NFL Week 3 Preview

Published: Wednesday, September 17, 2025

by Matthew Nazario

Trouble in Paradise? Thursday Night Football ~ Dolphins (0-2) @ Bills (2-0)

Miami followed up their abysmal Week 1 display against the Colts with an equally as heartbreaking loss to their division rival Patriots, who had lost seven straight to the Dolphins entering the weekend. 

The defense and special teams have been a disaster, being second to last in terms of points allowed (33 PPG) so far this season. While the offense saw a semi-return to form against the Patriots, there were still plenty of miscues from the offensive unit, including some untimely overthrows from Tua Tagovailoa that cost Miami a Week 2 win. 

Buffalo is once again looking to be the cream of the crop within the AFC, carrying their momentum from Week 1 and demolishing the Jets 30-10 in week 2.  After a rough day at the office against the Ravens in Week 1, the defensive unit got back on track versus the Jets.  This divisional matchup, while crucial for both, seems like a must-win for the Dolphins hoping to avoid an 0-3 start.

NFC Divisional Rematch: Rams (2-0) @ Eagles (2-0)

Despite injuries and the uncertainty of Matt Stafford’s health entering 2025, the Rams so far appear to be as good as advertised, with a balanced attack on both offense and defense. Los Angeles’ young defensive core has been incredibly stout, so far leading the league in opponent points allowed (14 PPG) and being 4th best in yards allowed (258.5 yards). 

Puka Nacua and Davante Adams are the dynamic duo that Los Angeles hoped they would have especially after the departure of Cooper Kupp. In what is a highly competitive NFC West, the Rams look to continue to build on their strong start.

The Eagles are flying high after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in their highly anticipated Super Bowl rematch. The scariest factor regarding the Eagles’ early season success is that it feels as though they have not even hit their maximum potential yet. The defense has stepped up to the plate big time, while the offense seems to still be figuring it out a little bit. 

Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley have been the anchors on the offensive side for Philadelphia, but hope for AJ Brown and Devonta Smith to catch fire within the next few weeks. A 2-0 start for the defending champions has shown their grit and winning attitude early on.  It will be quite the entertaining battle of NFC elite’s, and possibly a preview of playoff implications.

The Kingdom Under Siege: Sunday Night Football ~ Chiefs (0-2) @ Giants (0-2) 

For the first time since 2014, the Chiefs have started 0-2. It is alarming to Chiefs Kingdom for multiple reasons, one being the last time they started 0-2 was the last time they missed the playoffs, as well as it being the first time with Patrick Mahomes at the helm that Kansas City has found themselves winless through two weeks. 

The absences of both Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy are so far proving to be disastrous, as Mahomes’ supporting cast has been incredibly underwhelming and has left their coveted QB to try and fail to bail them out of various situations.

The Giants find themselves in quite the interesting place to potentially play spoiler on Sunday Night. Following a nightmarish outing against the Commanders in Week 1, the Giants put on quite the spectacle alongside the Dallas Cowboys last weekend in what was arguably the best game of the weekend. 

While the miscues and meltdowns may get more attention, Russell Wilson was able to turn back the clock and had inarguably his best game in years, as his connection with Malik Nabers was on display all afternoon and for a moment had given the Giants the lead with under a minute in the 4th quarter.

A game that once appeared would be a blowout in favor of the Chiefs during the preseason has now evolved into quite the interesting matchup between winless squads that look to get themselves on the right track.

Clash in Charm City: Monday Night Football ~ Lions (1-1) @ Ravens (1-1) 

Being held to only 13 points in Week 1 by the Packers, the Lions came out with a purpose for their home opener against the Bears during Week 2, scoring 52 points and looking very much like the Detroit Lions we have been accustomed to in recent years. 

Jared Goff dazzled throughout the afternoon with five touchdowns including three to Amon-Ra St. Brown, as the Bears simply had no answer for the offensive attack. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery were back to being the Sonic and Knuckles duo fans have grown to love, as they found their rhythm scoring a touchdown each after a shaky week 1 performance. 

The Ravens were evidently infuriated after their heartbreaking loss to the Bills in their Week 1 thriller, and focused this energy into a 41-17 domination of the Browns. Despite a quiet game from Derrick Henry, Lamar Jackson threw for four touchdowns including two to second year wideout Devontez Walker and an absolute beauty to veteran DeAndre Hopkins. 

The offense is proving to be as dangerous as ever, finding multiple targets and ways of scoring throughout their first two games. This is noticeable with Hopkins, who many thought had his best years behind him, but has suddenly emerged as a dangerous downfield threat.

In what may potentially be a preview of this year’s Super Bowl clash in Santa Clara, fans are in for a treat of a Monday Night Football matchup.

Matthew Nazario can be reached at matthew.nazario@student.shu.edu.

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