As Week 3 of the NFL season approaches, the excitement is palpable as four unbeaten teams prepare to clash on Sunday. We have C.J. Stroud’s Houston Texans taking on Sam Darnold’s resurgent Minnesota Vikings, while the Los Angeles Chargers, led by the questionable Justin Herbert, face the struggling Pittsburgh Steelers. This early in the season, every game counts, and the matchups this Sunday promise to be thrilling.
Elsewhere in the league, the Miami Dolphins face uncertainty as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa lands on IR due to concussions. The New Orleans Saints have kicked off the season in spectacular fashion, showcasing a torrid offense. There are shakeups in various teams, with Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young being benched in favor of veteran Andy Dalton. The Atlanta Falcons, fresh off a thrilling win, gear up to take on the powerhouse Kansas City Chiefs in the Sunday nightcap.
What can we expect from this weekend’s action? With insights from The Athletic‘s NFL writers Mike Sando, Zak Keefer, and Jeff Howe, let’s delve into the key matchups and storylines.
We have a pair of matchups between unbeatens in Week 3 — Texans-Vikings and Chargers-Steelers. What are you watching for in each of these games?
Sando: The showdown between the Texans and Vikings will test Sam Darnold’s ability to perform under pressure. Meanwhile, the Chargers facing the Steelers offers an exciting matchup, especially between Joe Alt and T.J. Watt. Alt’s performance could spell a potential All-Pro selection if he continues his dominant streak.
Howe: Brian Flores’ Vikings defense faces a tough challenge against C.J. Stroud. The Chargers-Steelers game promises a defensive battle, with Justin Herbert’s role pivotal. How he handles the high ankle sprain will determine the outcome of this rugged showdown.
Keefer: The Texans offense will be put to the test by the Vikings’ strong defense. The Chargers and Steelers will likely engage in a low-scoring affair, with both teams needing to step up offensively for a shot at victory.
Panthers QB Bryce Young has been benched 18 games into his career as Carolina faces the Raiders. What’s next for Young? Would the league benefit from sitting more rookie/young QBs to start their careers?
Sando: Despite Young’s struggles, it’s clear that he may not be the long-term solution for the Panthers. While some rookie quarterbacks are ready to start, teams must evaluate their readiness thoroughly to avoid detrimental effects on their confidence and development.
Howe: Young’s benching highlights organizational challenges and underscores the need for teams to protect and nurture young quarterbacks. Rushing rookie QBs into action without proper support can backfire, as seen with Young’s situation.
Keefer: Young’s benching reflects a significant failure on the Panthers’ part. While some rookies are prepared for the demands of the NFL, many need time to adjust and develop before taking the field. Patience and a well-thought-out strategy are key in grooming young QBs.
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa placed on IR, raising questions about Miami’s playoff aspirations. Can the Dolphins thrive without Tagovailoa?
Sando: Without a strong replacement for Tagovailoa, the Dolphins’ playoff hopes appear bleak. The team will need to make significant adjustments to compensate for his absence and keep their postseason dreams alive.
Howe: The AFC’s competitive landscape poses challenges for the Dolphins, especially with their demanding schedule. They will need to excel on defense and revamp their offensive strategies to contend without Tagovailoa.
Keefer: Tua’s absence presents a major setback for the Dolphins, who rely heavily on his accuracy and playmaking abilities. Without him, the team’s identity is compromised, and a playoff berth seems unlikely unless they make significant improvements across the board.
The New Orleans Saints are setting tongues wagging with their impressive offense as they take on the Eagles in Week 3. What sets the Saints apart this season?
Sando: The Saints’ revamped rushing attack under Fuaga and a resurgent defense have provided them with a renewed identity post-Brees. Their balanced offensive approach, orchestrated by Derek Carr, has been a game-changer for the team.
Howe: Klint Kubiak’s innovative coaching style has injected new life into the Saints’ offense, breathing fresh energy into a team that had grown stagnant in recent years. If they can sustain this momentum, the Saints could become a force to be reckoned with this season.
Keefer: The Saints’ success hinges on their potent run game, which has opened up opportunities for Carr to showcase his skills. Their explosive start to the season has caught the league’s attention, and it will be fascinating to see how opponents strategize against them moving forward.
Kirk Cousins and the Falcons look to replicate their Week 2 heroics against the Chiefs in Week 3. What are your predictions for this matchup?
Sando: The Chiefs are likely to deliver a strong offensive performance early in the game, putting the pressure on Cousins and the Falcons to keep pace. Ultimately, the Chiefs’ defensive prowess may tip the scales in their favor.
Howe: While Cousins showed flashes of brilliance in Week 2, he still has room for improvement and must adapt to his new team. The Chiefs boast a solid defense that could pose challenges for the Falcons’ offense, making this a tough test for Cousins and company.
Keefer: Despite the Falcons’ recent victory, they face a tough challenge against the dynamic Chiefs. Cousins will need to elevate his game, and the Falcons defense must step up to contain Kansas City’s potent offense. Expect an intense battle between these two teams.
(Photo: Sam Hodde / Getty Images)
