NFL teams are starting to separate into two categories: Super Bowl contenders and NFL Draft dreamers. Week 3 offers a loaded slate of games as franchises hope to move towards a postseason push.
The NFL’s first-ever game in Rio de Janeiro has fans excited about the Baltimore Ravens taking on the Dallas Cowboys. Meanwhile, Jim Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers want to avoid a brutal 0-3 start, but they face their toughest test yet on the road against the Buffalo Bills.
Eight undefeated teams remain after the opening two games, including the Bills, Cincinnati Bengals and Seattle Seahawks. How many teams will stay unbeaten when Week 3’s matchups are all decided?
Last week, we posted a modest 9-7 record with a full slate of games. That puts us at 19-12 on the season prior to Week 3 games kicking off with Thursday Night Football.
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NFL Week 3 picks & predictions
Thursday, September 24
Atlanta Falcons vs. Green Bay Packers (8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video)
Bijan Robinson is electric in primetime games, so don’t rule out a Falcons upset. However, the Packers always get the benefit of the doubt at Lambeau Field as they go for 14 straight home-opener victories. Pick: Packers 28, Falcons 24
Sunday, September 27
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Buffalo Bills (1 p.m. ET, FOX)
The Chargers are in a world of trouble with their 0-2 start and a brutal trip to Buffalo upcoming. Allen continues his MVP start to the 2026 campaign ,and more questions get asked about Harbaugh and Co. Pick: Bills 37, Chargers 23
Carolina Panthers vs. Cleveland Browns (1 p.m. ET, FOX)
Bryce Young has been the biggest surprise of the NFL season to date, and he’s going to continue his form on the road in Cleveland. The Panthers offense does just enough against the Browns to improve to 3-0. Pick: Panthers 27, Browns 20
New York Jets vs. Detroit Lions (1 p.m. ET, FOX)
The Jets could very easily be 2-0, but last week’s late-game debacle against the Packers showed that the AFC East doormat hasn’t changed much. The Lions are going to continue riding their offensive firepower to another huge showing. Pick: Lions 40, Jets 21
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Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
Both teams are winless entering Week 3, but the Colts have played some good football through two weeks. Daniel Jones and Co. pick up their first win, and the Texans have to begin serious conversations about C.J. Stroud’s future. Pick: Colts 28, Texans 24
New England Patriots vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
Trevor Lawrence and Jacksonville’s offense struggled against Denver in Week 2. New England’s defense is very challenging, but look for the Jaguars to revert to their potent passing attack. Pick: Jaguars 24, Patriots 21
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Miami Dolphins (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
Patrick Mahomes is back to his championship-winning self and the Chiefs get their easiest matchup yet. Miami simply doesn’t have the firepower on offense to contend with Kansas City. Pick: Chiefs 38, Dolphins 17
Tennessee Titans vs. New York Giants (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
The injury bug has the Giants’ season on life support, especially with Jaxson Dart facing season-ending knee surgery. Tennessee gets its first win of the 2026 campaign. Pick: Titans 27, Giants 21
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
Joe Burrow has the Bengals looking like legitimate AFC contenders in 2026. Meanwhile, dysfunction is starting to settle in for Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers. Pick: Bengals 31, Steelers 24
Seattle Seahawks vs. Washington Commanders (1 p.m. ET, FOX)
Jayden Daniels’ injury is a major bummer for the 0-2 Commanders. It’s going to get a lot worse for them as they welcome the defending Super Bowl champions. Pick: Seahawks 28, Commanders 14
Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers (4:05 p.m. ET, FOX)
Brock Purdy and the 49ers look elite offensively through two games. The Cardinals have had thei rmoments, but San Francisco’s going to improve to 3-0. Pick: 49ers 40, Cardinals 30
Minnesota Vikings vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4:05 p.m. ET, FOX)
Last week’s performance against the Browns was highly disappointing for Tampa Bay. With Kyler Murray’s uncertainty for Minnesota, there’s a good chance that the Bucs pull off the upset. Pick: Buccaneers 28, Vikings 27
Las Vegas Raiders vs. New Orleans Saints (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS)
Tyler Shough continues his early-season success with a big showing at home. The Raiders drop their first game of 2026 after Kirk Cousins experiences his first real struggles. Pick: Saints 34, Raiders 20
Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS)
Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are going to run wild against the Cowboys’ unconvincing defense. The two early MVP candidates will do enough to bounce back in Brazil, while Dallas falls to 1-2. Pick: Ravens 30, Cowboys 27
Los Angeles Rams vs. Denver Broncos (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock)
The Broncos offense is starting to figure it out with Jaylen Waddle’s inclusion, but their defense will put Matthew Stafford in some uncomfortable positions. The Rams could be without Puka Nacua again, so Denver wins a close one and improves to 2-1. Pick: Broncos 28, Rams 24
Monday, September 28
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Chicago Bears (8:15 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN)
The Bears are likely down to their third-string QB option with Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent battling injuries. The Eagles won’t blow a chance to improve to 3-0 before their schedule gets more challenging. Pick: Eagles 31, Bears 14
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