Last week was a wild one, with three comeback wins & several close games throughout. NFL on FOX noted this was the first time since 2011 that the Jaguars, Jets, & Lions all won on the same day. Not only that, but here’s a graphic detailing all of the epic comebacks in Week 2. Almost every game was close, with a whopping nine (!) games decided by just one score or less. I’m looking forward to sitting back on my couch & watching football on my Sunday afternoon. Without further ado, let’s check out the hottest NFL matchups to watch in week 3 of this season.
Steelers @ Browns on Prime Video (Thursday Night Football)
I’m probably in the minority here, but I actually think tonight’s game has some juice to it. The AFC North is one of the most competitive divisions in all of football, and I think both of these teams are trying to stay afloat despite subpar QB play in the early going of their seasons. Both teams are coming off of tough losses while dealing with quick turnarounds on a short week. Will the Steelers’ squeaky wheel on offense (George Pickens) finally get the grease this week? Meanwhile, can the Browns defense rebound after blowing a late lead to the Jets last weekend? Tonight’s a good night for one of these teams to potentially turn their season’s fortunes around.
49ers @ Broncos on NBC (Sunday Night Football)
Let’s face it, more was expected from both of these teams as they prepare to square off in primetime. Sure, both teams are 1-1, but the Broncos had big plans to let Russ cook while the 49ers were preparing to take the training wheels off of Trey Lance. Unfortunately, none of that has happened yet & Lance is out for this year after undergoing surgery on his fractured ankle. It’s a good thing that the 49ers decided to keep Jimmy Garoppolo on their roster after all, as his return as the team’s starting QB gives this team a renewed sense of confidence, moxie, and life. Russell Wilson may be without one of his top cooking ingredients in this one, as WR Jerry Jeudy is questionable to play with shoulder & ribs injuries that have cost him practice time this week. This is an important game for both teams, as expectations are at an all-time high for all involved.
Bills @ Dolphins on CBS (Sunday early afternoon)
Two 2-0 teams within the same division are preparing to square off in such an epic game. The Dolphins, fresh off their stunning comeback win over the Ravens, appeared to find their groove on offense last week, with QB Tua Tagovailoa throwing for a career high 6 touchdowns. Meanwhile, the Bills absolutely steamrolled the Titans on national television earlier this week. WR Stefon Diggs looks like a man amongst boys, and WR Gabe Davis will join him this week. I’m expecting the Bills to pull out the win, but this score will be a lot closer than previous scores.
Packers @ Buccaneers on FOX (Sunday late afternoon)
Storied quarterbacks are the focus of this game as Tom Brady takes on Aaron Rodgers. It’s possible that we might see these two teams squaring off in a January rematch down the road. Regardless, it will be interesting to watch both QBs struggle with depleted weapons on offense. WR Mike Evans was suspended for this contest after fighting Marshon Lattimore of the Saints. Meanwhile, Rodgers is dealing with a whole new cast of weaponry after the Packers (stupidly?) traded away star player Davante Adams & let Marquez-Valdez Scantling walk in free agency. The NFL is built on a “next man up” mentality, and that’s especially true regarding this game.
Jaguars @ Chargers on CBS (Sunday late afternoon)
Call me crazy, but I believe these two 1-1 teams will actually entertain us on Sunday. After all, the Jaguars are a surprising 1-1 after last week’s upset shutout win over the Colts. Meanwhile, the Chargers could easily be 2-0 after a grueling loss to the Chiefs last Thursday. Will Justin Herbert & Keenan Allen be ready despite clearly not being 100% due to injury? The Chargers certainly look like a team that’s on upset watch heading into this weekend’s contest.
The Sports Beacon 