NFL Week 3 Review

We are heading into week 4 action this weekend in what looks like one of the most balanced NFL seasons we have had in a very long time. The intention of the NFL salary cap is to give each team hope each season, and that is exactly what is transpiring so far this year.

There were several games in week 3 that were eye-opening which shows how competitive the NFL is and that any given Sunday anyone can win.

Week 3 Recap

The Rams looked impressive in their win over the Bucs

Bucs vs. Rams

The biggest game of week 3 was the Rams hosting Tom Brady and the Bucs in a game that most thought would be a competitive matchup. The Bucs were a 1-point favorite heading into the matchup and struggled to move the ball against the Rams stout defense.

Matt Stafford threw for 4 TDs and led the Rams to a 34-24 win at home as the Rams moved to 3-0 and the Bucs fell to 2-1. The Bucs defense showed some flaws on the backend which will be interesting to monitor as the season goes on and teams try to duplicate the Rams gameplan.

The Bucs signed Richard Sherman to help provide some additional coverage for the Bucs and they will look to get back on track at New England in week 4.

Packers vs. 49ers

The Packers put together another impressive performance on the road in their 30-28 win over the 49ers as Aaron Rodgers led the Packers to a win in the closing minute.

Rodgers threw for 260 yards and 2 TDs and has shutup many of the doubters that popped up after his dismal week 1 performance vs the Saints. The NFC North looks mediocre this year so once again we will probably have the Packers in the thick of the playoff race and Rodgers in MVP contention once again.

Chargers vs. Chiefs

Chargers look like real contenders in the AFC

The Chargers came into 2021 as a popular sleeper pick to make a run in the AFC and they showed why in Sunday’s 30-24 win over the reigning AFC champion Chiefs. The Chargers answered each time the Cheifs scored and Justin Herbert put himself in the midst of the early MVP conversation with 4 TDs and 281 yards in one of the toughest places to play in the NFL at Arrowhead Stadium.

Tucker Makes History with 66 Yard FG

One of the best games of the weekend was the Ravens vs. Lions which including some NFL history. The Lions looked like they had the game wrapped up late in the 4th to give their long-suffering fans a much-needed win until the Ravens converted a 4th and 19 first down to get the Ravens to the Ravens past midfield. That set up Justin Tucker to try for a game-winning kick 66-yard kick that bounced off the crossbar and through the uprights to give the Ravens a 19-17 win.

Top Player Performances

Mike Williams, Chargers

Mike Williams was a stud against the Cheifs putting up 122 yards and 2 touchdowns against the physical Chiefs secondary. Williams should have an awesome year for fantasy football owners with Justin Herbert tossing him the rock.

Josh Allen, Bills 

Allen threw for 358 yards and 4 TDs against Washington and got the Bills to 2-1 and first place in the AFC East. The Bills look head and shoulders above anyone else in the division and Allen should continue to have a monster year and be in the thick of the MVP discussion at year-end.

Standings Update

This looks to be one of the most competitive NFL seasons in a long time which is great for the league and fans across the country.  Let’s take a look at some of the divisional records so far through 3 games:

AFC North

Ravens, Bengals, and Browns: 2-1

The Bengals have been one of the surprises of the league so far with Joe Burrow looking sharp at QB and should be players all season. The Ravens and Browns have also shown some flashes of dominance and should make for a very entertaining AFC North.

AFC West

The Broncos have been one of the shocks so far this season at 3-0

Broncos and Raiders 3-0, Chargers 2-1, Chiefs 1-2

The AFC West looks like one of the best divisions in football with all 4 teams looking like solid playoff contenders. The Broncos with Teddy Bridgewater at QB are another team that has been a big surprise and perhaps saved Vic Fangio’s job in Denver.

NFC West

The Rams and Cardinals face off this week in a battle of 3-0 teams, and the 49ers and Seahawks round out the toughest division of all of football.