Week 3 of the NFL season kicked off with the Cleveland Browns defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night. The action ramps up Sunday when the Green Bay Packers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers headline the afternoon slate.
NFL superstars Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers meet for the fifth time in their respective careers. The last meeting was in the 2020 NFC Championship Game where the Buccaneers won 31-26 en route to a Super Bowl title.
The New York Giants close out the weekend hosting the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football.
Here’s a rundown of all the Week 3 action around the NFL.
Briefly: Matt Ryan got his first victory at the helm of the Indianapolis Colts, throwing the winning 12-yard touchdown to Jelani Woods, who had two scores in the game. Rodney McLeod sealed the deal by intercepting Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who went 20-of-35 for 262 yards, one touchdown and an interception.
One highlight to know: Rookie Jelani Woods nabbed the game-winning touchdown from Matt Ryan, a 12-yard toss to put the Colts up for good.
Next-up: The Chiefs travel to Tampa Bay to face Tom Brady in a rematch of Super Bowl 55. The Colts host the Titans, who also got their first win of the season in Week 3.
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WHAT TO WATCH: Here’s how to catch all the Week 3 action around the NFL
Chicago Bears 23, Houston Texans 20
Briefly: Bears kicker Cairo Santos hit the winning 30-yard field goal to bring Chicago’s record to 2-1 on the season. Quarterback Justin Fields completed just eight passes and threw two interceptions, but the Bears’ defense and running game held off a Texans charge.
One highlight to know: Bears defender Roquan Smith intercepted Texans quarterback Davis Mills at the Houston 30-yard line with 1:05 left in the game, which was tied 20-20 at the time.
Next-up: The Bears hit the road to take on the New York Giants, while the Texans host the Los Angeles Chargers.
Carolina Panthers 22, New Orleans Saints 14
Briefly: The Panthers kicked three field goals in a defensive game that ultimately saw Carolina earn its first win of the season.
One highlight to know: Marquis Haynes Sr. returned a fumble 44 yards for a Panthers touchdown with 5:32 left in the first.
Next-up: The Panthers are set to host the Cardinals, while the Saints head to London for a matchup against the Vikings.
OFF-TRACK: Which NFL teams can survive 0-2 start to 2022 season?
Tennessee Titans 24, Las Vegas Raiders 22
Briefly: Raiders quarterback Derek Carr saw what would have been a game-tying, two-point conversion fall short in the final seconds. Las Vegas is now 0-3 in the season.
One highlight to know: Carr completed a nine-yard touchdown pass to Raiders wide receiver Mack Collins with 1:14 left to give Las Vegas a chance at the end of the game.
Next-up: The Titans hit the road to visit the Colts, while the Raiders play host to the Broncos.
Briefly: Joe Burrow threw three touchdowns for the Cincinnati Bengals compared to Joe Flacco’s scoreless game where he threw two interceptions as the defending AFC Champions got their first victory of the season.
One highlight to know: Bengals receiver Tyler Boyd broke through contact for a 56-yard touchdown in the first quarter to put Cincinnati up 14-6.
What’s next: Cincinnati hosts the undefeated Miami Dolphins. New York travels to face the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Briefly: The game widely considered the matchup of Week 3 lived up to expectation. The undefeated Miami Dolphins handed the Buffalo Bills their first loss of the season after being tied at the half and handing over an odd safety on a muffed punt. Despite throwing for 400 yards and two touchdowns, quarterback Josh Allen ran out of time to put his team in position for a field goal to win the game.
One highlight to know: Bills offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey exemplified the frustration of the team by throwing his headset, hat and papers on his desk after time expired.
What’s next: The Bills lick their wounds and travel to play the Baltimore Ravens. The Dolphins will go north to face the Cincinnati Bengals.
Briefly: Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz had a less-than-stellar performance in a loss to the team that drafted him. Wide receiver Devonta Smith had a career day with eight receptions for 169 yards and one of Jalen Hurts’ three touchdowns as the Philadelphia Eagles remain unbeaten.
One highlight to know: Devonta Smith made a leaping catch in double coverage to put the Eagles on the Washington 1-yard-line and increase their lead to 24.
What’s next: The Eagles return home to host the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Commanders travel to play the Dallas Cowboys.
WENTZ MEETING: Carson Wentz reflects on ‘wild ride’ with Eagles
Minnesota Vikings 28, Detroit Lions 24
Briefly: Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins threw for a pair of touchdowns as Minnesota outlasted Detroit in an NFC North matchup.
One highlight to know: Cousins hit KJ Osborn with a 28-yard touchdown pass to put the Vikings ahead with just 45 seconds left in the game.
Next-up: The Vikings are headed across the pond to face the Saints in London, while the Lions host the Seahawks.
Baltimore Ravens 37, New England Patriots 26
Briefly: Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson accounted for five touchdowns to send the Patriots to 1-2 on the 2022 season.
One highlight to know: After Patriots quarterback Mac Jones completed a deep pass down the middle, receiver Nelson Agholor fumbled in Ravens territory and defensive back Marcus Peters recovered to ice the game for Baltimore.
Next-up: The Ravens return home to host the Bills, while the Patriots hit the road to face the Packers.
kick-off: 4:05 p.m.
TV: CBS
Betting info: Odds, moneyline and more
What to know: Chargers QB Justin Herbert is listed as active, despite fracturing his rib cartilage in Week 2. Meanwhile, WR Keenan Allen was put on the inactive list ahead of the game. The Jaguars are vastly improved under new coach Doug Pederson and the Chargers are a good litmus test.
ACTIVATE:Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert active vs. jacksonville jaguars
kick-off: 4:25 p.m.
TV: FOX
Betting info:Odds, moneyline and more
What to know: Could this be the final meeting between Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers? The storyline writes itself as two titans dance in the spotlight one more time.
BRADY vs. RODGERS:Reality check or lesson in patience?
WEEK 3 PICKS: Will Packers finally beat depleted Buccaneers?
kick-off: 4:25 p.m.
TV: FOX
Betting info: Odds, moneyline and more
What to know: The Rams get a suspect Cardinals defense that’s been gasshed by opposing teams (33.5 points allowed). Look for Sean McVay to dial up the run game as the Cardinals search for an answer to stop Aaron Donald and Cooper Kupp.
kick-off: 4:25 p.m. ET
TV: FOX
Betting info: Odds, moneyline and more
What to know: The Falcons and Seahawks are in a similar situation. It’s never easy to win in Seattle and both teams NEED this victory to generate positive momentum.
DAILY SPORTS SMILE: Former NFL receiver makes special visit to childhood military base
kick-off: 8:20 p.m.
TV: NBC
Betting info:Odds, moneyline and more
What to know: Jimmy Garoppolo makes his first start after a turbulent offseason. Meanwhile, Broncos are patiently waiting on Russell Wilson to settle in. Will the boos continue in Week 3?
MILE HIGH RETURN: There’s plenty of familiarity as Kyle Shanahan, 49ers visit Broncos
kick-off: Monday at 8:20 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Betting info: Odds, moneyline and more
What to know: Cooper Rush led the Cowboys to a big win and the Giants are surprisingly 2-0. Former Penn State standouts Micah Parsons and Saquon Barkley will exchange pleasantries early and often in this one.
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George is Digismak’s reported cum editor with 13 years of experience in Journalism