NFL Week 3 Overreactions and Underreactions

NFL Week 3 featured multiple close games and some surprising blowouts. Per Adam Schefter via X, "Sunday featured seven NFL games in which the game-winning score came within the final three minutes of the fourth quarter, the most such games in a single day since the 1970 merger, per the Elias Sports Bureau." The Division battles are beginning to take shape as well, with some surprises and some not-so-surprising early leaders.

"49ers" by renaissancechambara is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

NFL Week 3 Overreactions

The NFL Week 3 overreactions are largely centered on the NFC North.

Overreaction 1: Chicago's blowout win over Dallas

The Dallas Cowboys are the single most overrated franchise in professional sports. They have done nothing worth noting since the mid-90s, and yet everyone is surprised that a 0-2 Chicago team with a first-year head coach (Ben Johnson) gave them the beatdown. Dak Prescott would be viewed with the same media respect as Kirk Cousins if he played in any other market. The media sees "America's Team" with rose-colored glasses. Chicago has a lot of work to do. Caleb Williams' strong performance (298 yards and 4 TDs) is a good sign. They'll need to show off against a stronger opponent before any accurate analysis can be done.

Overreaction 2: Green Bay's Loss to Cleveland

Green Bay beat the Lions and the Commanders to start the season. Overlooking the Cleveland Browns is an easy thing to do. Their offense, led by Joe Flacco, isn't special (221 yards against Green Bay), but their defense could be elite. Despite giving up 41 points to the Ravens, the Browns have yet to allow 300 yards of offense. Teams should be careful before overlooking this defense, featuring a strong rush defense and pass rush.

Overreaction 3: Carson Wentz and the Vikings

The J.J. McCarthy slander will begin at any moment. Carson Wentz and the Vikings dominated the Bengals on Sunday, winning 48-10. Wentz played better than McCarthy did in his first two NFL starts, but that was always expected. McCarthy, returning from an injury that caused him to miss a year, will take time to adjust to the NFL. However, beating up on the Joe Burrow-less Bengals may not provide the best sample. Wentz was once considered an MVP candidate. Sam Darnold also played well in Minnesota last year. Much of this success should be attributed to Kevin O'Connell, who puts his players in the best position to succeed.

NFL Week 3 Underreactions

Some too-early contenders begin to emerge in NFL Week 3.

Underreaction 1: San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers had an injury-filled and disappointing 2024 season. Despite injuries at key positions, including quarterback Brock Purdy, they have found ways to win. They stand at 3-0, atop their division, proving that good coaching remains paramount in the NFL. Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers may not be able to stay in the top spot, but their 3-0 start is better than most pundits predicted.

Underreaction 2: Philadelphia Eagles

The Super Bowl Champs look good. They have won all three games by only a single score. The ability to win one-score games will only serve this team in its quest to repeat. No. They aren't dominating anyone, but they are demoralizing them. Sunday's win was their second with less than 300 yards of offense (302 against Dallas). With Saquon Barkley and A.J. Brown, it is only a matter of time before the offense gets rolling.

Underreaction 3: Los Angeles Chargers

Somehow, Jim Harbaugh (and his 58-25 record, Super Bowl appearance, and National Title at Michigan) remains underrated as a coach. His teams rarely have the flash required to grab national headlines, but they do have the success. If Kansas City's struggles (1-2, including a hard-fought win over the New York Giants) are for real, the division is theirs for the taking.

Best Games

Eagles 33-26 Win Over the Rams

The Eagles and Rams Divisional Round rematch lived up to the hype. Matthew Stafford led the Rams down the field with the opportunity to win the game with a field goal as time ran out. Instead, the Eagles blocked their second field goal of the game and returned it for six.

Chargers 23-20 Victory Over the Broncos

The Los Angeles Chargers have jumped to an early division lead in Jim Harbaugh's second year coaching the team. Justin Herbert threw for 300 yards and led the team down the field, putting the team in position for a last-second, game-winning field goal.

Buccaneers 29-27 Win Over the Jets

Baker Mayfield and Todd Bowles continue to lead the Buccaneers to success, regardless of the method. The Jets put up a fight as first-year head coach Aaron Glenn searches for his first victory.

Lions Road Win Over the Ravens

The Detroit Lions came into Baltimore and ran for 220 yards and sacked Lamar Jackson seven times. Every national media member picked Baltimore to win this game, but the Lions won their 4th straight Monday Night Football game.

For more material like this, click here to see all previous sports-related posts. Additionally, consider subscribing to or following us on Facebook or Instagram to stay up-to-date with our latest posts.