NFL Week 3 Superlatives: Biggest Surprises and Letdowns

Three weeks into the 2026 NFL season, a few early themes already look impossible to ignore. The biggest disappointments are easy to identify: the Patriots, whose offense has cratered around Drake Maye, and the Packers, who look far less stable than expected. The biggest surprise is just as clear. At 3-0, the Raiders have become one of September’s most compelling stories, and they have done it without asking No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza to take over yet.

The most uplifting moment of Week 3 belonged to Ravens kicker Tyler Loop. His 56-yard game-winner against Dallas in Brazil was more than a highlight; it was a response to last season’s crushing miss that helped keep Baltimore out of the playoffs. Loop has looked steady ever since winning the job, and his early accuracy gives the Ravens another reason to feel like contenders in a crowded AFC race.

The ugliest moment belonged to Titans quarterback Cam Ward. Tennessee had a chance to steal a win at the Giants’ goal line, but Ward forced a pass into traffic and was intercepted by Jevon Holland. It was a poor decision made worse by the situation: it was first down, Ward had room to run, and the Titans still had timeouts. There were multiple ways to extend the drive, and he chose the only option that ended it immediately.

That mistake sharpened a larger concern around Ward’s development. Through 20 career starts, Tennessee is 3-17, and while the roster has hardly been perfect, the excuses are thinning out. The Titans have invested in pass catchers, the protection has been acceptable, and Ward still is not processing quickly enough or protecting the ball well enough. The franchise is not near benching him, but if this continues, offseason quarterback competition will become a real discussion.

Atlanta and Las Vegas are changing the conversation

The Falcons delivered the most convincing offensive performance of the week. With Michael Penix Jr. back, Atlanta piled up 500 yards against Green Bay and looked explosive from the opening drive. Bijan Robinson dominated on the ground, Drake London overwhelmed the secondary, and the Falcons controlled tempo with a punishing run game and long possessions. If Penix can stay healthy and simply provide competent quarterback play, Atlanta has the structure of a legitimate playoff team.

The Raiders deserve equal attention. Their 35-27 win over New Orleans was not just another narrow escape; it was a complete effort built on timely offense and a fourth-quarter defensive takeover. Kirk Cousins has stabilized the entire operation, throwing three touchdown passes in each game, while Brock Bowers made an immediate impact in his return. With Klint Kubiak pushing the right buttons, Las Vegas suddenly looks like more than a feel-good September story.

Pressure mounting in New England and Green Bay

No team feels more alarming relative to expectations than New England. The Patriots reached scoring territory repeatedly against Jacksonville and still failed to find the end zone. Maye’s seven giveaways lead the league, and his decision-making has become the central issue. Add in mounting offensive line injuries, and a team that reached the Super Bowl seven months ago now looks fragile and confused.

Green Bay is not far behind on the concern meter. The Packers were dominated by Atlanta, could not run the ball, could not protect Jordan Love, and could not slow the Falcons on the ground. Injuries up front have gutted the offense, and the defense lacks its usual edge without Micah Parsons. Until the line play improves, the Packers look less like contenders and more like a team trying to survive each Sunday.

That is what makes Week 3 meaningful. Some early surprises will fade, but others reveal something real. Right now, the Raiders and Falcons are rising, while the Titans, Patriots, and Packers are already searching for answers.