The third week of the NFL season has brought illuminating developments across the league, showcasing standout performances and pivotal shifts in team standings. The Seattle Seahawks and the Pittsburgh Steelers have emerged as leaders in their respective divisions, each boasting a commanding two-game lead. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings are riding high as one of the few teams maintaining a perfect 3-0 record.
Sam Darnold's Meteoric Rise with the Vikings
Quarterback Sam Darnold has been nothing short of spectacular for the Minnesota Vikings. Leading the NFL with eight passing touchdowns, Darnold is proving to be a key asset for his new team. Complementing his touchdown tally, he holds an impressive passer rating of 117.3, the second-highest in the league, and ranks fourth in yards per attempt with 8.4.
Darnold's early-season accomplishments have set historical benchmarks. He is the fifth quarterback in the past 25 years to start 3-0 with eight or more passing touchdowns in his first three games with a new team. Additionally, he has made history in Minnesota, becoming the first quarterback to win his first three games while throwing multiple touchdowns in each matchup.
Rookie Sensation: Malik Nabers
Receiving talent Malik Nabers is emerging as a focal point in the Vikings' offensive arsenal. In Week 3, the rookie wide receiver hauled in eight passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns, bringing his season totals to 23 catches for 271 yards and three touchdowns. Nabers’ performance stands out particularly for his remarkable 37.8% target share, which ranks as the fourth-highest for any player through the first three games over the past decade.
Nabers' 271 receiving yards mark the second-most for a rookie in franchise history through the first three games, underscoring his vital role in the Vikings' undefeated start.
Saquon Barkley's Dominance
Saquon Barkley continues to solidify his reputation as one of the NFL's premier running backs. Leading the league with 351 rushing yards and four touchdowns, Barkley demonstrated his dominance once again in Week 3. He carried the ball 17 times for 147 yards and two touchdowns, driving the Eagles to a win over the Saints by scoring both of Philadelphia's touchdowns.
Consistently productive, Barkley has surpassed 100 total yards from scrimmage in every game this season, highlighting his central role in the Eagles' offensive game plan.
Packed Performance by Malik Willis
Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis is making waves with his dual-threat capabilities. Willis has completed 73.5% of his passes for 9.5 yards per attempt, leading to two passing touchdowns and a stellar passer rating of 122.6. Not limiting his contributions to the air, Willis has also rushed for 114 yards and a touchdown. In his two starts, he has been even more efficient, completing 75.8% of his passes with a 126.3 passer rating.
Willis has joined an elite group of Packers, becoming the fourth player in team history to accumulate over 200 passing yards, 50 rushing yards, a passing touchdown, and a rushing touchdown in a single game.
Andy Dalton's Comeback
The Carolina Panthers found a spark in Week 3 with quarterback Andy Dalton, who threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns. This standout performance powered the Panthers to their first win of the year, scoring an impressive 36 points against their opponents—more than doubling their combined total from the first two weeks.
Struggles and Surprises
On the flip side, the New Orleans Saints were branded "pretenders" by C.J. Gardner-Johnson after a dismal offensive showing against the Philadelphia Eagles, managing just 12 points and 4.0 yards per play. A notable dip from their earlier average of 45.5 points and 6.9 yards per play, the Saints now average 34.3 points and 6.0 yards per play through three games.
Finally, the Dallas Cowboys have faced challenges, particularly at home, being outscored 56-22 in their last two games at AT&T Stadium. Nonetheless, they showed resilience by scoring 22 consecutive points in the second half against the Baltimore Ravens.
As Week 3 wraps up, these performances and shifts in standing are setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying continuation of the NFL season.