NFL Week 3 saw a 38 year old quarterback lead a team to victory, an MVP candidate commit multiple senseless turnovers and Ravens’ kicker Tyler Loop play hero in Brazil. There’s plenty to have quick reactions about, but take a second to see if it’s a decent take or a massive overreaction:
The Patriots and Drake Maye have a problem.
It is rare that you see an NFL quarterback straight-up drop the ball. Drake Maye did that for one of his three turnovers against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. It’s strange to see what was an MVP candidate last year take such a stark fall, but after New England’s week three loss it will either serve as motivation to improve or mark the start of another Patriots rebuild. “I’ve got to look at myself in the mirror and take this as a turning point,” Maye said.
The Bears will be fine without Caleb Williams
A Case Keenum start in 2026. That was definitely not anyone’s bingo card to start the NFL season. Against an Eagles team that was in the Super Bowl and won just two years ago, this game seemed grim for many Bears’ fans. Keenum surpassed expectations, going 24-34 with three total touchdowns on Monday Night Football.
The 38 year old went 11-11 with two touchdowns while facing Philadelphia’s blitz. Although it is likely Tyson Baegent will step back under center as QB2 next week, surviving this game was crucial for Chicago. They will face both the Jets and Falcons in the expected 3 week absence that Williams is out for, but also face division rival Green Bay.
Brock Purdy is the MVP front runner
Mr. Irrelevant has played nothing like his title three weeks into this NFL season. Purdy has completed a remarkable 73% of his passes, with 10 total touchdowns and just one interception. No one has come close to those numbers by the end of NFL Week 3. Purdy has either ranked first or tied for first in every category except for passing yards. We’ve seen nothing short of excellence from him, and the 49ers are 3-0 to start the year.
The Giants revamped QB room will work
With Jaxson Dart going down for the Giants amid left knee surgery, New York has been forced to start veteran and fan-favorite Jameis Winston at quarterback. The problem? He’s just not very good at football. At the beginning of the week, it was likely that New York would end up trading for a new quarterback to bolster their group, but no one expected that it was JJ McCarthy.
Fans will have a hard time being convinced that someone who sits behind Kyler Murray and has yet to play much or put up big numbers in this league is the answer. Kansas City Chiefs’ backup Justin Fields was also linked in trade rumors, and would’ve been a more suitable option for New York.
The Raiders are heading to the playoffs
After a 3-0 start with Kirk Cousins under center for Las Vegas, the Raiders have become the NFL’s least anticipated undefeated team. However, a 35-27 win against the Saints has many wondering whether this is simply a fever dream or if Las Vegas is here to stay. Las Vegas’ defense is second in the NFL in EPA allowed per play, a turnaround largely due to Maxx Crosby.
The offense is 16th in EPA per play, and with a quarterback change seeming inevitable because of first overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza, it’s hard to believe that their next four games against playoff-caliber teams in the Chiefs, Patriots, Bills and Rams are winnable.
Buffalo’s championship window is closing
One of the few teams in the NFL to never win a Super Bowl. Buffalo was nearly saved by Josh Allen’s arrival, advancing to two AFC Championship games in 2021 and 2025. They’ve won neither of those. It’s almost a remnant of their four consecutive Super Bowl losses in the early 90s. However, it seems like Allen is here to stay as a perennial MVP candidate. With the Bills 3-0 this year and Allen a front-runner in the MVP race, don’t be surprised to see them making yet another run at a title this year and beyond.
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