Week 3 of the NFL season delivered a heart-stopping Sunday of drama, colossal upsets, and last-gasp heroics that will be talked about for weeks to come. From nail-biting finishes to statement victories, the league once again proved why it captivates a global audience.
Chiefs Edge Ravens in Epic AFC Championship Rematch
In the standout game of the day, the Kansas City Chiefs emerged victorious from a brutal, defensive slugfest against the Baltimore Ravens, winning 19-17. In a tense replay of last season's AFC Championship game, the outcome was decided by a single, critical play: a forced fumble on superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson by Chiefs' defensive tackle Chris Jones deep in the fourth quarter.
Patrick Mahomes, while uncharacteristically held without a touchdown pass, was efficient and error-free, managing the game perfectly and relying on a powerful ground attack led by Isiah Pacheco to secure the hard-fought win on the road.
49ers Survive Late Scare Against Rampant Rams
The San Francisco 49ers preserved their perfect start to the season, but not without a major scare from the resilient Los Angeles Rams. The Niners seemed to be cruising with a 27-10 lead, only for the Rams to mount a furious comeback, tying the game late in the fourth quarter.
The victory was ultimately sealed by a 42-yard field goal from rookie kicker Joshua Karty as the clock expired, handing the 49ers a 30-27 win and sending a sigh of relief through the Levi's Stadium crowd.
Shock of the Day: Lions Mauled by Buccaneers
In perhaps the most surprising result of the weekend, the previously unbeaten Detroit Lions were thoroughly outplayed at home by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, falling 24-10. The Lions' high-powered offense was completely stifled by a relentless Buccaneers defense, while Baker Mayfield picked apart the Detroit secondary, throwing two touchdown passes in a commanding performance.
Jets' Crisis Deepens with Shutout Loss
The pressure is mounting in New York after the Jets were embarrassingly shut out 24-0 by the New England Patriots. The Jets' offense was utterly anaemic, failing to score a single point and raising serious questions about the team's direction and quarterback play.
In other key results, the Cincinnati Bengals secured their first win of the season, the Philadelphia Eagles remained unbeaten, and the Atlanta Falcons grabbed a last-second victory to stay atop the NFC South.
This weekend's action sets the stage for a fascinating Week 4, as contenders look to build momentum and struggling teams fight to save their seasons.
