NFL Week 3: Shocking Picks, Upsets and Score Predictions

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NFL Week 3 arrives with unbeaten teams defending their early momentum, winless clubs facing urgent pressure and several intriguing matchups carrying playoff-level stakes. NFL.com editors Jeremy Bergman, Brooke Cersosimo, Gennaro Filice, Bobby Kownack and Dan Parr released their predictions for every game scheduled from Sunday, Sept. 27, through Monday, Sept. 28.

The consensus heavily favors several established contenders, but the slate also includes potential surprises. The most divided predictions come in the Vikings-Buccaneers, Raiders-Saints and Ravens-Cowboys games, while the analysts are nearly unanimous on Kansas City, Seattle and San Francisco.

NFL Week 3 Picks Spotlight Heavy Favorites

The Buffalo Bills received every analyst’s vote against the Los Angeles Chargers. Buffalo enters the game with a 2-0 record and an offense averaging at least 36 points in each of its first two contests. Josh Allen has already accounted for nine touchdowns, including five passing scores and four rushing touchdowns.

The Chargers, meanwhile, are 0-2 and have struggled to find consistency under Mike McDaniel’s new system. Justin Herbert has faced pressure from unreliable pass protection, dropped passes and turnovers from rookie running back Omarion Hampton. The consensus prediction calls for Buffalo to move to 3-0 in convincing fashion.

• Chiefs over Dolphins: All five analysts selected Kansas City, with Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid facing a Miami team still searching for an identity.
• Seahawks over Commanders: Seattle’s defense has allowed fewer than 20 points and fewer than four yards per play through two games.
• 49ers over Cardinals: San Francisco is 2-0 after dominant wins over the Rams and Dolphins, while Brock Purdy has looked sharp.
• Bengals over Steelers: Cincinnati’s defense and the explosive Joe Burrow-Ja’Marr Chase connection give the Bengals a clear edge in the predictions.

Critical Matchups Could Define the Week

The Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts meet as the only matchup between winless teams. Five analysts picked Houston, citing a defense that improved significantly against Joe Burrow and Cincinnati after a difficult opening week against Allen and Buffalo.

Indianapolis has allowed 1,029 yards through two games, the second-highest total in NFL history for that point of a season. The Colts will need Jonathan Taylor to carry the offense while quarterback Daniel Jones continues working his way back from an Achilles injury.

Another compelling game takes place in Jacksonville, where the Jaguars host the New England Patriots. All five analysts selected Jacksonville, although the matchup is expected to be competitive. New England’s defense has been the league’s top scoring unit, but injuries to Dre’Mont Jones, Craig Woodson and Mike Onwenu could affect the Patriots’ chances.

In the NFC, the Minnesota Vikings visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in one of the most evenly matched games. Minnesota has Kyler Murray expected back, while Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield must contend with Brian Flores’ aggressive defense. The analysts split their selections, making this one of the weekend’s most unpredictable contests.

Explosive Prime-Time Games Feature Major Questions

The international spotlight shines on the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. The game carries the highest over-under total on the schedule at 52.5 points, reflecting the firepower of Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.

The analysts narrowly favor Baltimore, though two selected Dallas in projected high-scoring victories. The Ravens could be without wide receiver Zay Flowers for a second straight game, while the Cowboys’ defense is still adjusting under coordinator Christian Parker.

Sunday night brings the Los Angeles Rams to Denver for a matchup between two Super Bowl-winning coaches. Every analyst picked the Rams. Los Angeles’ backfield tandem of Kyren Williams and Blake Corum has combined for 259 rushing yards through two games, creating a major challenge for the Broncos’ defensive front.

On Monday night, the Philadelphia Eagles visit the Chicago Bears. Four analysts picked Philadelphia, with Jeremy Bergman making the surprising call for Chicago. The Bears’ quarterback situation remains uncertain because Caleb Williams is dealing with a hamstring injury and Tyson Bagent is in concussion protocol. Case Keenum could start if neither player is cleared.

What NFL Week 3 Means for the Season

Early-season records do not determine the entire playoff picture, but they can create substantial pressure. Houston and Indianapolis are both trying to avoid an 0-3 start, while teams such as Buffalo, Kansas City, Seattle and San Francisco are attempting to establish themselves as conference leaders.

These NFL predictions also highlight the importance of injuries, quarterback stability and defensive consistency. With several close spreads and divisional rivalries on the schedule, one unexpected result could quickly reshape fan expectations and the race for January football.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does NFL Week 3 begin?

NFL Week 3 begins with Sunday games on Sept. 27, followed by Monday Night Football on Sept. 28. The following Thursday matchup features Atlanta and Green Bay.

Which team received the most unanimous support?

Buffalo, Kansas City, Seattle, San Francisco, Cincinnati and Los Angeles received unanimous support from the five analysts for their respective matchups.

What is the biggest question entering Eagles-Bears?

The biggest question is Chicago’s quarterback situation. Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent were both dealing with injuries, potentially leaving veteran Case Keenum to start.

Which Week 3 game could be the closest?

Vikings-Buccaneers, Raiders-Saints and Ravens-Cowboys appear to be among the closest contests based on the analyst split and betting lines.