Commanders stun Seahawks, Mayfield injured, and Rio debut delivers in NFL Week 3

Key points

• Marcus Mariota threw three touchdowns and converted a critical third down on his legs to lead the Commanders to a 33-31 win over the Seahawks.
• Baker Mayfield dislocated his thumb on his throwing hand late in the Buccaneers' 23-16 loss to the Vikings, potentially forcing a backup start in Week 4.
• The Baltimore Ravens won the NFL's first game in Rio de Janeiro 34-31, with kicker Tyler Loop scoring a walk-off field goal.
• The Indianapolis Colts avoided a 0-3 record by winning 19-17 against the Houston Texans on a 53-yard field goal with seconds remaining.
• The Los Angeles Chargers remain 0-3 after losing 24-16 to the Buffalo Bills, failing to capitalize on five turnovers.

Background

The 2026 NFL season has been marked by a wave of quarterback injuries and a brutal schedule for winless teams. Prior to Week 3, the Commanders were 0-2 with Jayden Daniels injured, and the Chargers had a historic 0-2 start. The league also prepared for its first-ever international game in Rio de Janeiro, featuring the Ravens and Cowboys.

How outlets are covering it

CBS Sports emphasized the Commanders' upset as the week's biggest story and highlighted the league-wide quarterback injury crisis, specifically noting Baker Mayfield's hand injury. NFL.com provided detailed game analysis, focusing on the Bills' ability to overcome five turnovers to beat the Chargers and the Browns' defensive dominance against the Panthers. Fantasy Footballers focused on DFS leverage points, noting that salary constraints forced players to avoid popular chalk like Kenneth Walker III and Josh Allen, while highlighting low-owned options like Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans. ESPN's source was inaccessible due to a 403 error.

Why it matters

The Commanders' victory provides a morale boost for a team struggling with injuries, while the Mayfield injury could impact the Buccaneers' playoff hopes. The Rio de Janeiro game serves as a significant marketing milestone for the NFL's international expansion. The Colts' narrow win prevents a 0-3 start, which historically correlates with poor playoff odds.

What to watch

The Buccaneers will likely turn to backup Jalon Daniels in Week 4 if Mayfield's injury is severe. The Commanders will continue to rely on Mariota while Jayden Daniels recovers. The Chargers must address offensive struggles under Mike McDaniel. The NFL will continue to monitor quarterback health as the season progresses.