NFL Week 3 Preview: Schedule, storylines, matchups to watch and betting spreads

Lions-Ravens headlines the Week 3 slate: The Monday Night Football affair pits two high-scoring offenses and Super Bowl contenders against one another.

The Bills will look to continue their hot start: Buffalo takes on the struggling Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football to open Week 3.

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Estimated Reading Time: 23 minutes We're diving into all 16 matchups in Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season including key storylines, matchups to watch and injury news.

The Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills kick things off on Thursday Night Football.

Click below to jump to a game: MIA@BUF | ATL@CAR | GB@CLE | HOU@JAX | CIN@MIN | PIT@NE | LAR@PHI | NYJ@TB | IND@TEN | LV@WSH | DEN@LAC | NO@SEA | DAL@CHI | ARZ@SF | KC@NYG | DET@BLT Miami Dolphins vs.

Buffalo Bills (-12) Storyline: Bills look to extend lead over AFC East After two weeks of play, the Dolphins and Bills appear to be heading in opposite directions.

The Bills project as the team to beat in the AFC, after a come-from-behind victory against the Ravens in Week 1 and a dominant showing versus the Jets in Week 2.

On the other sideline, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel has already started to field questions regarding his job security after falling to the Patriots at home.

It will likely take a monumental showing from Miami to overtake a focused Bills squad.

Matchup to Watch: Bills EDGE Joey Bosa vs.

Dolphins LT Patrick Paul Finally healthy, Joey Bosa put on a vintage performance against the Jets in Week 2.

The veteran racked up seven pressures (including a late strip sack), on a whopping 40.0% pass-rush win rate, to capture the NFLs highest PFF pass-rush grade (96.7) of the week.

After a strong showing in Week 1, Paul allowed his first sack of the season this past week, but overall, he has maintained a strong grading profile to start the year.

The second-year tackle holds a top-15 PFF pass-blocking grade (75.5) among tackles, having allowed just a 2.5% pressure rate.

Additional News: After 0-2 start, Dolphins players back head coach Mike McDaniel Dolphins RT Austin Jackson (toe) making progress in return from IR; S Ifeatu Melifonwu doubtful to play Thursday night Bills DI Ed Oliver (ankle) and LB Matt Milano (pectoral) statuses uncertain on short week Explore PFF Power Rankings Tool Strength of schedule, playoff chances and win projections for the 2025 season.

Open Power Rankings Atlanta Falcons (-6) vs.

Carolina Panthers Storyline: Panthers face tough NFC South foe in home opener The Panthers suffered two straight road losses to start the 2025 season but will look to turn the tide at home against a strong divisional opponent in the Falcons.

Despite posting bottom-five team grades on both sides of the ball, Carolina nearly mounted a comeback against the Cardinals in Week 2.

Conversely, the Falcons showcased the capability of their new-look defense on Sunday night, holding the Vikings to just six points Matchup to Watch: Falcons' interior pass rush vs.

Panthers' replacement interior Amid significant injuries to Robert Hunt and Austin Corbett , the Panthers will be short-handed on the interior and forced to rely on Chandler Zavala and Cade Mays .

Luckily for Carolina, both showed promise when called upon last season, each earning 73.0-plus PFF pass-blocking grades.

They will be tested against a revamped Falcons pass rush that has played well to start the year.

This past week against the Vikings, Atlanta racked up six sacks, thanks to strong performances from Zach Harrison and Brandon Dorlus , who combined for three sacks.

Additional News: Panthers RG Robert Hunt (bicep) placed on season-ending IR; C Austin Corbett (knee) to miss at least four games on IR Atlanta is reportedly not interested in trading QB Kirk Cousins amid NFLs rash of injuries at the position, per The Athletics Dianna Russini Green Bay Packers (-7.5) vs.

Cleveland Browns Storyline: High-powered Packers offense meets stout Browns defense Jordan Love and the Packers' offense have engineered significant success to start the year, having posted the second-highest team PFF offensive grade (80.6) through Week 2.

They now face the difficult task of continuing that progress against Myles Garrett and company.

Despite the team's ugly loss to the Ravens, the Browns' defense has performed admirably, logging the highest team PFF defensive grade (82.6) in the NFL.

Matchup to Watch: Packers TE Tucker Kraft vs.

Browns S Grant Delpit Kraft erupted against the Commanders , to the tune of six receptions for 124 yards and a touchdown.

His 91.7 PFF receiving grade charted as the highest in the NFL (minimum 10 routes run) in Week 2 and earned him PFF Team of the Week honors.

However, Kraft may encounter some challenges finding room to work against a Browns defense that ranks first in the NFL in PFF coverage grade on throws targeting tight ends (90.9).

Delpit is a big reason for that success, having allowed just a 51.3 passer rating and recording a pair of pass breakups on targets to tight ends.

Additional News: Packers WR Jayden Reed (collarbone) expected to miss multiple weeks Packers T Zach Tom (oblique) and G Aaron Banks (ankle/groin) working toward return; uncertain for Week 3 Houston Texans vs.

Jacksonville Jaguars (-1.5) Storyline: Tensions are high for AFC South divisional matchup Key players on both sidelines will have a score to settle in Week 3.

The last time these franchises faced off in Week 13 last season, tempers flared after Trevor Lawrence was knocked out for the season following an illegal hit by Azeez Al-Shaair , which resulted in multiple ejections and a three-game suspension for the Texans linebacker.

Matchup to Watch: Jaguars RB Travis Etienne Jr.

vs.

Texans' front-seven Etienne has had an excellent start to the season and deserves plenty of credit for the Jaguars' offensive success so far.

He stands as one of just two backs to eclipse 200 rushing yards through two games, having posted an NFL-best 7.1 yards per carry (minimum 15 carries) and five rushes for 10 or more yards.

On Monday night, the Texans' defense allowed 136 yards on the ground to Tampa Bay's backs, due largely to mistakes when fitting the run, where the Buccaneers posted a 71.4% negatively graded play rate.

That performance tanked Houstons grading profile, and the defense now ranks 28th in team PFF run-defense grade (56.6).

Additional News: Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr.

(wrist) dealt with previously undisclosed injury during Week 2 loss to the Bengals Texans WR Christian Kirk (hamstring) expected to make Texans debut against his former team Jaguars release S Darnell Savage after early-season struggles Cincinnati Bengals vs.

Minnesota Vikings (-3) Storyline: Serious quarterback injuries What was supposed to be a battle between franchise quarterbacks Joe Burrow and J.J.

McCarthy has now been relegated to a duel of backups, after injuries sidelined both signal-callers for extended periods of time.

The Bengals will roll with Jake Browning , who stepped in this past week to help Cincinnati capture a win at home.

Meanwhile, the Vikings turn to Carson Wentz , who stands to make NFL history as the first quarterback to start at least one game for six different teams in six consecutive seasons, per ESPNs Bill Barnwell .

Matchup to Watch: Vikings RB Jordan Mason vs.

Bengals RB Chase Brown While this isnt a direct head-to-head matchup, it will be critical in deciding who wins the game as both offenses rely on backups under center.

While Jordan Mason was already leading the Vikings shared backfield, Aaron Jones injured reserve stint means hes in line to command the entire backfield workload.

Mason is having success in Minnesota, earning a top-five PFF rushing grade (77.7) among qualifying backs.

Conversely, Chase Brown has struggled to find space to maneuver, due in part to difficulties with blocking up front.

The Bengals hold the 30th-ranked PFF run-blocking grade (43.3), with Brown totaling just 0.3 yards before contact per attempt.

Additional News: Bengals QB Joe Burrow (toe) expected to miss at least three months following surgery; QB Brett Rypien promoted to active roster; QBs Sean Clifford and Mike White signed to practice squad Bengals EDGE Shemar Stewart (ankle) doubtful to play in Week 3 Vikings QB J.J.

McCarthy (ankle) week-to-week; Carson Wentz in line to start, with newly signed QB Desmond Ridder to serve as backup Vikings RB Aaron Jones (hamstring) placed on IR Vikings C Ryan Kelly and T Justin Skule in concussion protocol Explore PFF Premium Stats Game grades, positional splits and high-level metrics for the 2025 season.

Open Premium Stats Pittsburgh Steelers (-2) vs.

New England Patriots Storyline: Defensive injuries leave Pittsburgh short-handed The Steelers have been hit hard by injuries early in the year, which will likely significantly affect their on-field product.

Pittsburgh is grappling with numerous defensive absences, with Joey Porter Jr.

, Alex Highsmith , Derrick Harmon , DeShon Elliot, Patrick Queen , Darius Slay and Isaiahh Loudermilk all dealing with injuries.

It remains to be seen who will miss Week 3.

Matchup to Watch: Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers vs Patriots' linebackers Although Rodgers' grading profile isnt up to his usual standard to start the year, he is still undoubtedly one of the best passers in the league when attacking the middle of the field with short throws.

When targeting inside the numbers at less than 10 yards of depth, Rodgers has generated an 80.8 PFF passing grade and a league-leading 12.1 yards per attempt.

That will put Patriots linebackers Robert Spillane (28.9 PFF coverage grade) and Christian Elliss (28.2) in a difficult position, as they rank 62nd and 63rd, respectively, out of 64 qualifying linebackers in PFF coverage grade.

Additional News: Steelers EDGE Alex Highsmith (ankle) avoids IR stint but will miss Week 3 Steelers RB Kaleb Johnson likely to be removed from kick-return duties after Week 2 mistake that led to Seattle score Los Angeles Rams vs.

Philadelphia Eagles (-3.5) Storyline: 2024 NFC divisional-round playoff rematch When these two teams faced off last January, it amounted to an instant playoff classic.

The Rams were the only team to push the Eagles to the brink during the 2024 postseason, but they ultimately fell short.

Saquon Barkley had an explosive outing, racking up 205 yards and two scores on the ground, highlighted by a late 78-yard touchdown dash in the snow to shut the door.

There will be no shortage of tension this time around, as both teams are among the top contenders in the NFC.

Matchup to Watch: Eagles LT Jordan Mailata vs.

Rams EDGE Jared Verse The anchor of the Eagles' offensive line, Jordan Mailata, has picked up right where he left off last season, again ranking as the highest-graded tackle (91.3) in the NFL.

Mailatas 95.3 PFF run-blocking grade stands nearly five grading points higher than any other player, and his 26.7% impact block rate leads all qualifying linemen.

Mailata will undoubtedly have the edge over Jared Verse in the run game, but the second-year edge rusher will certainly hold the advantage on passing downs.

Although Verse has yet to record a sack this season, hes beating blocks at a high rate, with his 26.2% pass-rush win rate ranking in the top eight among qualifying edge rushers.

Additional News: Rams LG Steve Avila (ankle) considered week-to-week; CB Ahkello Witherspoon (clavicle) placed on IR; DI Braden Fiske (oblique) will be monitored throughout week Rams head coach Sean McVay tore plantar fascia while coaching in Week 2 New York Jets vs.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-7) Storyline: All eyes on Buccaneers after Baker Mayfield s late-game heroics Down five points with less than two minutes remaining and the game on the line in primetime, Baker Mayfield mounted a comeback drive for the ages, posting an 82.4 PFF overall grade on his way to claiming victory.

The Buccaneers now control the NFC South and face an undermanned Jets team that will be without starting quarterback Justin Fields.

With much of the season left to play, Tampa Bays future is bright, but the team cant rest on an opponent like the Jets, who have nothing to lose and are capable of playing well against a banged-up Buccaneers offensive line.

Matchup to Watch: Jets RB Breece Hall vs.

Buccaneers' run defense After a strong outing in Week 1, Breece Hall was stifled by a Bills defense missing its best run defender.

Now, he must answer the call against the third-highest-graded run defense (76.8) in the NFL.

Hall is capable of making it happen, as his 3.7 yards after contact per attempt rank fourth in the NFL.

Head coach Todd Bowles will undoubtedly fill the box to limit the Jets' production on the ground, as he and the Buccaneers have often done.

Because of that, Tampa Bay has yet to allow a rusher to exceed 45 yards on the ground this season.

Additional News: Bucs RT Luke Goedeke s (foot) status in question; DI Calijah Kancey (pectoral) suffered season-ending injury Jets QB Justin Fields (concussion) remains in protocol; Tyrod Taylor expected to start Read More NFL offensive line rankings ahead of Week 3 Read More Indianapolis Colts (-3.5) vs.

Tennessee Titans Storyline: Colts riding high after escaping Week 2 A controversial penalty call that gave the Colts a second chance at taking down the Broncos in Week 2 clouded coverage around their generally strong performance against a solid Denver defense.

Now, the Colts head into their first divisional game sitting at 2-0 and looking to take a solid lead in the AFC South against a Titans team that has struggled to find its footing to start the campaign.

Matchup to Watch: Titans QB Cam Ward vs.

Colts S Cam Bynum The first overall pick has yet to make his mark on the NFL after a pair of underwhelming performances against two of the league's top defenses.

While Ward's production has been extremely limited 4.6 yards per attempt (34th out of 34 qualifying passers) he has yet to turn the ball over.

Ball security is job security among NFL quarterbacks, but Ward's lack of production wont lead to wins at this level.

With that said, the Colts' defense is not one Ward will wantsto uncork dangerous throws against with Cam Bynum patrolling the secondary.

Bynum has had an exceptional start to his tenure in Indianapolis, generating the fourth-highest PFF coverage grade (83.2) at the position, highlighted by a pick in each of his first two games.

If Ward tries to push his luck in Week 3, Bynum could be looking at another.

Additional News: Titans revise DI Jeffery Simmons contract to include previous missed 17th game calculation when signing fifth-year option Colts CB Charvarius Ward (concussion) and EDGE Laiatu Latu (hamstring) returned to practice this week; Latus status for Week 3 still uncertain Colts rookie TE Tyler Warren (toe) and WR Josh Downs (ankle) miss practice to start the week Titans T JC Latham (hip), CB L'Jarius Sneed (back) and G Kevin Zeitler (bicep) miss practice to start the week; DI T'Vondre Sweat (ankle) limited at practice after missing Week 2 Las Vegas Raiders vs.

Washington Commanders (-3.5) Storyline: Jayden Daniels' status is in doubt After getting his legs rolled on awkwardly during Washingtons Thursday night matchup in Green Bay, Jayden Daniels could sit out in Week 3.

If he is unable to go, former second overall pick Marcus Mariota would be in line to make the start against his former team.

Although Daniels is the driving force for the Commanders' success, Mariota is a capable quarterback, having generated an 88.4 PFF overall grade in his limited time heading the offense last season.

Matchup to Watch: Raiders' run blocking vs Commanders' front-seven Ashton Jeanty s ineffectiveness has been the prevailing talking point surrounding the Raiders' offense to start the year.

While the highly touted back faces his own share of the blame, Las Vegas' offensive line has struggled to give him much room to work.

The Raiders rank last in the NFL in yards before contact per attempt (-0.1), the only team sitting in the negatives.

That will present a significant challenge against a Commanders front that has made improvements in stopping the run to start the year.

Washington holds the second-highest PFF run-defense grade (77.3) in the NFL, thanks to standout performances from Bobby Wagner (91.4; second), Javon Kinlaw (75.5; sixth) and Eddie Goldman (80.4; fifth).

Additional News: Commanders QB Jayden Daniels (knee) status in doubt for Sunday; Marcus Mariota in line to start if Daniels cant go Commanders RB Austin Ekeler (achilles) and EDGE Deatrich Wise (quad) placed on season-ending IR Denver Broncos vs.

Los Angeles Chargers (-2.5) Storyline: Chargers look to take commanding lead in AFC West Los Angeles heads into Week 3 looking to capture its third straight win against a divisional opponent to start 2025.

The Chargers are riding high after taking down the reigning AFC champion Chiefs and ailing Raiders in back-to-back weeks but now face a Broncos team with a score to settle.

The Broncos enter Week 3 with a bad taste in their mouth after a controversial penalty in the closing seconds of their Week 2 matchup gave the Colts a second try at a game-winning field goal one they hit.

Now, Denver will look to get right against a Chargers team that they fell to twice last season.

Matchup to Watch: Chargers LT Joe Alt vs.

Broncos EDGE Nik Bonitto Joe Alt hasn't skipped a beat since moving to the left tackle spot this summer.

Across two games, hes allowed just a pair of pressures on 76 pass sets, earning him the second-highest PFF pass-blocking grade (90.0) in the NFL.

That will be put to the test against Nik Bonitto and his strong 90.7 PFF pass-rush grade.

Despite accounting for just a single sack on the season, Bonitto has been nearly unblockable, producing the NFLs highest pass-rush win rate, at 32.5% nearly 3 percentage points higher than the next player on the list.

Additional News: Chargers EDGE Khalil Mack (elbow) avoids season-ending injury but will miss time Chargers LB Denzel Perryman (ankle) placed on IR Chargers LB Daiyan Henley (illness), WR Ladd McConkey (bicep) and S Elijah Molden (hamstring) miss practice to start the week Broncos LB Dre Greenlaw (quad) still unable to practice after missing first two games; TE Evan Engram s (back) status uncertain for Week 3 New Orleans Saints vs.

Seattle Seahawks (-7.5) Storyline: Seahawks' investment in Sam Darnold paying dividends Seattle made a calculated gamble in paying Sam Darnold $100.5 million over the next three years.

It has paid off substantially through the 2025 season's first two games.

Although Darnolds boxscore numbers have been modest, he has proven to be incredibly efficient with the ball in his hands.

His 86.8 PFF overall grade ranks third among quarterbacks, highlighted by his NFL-best 3.3% negatively graded throw rate.

Matchup to Watch: Saints RG Cesar Ruiz vs.

Seahawks DI Leonard Williams The Seahawks' defense is off to a strong start, particularly against the run, having earned the sixth-highest team PFF run-defense (74.3).

Ample credit is due to veteran Leonard Williams, who continues to produce at a high level in year 11.

His 81.1 PFF run-defense grade stands as the fourth-highest mark among interior defenders.

He has notched a pair of tackles for loss or no gain and a 35.0% positively graded play rate against the run.

That level of talent will present a problem for Cesar Ruiz, who has struggled to generate push in the run game.

His 34.4 PFF run-blocking grade ranks last among 67 qualifying guards to start the year, and he has made just a single positively graded run block on 49 snaps.

Additional News: Saints rookie DI Vernon Broughton (hip) expected to miss rest of season Seahawks CB Devon Witherspoon (knee) and rookie S Nick Emmanwori (ankle) could return after missing Week 2, but sit out of practice to start week Saints RT Taliese Fuaga (knee/back) and LG Dillon Radunz (toe) missing from practice to start week Dallas Cowboys (-0.5) vs.

Chicago Bears Storyline: Both defenses short-handed with secondary injuries This matchup is shaping up to be an offensive explosion after both secondaries have been hit hard by injuries.

Chicago is set to go without three of its top four cornerbacks after losing Jaylon Johnson for an extended period, and the Cowboys started the week of practice without interception leaders DaRon Bland and Trevon Diggs.

Given both teams' troubles in coverage, this game should be an offensive battle.

Matchup to Watch: Cowboys QB Dak Prescott vs.

Bears' coverage The Cowboys' faithful couldnt be happier with how franchise quarterback Dak Prescott has played since returning from injury.

Prescott is slinging it, earning the second-highest PFF passing grade (88.0) to start the year with an NFL-best nine big-time throws.

Chicago has had to dig deep into the depth chart to field a secondary after numerous injuries have left the unit short-handed, and it has shown up in their play.

The Bears' coverage unit has allowed the fourth-most yards per coverage target (10.4) in the NFL this season, after surrendering 334 yards and five touchdown passes to Jared Goff in Week 2.

Additional News: Bears CB Jaylon Johnson (groin) out indefinitely and likely to miss the rest of season Cowboys C Cooper Beebe (ankle) expected to miss 6-8 weeks Dallas sign EDGE Jadeveon Clowney Cowboys CBs DaRon Bland (foot) and Trevon Diggs (illness) miss practice to start week Explore PFF Premium Stats Game grades, positional splits and high-level metrics for Prescott's 2025 season.

Open Prescott's Profile Arizona Cardinals vs.

San Francisco 49ers (-1.5) Storyline: Brock Purdys injury status After missing Week 2, Brock Purdy has been elevated to questionable on the injury report with the potential to suit up in Week 3, just one week after going down with toe and shoulder injuries.

Regardless of who starts at quarterback, the 49ers will be competitive.

Backup Mac Jones put together a solid showing in Week 2, racking up 279 passing yards and accounting for three scores.

Matchup to Watch: 49ers' pass protection vs.

Cardinals' pass rush Whether its Brock Purdy or Mac Jones lined up under center, the 49ers have found success in the passing game, due largely to the protection up front.

Headlined by Trent Williams , the 49ers have earned the second-highest PFF pass-blocking grade in the NFL (78.0) through two weeks.

On the other side of the ball, a revamped Cardinals pass rush is producing strong results behind the play of Josh Sweat and Calais Campbell .

Jonathan Gannon tends to not blitz, leaving it to his front four to generate pressure, with their 39 pressures without blitzing ranking as the second most in the NFL.

Additional News: 49ers lose three more starters on offense with WR Jauan Jennings (shoulder) considered day-to-day, FB Kyle Juszczyk in concussion protocol and G Ben Bartch (ankle) questionable heading into Week 3 49ers QB Brock Purdy (toe/shoulder) upgraded to questionable; has a chance to play Sunday, per head coach Kyle Shanahan Cardinals CB Garrett Williams (knee) and DI L.J.

Collier (knee) placed on IR; CB Will Johnson (groin) lands on injury report Cardinals CB Max Melton (knee) returns to practice after being carted off in Week 2 Kansas City Chiefs (-6) vs.

New York Giants Storyline: Chiefs seek first win For the first time since drafting Patrick Mahomes , the Chiefs are 0-2 to start a season.

The variance that benefited this team last season has seemingly swung the other direction after two tough losses against a pair of 2024 playoff squads.

Injuries and inconsistency have played a significant part in the Chiefs' early-season woes, but with Mahomes and Andy Reid still running the show, it takes only one game to get back on track.

Matchup to Watch: Giants QB Russell Wilson vs.

Chiefs' coverage The Giants nearly toppled the Cowboys in Week 2 behind an explosive performance from Russell Wilson through the air.

The veteran passer earned an 85.6 PFF passing grade, powered by six big-time throws, the most of any quarterback in a game so far this season.

Now, Wilson enters another plus matchup against a Chiefs coverage unit that has struggled to maintain coverage downfield.

On passes targeted 10 or more yards downfield, Kansas City has allowed the highest open-target rate (65.0%) in the NFL.

Additional News: Giants LT Andrew Thomas (foot) ramping up toward potential return in Week 3 Detroit Lions vs.

Baltimore Ravens (-5) Storyline: Contenders look to build momentum After suffering tough road losses in Week 1, both the Lions and Ravens bounced back en route to dominant victories at home in Week 2 against divisional opponents.

The Lions doubled up the Bears, racking up seven touchdowns and 52 points, their highest output since Week 11 of last season.

The Ravens also produced a massive day on the scoreboard, putting up their second 40-point game of the young season.

Baltimore has scored an NFL-best 81 points on the year, 10 more than the next-best team.

Matchup to Watch: Lions WR Amon-Ra St.

Brown vs.

Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey The Lions' offense rebounded in Week 2, highlighted by an impact performance from Amon-Ra St.

Brown.

The receiver erupted for 115 yards and three scores, on his way to earning the highest PFF receiving grade (91.4) among receivers with at least 10 routes run in Week 2.

Marlon Humphrey will be tasked with keeping St.

Brown in check this week.

After a strong performance in 2024, Humphrey has struggled in coverage to start the year.

The veteran owns a 55.7 PFF coverage grade (64th out of 101 cornerbacks), due in large part to his issues with preventing chunk yardage.

He has allowed four receptions of 15 or more yards and a 139.1 passer rating into his coverage.

Now dealing with a groin injury, Humphrey has a tough task in Week 3.

Additional News: Ravens EDGE Kyle Van Noy (hamstring) considered week-to-week Lions QB Jared Goff wins NFC Offensive Player of the Week Read More PFF NFL News & Analysis Share Sponsor.

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