gave Sunday’s schedule a distinctive identity. As the season develops, the performances from Baltimore, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, New York and Tennessee will continue to shape the league’s larger story.
FAQs About NFL Games in Week 3
Which NFL games received the most attention in Week 3?
The Baltimore Ravens versus Dallas Cowboys matchup in Rio de Janeiro was a major attraction, while the Denver Broncos versus Los Angeles Rams game closed the day in primetime.
What happened involving Derrick Henry?
ESPN’s Week 3 highlights coverage identified Derrick Henry as making history during the Ravens-Cowboys event in Rio de Janeiro.
Which coaches faced former teams?
New York Jets coach Aaron Glenn faced the Detroit Lions, and Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Brian Daboll faced the New York Giants.
How many games were scheduled on Sunday?
Week 3 featured 14 Sunday games, including nine in the early window and four in the second window before Sunday Night Football.
