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3 min read Weekly Recap

NFL Week 3 Recap

NFL Week 3 Recap
(Photo by Gus Stark/Getty Images)

The Highlights

  • Minnesota Vikings: Continued their strong start to the season by dominating the Houston Texans 34-7, solidifying their position as one of the early powerhouses in the league with an explosive offense and a stifling defense.
  • Philadelphia Eagles: Remain a force in the NFC with a hard-earned 15-12 win against the New Orleans Saints, demonstrating their grit and determination in a matchup characterized by defensive prowess.
  • Malik Willis Delivers: Malik Willis led the Green Bay Packers to a dominant 30-14 victory over the Tennessee Titans, showcasing his best NFL performance yet.
  • Sam Darnold Shines: Sam Darnold tied his career high with four touchdown passes, guiding the Minnesota Vikings to a 34-7 win over the Houston Texans, keeping their undefeated season intact.
  • Saquon Barkley's Breakaway: Saquon Barkley scored two decisive fourth-quarter touchdowns, including a 65-yard breakaway run, leading the Philadelphia Eagles to a 15-12 win over the New Orleans Saints.
  • Andy Dalton's Revival: Andy Dalton, stepping in for Bryce Young, led the Carolina Panthers to a 36-22 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders with three touchdown passes, bringing a measure of calm and confidence to the team.

Laggards and Stalwarts

  • Laggards:
    • QB Will Levis (Tennessee Titans), 15.6 pts: Struggled with turnovers, including two interceptions and a fumble, in a loss to the Packers.
    • QB C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans), 11.8 pts: Threw two interceptions and was under heavy pressure, failing to mount a significant offense against the Vikings.
  • Stalwarts:
    • QB Sam Darnold (Minnesota Vikings), 23.24 pts: Tied his career high with four touchdown passes, leading the Vikings to a 34-7 win over the Texans.
    • RB Saquon Barkley (Philadelphia Eagles), 29.6 pts: Scored two decisive fourth-quarter touchdowns, including a 65-yard breakaway run, leading the Eagles to a 15-12 win over the Saints.
    • WR Jauan Jennings (San Francisco 49ers), 35.5 pts: Had a standout performance with 11 receptions for 175 yards and three touchdowns, setting career highs in all categories and leading the 49ers in receiving this season.

Waiver Wire Watchlist

  • Running Backs:
    • Carson Steele (Kansas City Chiefs): Benefited from Isaiah Pacheco's injury, making him a potential pickup.
    • Zach Charbonnet (Seattle Seahawks): Took over as the featured running back due to Kenneth Walker III's injury.
  • Wide Receivers:
    • Quentin Johnston (Los Angeles Chargers): Could see increased targets with injuries to other receivers.
    • Jalen Nailor (Minnesota Vikings): Showed promise with three catches for 54 yards and a score, but his value depends on the health of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
  • Tight Ends:
    • Hunter Henry (New England Patriots): A solid option with a consistent role in the Patriots' offense.

Injuries to Monitor

  • Quarterbacks:
    • Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers): Dealing with a high-ankle sprain, was listed as likely to play but with limitations.
    • Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers): Inactive due to an MCL sprain, with Malik Willis starting in his place.
    • Russell Wilson (Pittsburgh Steelers): Inactive with a calf injury, with Justin Fields starting instead.
  • Running Backs:
    • Joe Mixon (Houston Texans): Out with an ankle injury, with Dameon Pierce also inactive due to a hamstring issue.
    • Kenneth Walker III (Seattle Seahawks): Missed another game with an oblique injury, pushing Zach Charbonnet into a featured role.
  • Tight Ends:
    • Taysom Hill (New Orleans Saints): Dealing with a chest injury, listed as questionable to return.
    • George Kittle (San Francisco 49ers): Out with a hamstring injury, a significant blow to the 49ers' offense.

Tweet of the Week

The resemblance is uncanny.

Player Spotlight: Saquon Barkley is back!

Saquon Barkley has been a force to be reckoned with in his first three games as a Philadelphia Eagle. Barkley's statistics are impressive, with an NFL-best 351 rushing yards and four touchdowns. He is already averaging 5.6 yards per carry, compared to the six touchdowns he had last season with his beloved Giants. His recent performance against the New Orleans Saints was a sight to see, especially his 65-yard breakaway run that put the Eagles ahead. Barkley's versatility and speed have been instrumental in the Eagles' success, and he continues to be a top dog RB in the league.