Week 3 of the NFL season kept fans on the edge of their seats with several blocked field goals, seven one-score games and seven blowouts. In this week’s edition of Tyler’s Take, I discuss the top shockers of Week 3.
Los Angeles Rams (2-1), Underperformed:
With three seconds remaining in the matchup, defensive tackle Jordan Davis sealed a 33-26 victory for the Philadelphia Eagles after blocking a 44-yard game-winning field goal from the Rams. The Los Angeles controlled the first half, dropping 19 points and holding the Super Bowl LIX champs to just seven points.
The Rams kept their backfield quiet, as running back Saquon Barkley and quarterback Jalen Hurts combined for 86 rushing yards. In the receiving room, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert hauled in a combined total of 202 yards for three touchdowns.
The contest looked over in the third quarter, as linebacker Jared Verse sacked Hurts, forcing a fumble. Quarterback Matthew Stafford exploited the fumble and extended their lead 26-7. Following that drive, the Eagles locked in and scored 26 unanswered points.
The Rams return to SoFi Stadium to host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. on Fox.
Washington Commanders (2-1), Surprise:
The Washington Commanders overcame injury odds and destroyed the Las Vegas Raiders 41-24 on Sunday. The Commanders’ starting quarterback, Jayden Daniels, suffered a knee sprain in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers. This sidelined the 24-year-old for Week 3, giving the starting role to backup quarterback Marcus Mariota. The 11-year veteran completed 15 of 21 (71.4%) passes for 207 yards and a rushing touchdown.
When it comes to the run game, the franchise walks on thin ice. In the offseason, the Commanders traded Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers, promoting Austin Ekeler to the primary carrier. However, the 30-year-old tore his Achilles in Week 2 versus the Packers.
Against the Raiders, their backup running backs exceeded expectations, collectively totaling 143 rushing yards. Jeremy McNichols paved the way, rushing 78 yards for a touchdown.
The Commanders travel to face the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at 1 p.m. on CBS.
Baltimore Ravens (1-2), Underperformed:
Every year, the Baltimore Ravens emerge as a dominating team, and the 2025-2026 campaign was no exception. Within three games, quarterback Lamar Jackson has already thrown for 722 yards, the tenth most amongst the NFL, connecting 54 of 75 (72%) passes.
This seems good, but not everything went according to plan. In the past three weeks, the Ravens’ offensive line has struggled to protect Jackson. The 28-year-old ties for second with 12 sacks for a loss of 98 yards. On Monday, the Detroit Lions collapsed the pocket quickly, forcing seven takedowns.
Another problem the franchise faces is with Derrick Henry. So far, the powerful runner has rushed 242 yards, the fourth most in the NFL, for three endzone appearances. The 31-year-old’s biggest challenge right now is securing the ball, as he’s fumbled once every clash.
While battling the Buffalo Bills in Week 1 and the Lions in Week 3, the veteran mishandled the ball, leading to both teams scoring points. The last time Henry fumbled in three consecutive matches was in 2022 with the Tennessee Titans.
The Ravens travel to Arrowhead on Sunday to take on the Kansas City Chiefs at 4:25 p.m. on CBS.
Minnesota Vikings (2-1), Surprise:
After a disastrous 22-6 loss to the Falcons in Week 2, the Minnesota Vikings redeemed themselves, crushing the Cincinnati Bengals 48-10. This was a backup quarterback battle, as Joe Burrow got injured with turf toe, sidelining him for about three months, while J.J. McCarthy endured a high right ankle sprain.
The difference maker came defensively, as the Vikings secured three of five forced fumbles. Additionally, the squad sacked gunslinger Jake Browning three times for a loss of 20 yards and snagged a pair of pick-sixes.
Offensively, shot-caller Carson Wentz completed 14 of 20 (70%) passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns. In the last two campaigns, the 32-year-old has only played two full games. In the backfield, running back Jordan Mason plowed through for 116 yards and crossed the goal line twice.
The Vikings fly across the pond on Sunday to clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin, Ireland, at 9:30 a.m. on the NFL Network.