Week 3 Upsets and International Drama Define a Chaotic NFL Slate

Key points

• The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Dallas Cowboys 34-31 in Rio de Janeiro, with kicker Tyler Loop hitting a 56-yard game-winning field goal on the final play.
• The Denver Broncos overcame a 16-0 halftime deficit to beat the Los Angeles Rams 30-26, with safety Talanoa Hufanga recording a pick-six and a final-play interception.
• The Washington Commanders upset the Seattle Seahawks 33-31, led by backup quarterback Marcus Mariota, who threw three touchdowns and ran for a first-down gain late in the fourth quarter.
• The Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the New England Patriots 35-6, with Trevor Lawrence throwing three touchdowns, while Drake Maye committed three turnovers, including a fumble.
• The Las Vegas Raiders remained undefeated at 3-0 after beating the New Orleans Saints 35-27, with Kirk Cousins and Brock Bowers combining for a strong offensive performance.
• The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 36-30, maintaining their undefeated status in the NFC West despite a significant injury list.

Background

The 2026 NFL season has seen a significant increase in international games, with the league scheduling a record number of overseas dates. Week 3 featured the first regular-season game in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and the league is planning to hold games in Paris and Mexico City later in the season. This expansion follows a successful Week 1 in Melbourne, Australia, and aims to grow the NFL's global presence. The league has also seen a wave of quarterback injuries, leading to increased reliance on backup quarterbacks, a trend that was highlighted in Week 3 with several backups leading their teams to victory.

How outlets are covering it

NFL.com emphasized the dramatic nature of Week 3, highlighting the record number of one-score games and the importance of backup quarterbacks. They noted that 12 of the 14 games were one-score affairs, tying the record for a single day, and that six teams scored the game-winning points in the final three minutes. ESPN, which was unavailable, would likely have focused on the international aspect of the week, particularly the Ravens-Cowboys game in Rio de Janeiro, which was described as the best international performance in the league's history. USA Today highlighted the success of the NFL's international expansion, noting that the Rio game was a classic and that the league can only hope to maintain its momentum abroad. They also emphasized the importance of kickers, noting that Spencer Shrader, Tyler Loop, and Dominic Zvada all had crucial games. CBS Sports focused on the grades of the teams, noting that the Commanders earned an 'A' for their upset of the Seahawks, while the Patriots received an 'F' for their loss to the Jaguars. They also noted that the underdog won seven of the 15 games played in Week 3, highlighting the unpredictability of the week.

Why it matters

Week 3 of the 2026 NFL season was a pivotal week for the league, as it demonstrated the importance of backup quarterbacks, the success of the NFL's international expansion, and the unpredictability of the sport. The week's results will have a significant impact on team standings and playoff prospects, particularly for teams like the Patriots, Chargers, and Texans, who are now 1-2 or 0-3. The success of the international games will also have a significant impact on the league's global presence and revenue. The week's results will also provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of teams, as well as the effectiveness of their coaching and strategy.

What to watch

The NFL will continue its international expansion in Week 4, with the league scheduling games in various cities around the world. The league will also continue to monitor the health of its quarterbacks, as several teams are relying on backups due to injuries. The league will also continue to track the performance of its teams, as the results of Week 3 will have a significant impact on team standings and playoff prospects. The league will also continue to promote its international games, as the success of the Rio game will likely lead to increased interest in the league's global expansion.