Image Source: NFL.com
NFL scores from Week 3 delivered surprise finishes, statement wins and several warning signs for teams with postseason ambitions. The Buffalo Bills remained unbeaten despite committing five turnovers, while the Washington Commanders stunned the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks in a high-scoring thriller.
Shocking NFL Scores Highlight a Wild Sunday
Buffalo defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 24-16 to improve to 3-0, although the performance was far from clean. Josh Allen threw two interceptions, and the Bills committed five turnovers overall. According to NFL Research, it was Buffalo’s first victory while committing at least five turnovers since 1997.
The Chargers created multiple opportunities but failed to turn them into enough points. Their defense intercepted Allen twice in the opening half, yet Los Angeles managed only 10 points from three takeaways. James Cook then took over late, rushing for 77 yards and a touchdown in the fourth quarter. He finished with 154 rushing yards, helping Buffalo control the clock and close out the game.
Jahmyr Gibbs Powers Detroit Past New York
The Detroit Lions defeated the New York Jets 31-24 behind an explosive performance from Jahmyr Gibbs. The running back scored three second-half touchdowns and finished with 99 rushing yards, two rushing scores and seven receptions for 65 yards, including the game-winning touchdown.
Detroit has now scored at least 30 points in each of its first three games. Jared Goff remained effective against pressure, completing all 14 of his passes when the Jets sent extra rushers. New York fought back from an early 14-0 deficit, but a late sack and fumble ended its comeback hopes.
Commanders Deliver a Surprising Upset
Washington defeated Seattle 33-31 in one of the most surprising NFL scores of the week. Marcus Mariota stepped in for the injured Jayden Daniels and completed 19 of 31 passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for a crucial first down late in the game to help Washington secure the victory.
Seattle dominated several statistical categories, outgaining Washington 437-258 and recording 28 first downs. Sam Darnold threw for 379 yards and four touchdowns, while Jaxon Smith-Njigba posted 128 receiving yards and two scores. However, three Seahawks turnovers, including a late interception, proved decisive.
Chiefs Stay Perfect as AFC Results Take Shape
The Kansas City Chiefs moved to 3-0 with a 24-10 victory over the Miami Dolphins. Patrick Mahomes completed 20 of 24 passes for 246 yards and two touchdowns. Kenneth Walker III added 70 rushing yards and scored twice, continuing his impressive start with Kansas City.
Miami remained competitive despite injuries to De’Von Achane and Caleb Douglas. The Dolphins controlled possession for nearly nine additional minutes and produced several long drives, but they could not finish enough possessions in the end zone. Miami fell to 0-3, leaving little room for error in the AFC playoff race.
Jaguars Crush Patriots in Statement Win
The Jacksonville Jaguars overwhelmed the New England Patriots 35-6, never trailing throughout the game. Trevor Lawrence threw touchdown passes to three different players and moved past Blake Bortles for second place on Jacksonville’s career passing-touchdown list.
New England endured a disastrous afternoon. Drake Maye threw two interceptions and lost a fumble, contributing to seven turnovers through the Patriots’ first three games. Jacksonville’s defense pressured Maye on 58.4 percent of his dropbacks, according to Next Gen Stats.
Steelers Escape Bengals in AFC North Thriller
Pittsburgh edged Cincinnati 30-27 after Derrick Harmon strip-sacked Joe Burrow late in the fourth quarter. Aaron Rodgers threw three touchdown passes and led an offense that generated 411 yards, while Jaylen Warren rushed for 127 yards.
The Bengals moved the ball effectively, but costly special-teams mistakes changed the contest. A roughing-the-punter penalty and a muffed punt helped Pittsburgh score 10 important points. The victory also marked a significant offensive breakthrough for the Steelers, who had gone 20 consecutive drives without a touchdown entering Week 3.
More Key NFL Scores and Takeaways
- Cleveland Browns 21, Carolina Panthers 18: Cleveland’s defense generated a 51 percent pressure rate, while Deshaun Watson delivered a late touchdown pass to Harold Fannin Jr.
- Indianapolis Colts 19, Houston Texans 17: The Colts ended a nine-game losing streak, while Houston dropped to 0-3 despite a strong performance from Will Anderson Jr.
- New York Giants 12, Tennessee Titans 7: New York leaned on its running game and improved to 2-1 behind four field goals from Dominic Zvada.
Overall, the Week 3 NFL scores showed that strong defenses, turnover margins and late-game execution remain crucial. Several contenders survived sloppy performances, while winless teams such as Miami and Houston face increasingly urgent challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the biggest surprise among the NFL scores?
Washington’s 33-31 victory over defending Super Bowl champion Seattle was arguably the week’s biggest surprise, particularly because the Commanders won with backup quarterback Marcus Mariota.
How did Buffalo win after committing five turnovers?
The Bills recovered by limiting the Chargers to 10 points from three first-half takeaways. James Cook then powered Buffalo’s fourth-quarter offense and helped the team control possession.
Which teams remained unbeaten after Week 3?
Buffalo and Kansas City both improved to 3-0 based on the completed games and results provided in the Week 3 report.
Which team suffered the worst loss?
The New England Patriots suffered the largest defeat listed, falling 35-6 to Jacksonville after multiple turnovers and consistent pressure on Drake Maye.
