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The NFL’s Week 3 is shaping up with a mix of thrilling action, injury drama, and early-season surprises. As of September 20, 2025, fans have already witnessed a high-scoring Thursday Night Football clash and are preparing for a Sunday slate packed with pivotal matchups. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s happening around the league, including the latest on injuries, standout players, and team standings.
Thursday Night Football Recap: Bills vs. Dolphins
The week kicked off with an electric matchup between the Buffalo Bills and the Miami Dolphins. Buffalo came out on top, 31-21, maintaining their undefeated start. The Bills’ offense was clicking across the board, showcasing Josh Allen’s signature arm and the team’s explosive playmakers. Miami struggled to match Buffalo’s tempo, and with a 0-3 record, the Dolphins are now searching for answers early in the season.
Week 3 Sunday Schedule (September 21, 2025)
Fans have plenty to anticipate this Sunday:
- 1:00 PM EDT: Falcons at Panthers, Packers at Browns, Texans at Jaguars, Bengals at Vikings, Steelers at Patriots, Rams at Eagles, Jets at Buccaneers, Colts at Titans, Raiders at Commanders
- 4:05 PM EDT: Broncos at Chargers, Saints at Seahawks
- 4:25 PM EDT: Cowboys at Bears, Cardinals at 49ers
- 8:20 PM EDT: Chiefs at Giants
From divisional showdowns to early playoff implications, Week 3 promises some must-watch action.
Quarterback Injuries Impacting Week 3
The quarterback position is one of the most affected heading into Week 3:
| Team | Starter | Injury | Status | Backup | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bengals | Joe Burrow | Turf toe | Out (IR) | Jake Browning | Vikings |
| Vikings | J.J. McCarthy | High ankle sprain | Out (2-4 weeks) | Carson Wentz | Bengals |
| Jets | Justin Fields | Concussion | Out | Tyrod Taylor | Buccaneers |
| Commanders | Jayden Daniels | Sprained knee | Out | Marcus Mariota | Raiders |
| 49ers | Brock Purdy | Toe/Shoulder | Highly unlikely | Mac Jones | Cardinals |
Joe Burrow’s turf toe has already sidelined him for at least three months, putting pressure on rookie Jake Browning to maintain Cincinnati’s early success. Meanwhile, J.J. McCarthy’s high ankle sprain opens the door for veteran Carson Wentz to lead the Vikings. The Commanders are leaning on Marcus Mariota after Daniels’ knee injury, while Brock Purdy’s toe and shoulder issues make Mac Jones the likely starter for San Francisco.
Notable Player Updates
- Xavier Worthy (Chiefs): Game-time decision due to a shoulder injury against the Giants.
- Shemar Stewart (Bengals): Out with an ankle injury.
- Austin Ekeler (Commanders): Season-ending Achilles tear.
- Troy Franklin (Broncos): Emerging as the leading receiver in Sutton’s absence.
- Elic Ayomanor (Titans): Rookie showing strong chemistry with first overall pick Cam Ward.
These injuries and emerging talents are already shaping team strategies and will be critical for fantasy football managers and NFL fans alike.
Standings Snapshot
AFC Leaders:
- Buffalo Bills: 3-0
- Los Angeles Chargers: 2-0
- Cincinnati Bengals: 2-0
- Indianapolis Colts: 2-0
AFC Strugglers: Chiefs, Jets, Texans, Browns, Titans, Dolphins — all winless.
NFC Leaders:
- Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, Green Bay Packers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers all unbeaten at 2-0.
NFC Bottom: Giants, Bears, Panthers, Saints — looking for their first wins of the season.
Several unexpected teams, including the Colts, Cardinals, and Rams, are off to strong starts, while perennial contenders like the Chiefs and Jets are faltering early.
Week 3 Analysis and Outlook
Week 3 promises unpredictable outcomes, particularly in games affected by quarterback injuries. Expect shakeups in matchups like:
- Rams vs. Eagles: A clash of NFC powerhouses, with playoff implications already in focus.
- Chiefs vs. Giants: Patrick Mahomes’ supporting cast may be tested by a motivated Giants defense.
Other intriguing storylines include rookie breakout performances, potential upsets, and teams trying to stabilize after early-season injuries.
For fans looking to show their team pride while following the action, Pro Merch NFL gear offers officially licensed jerseys, hats, and fan apparel for every team in the league. From Bills to Chiefs, you can gear up in style while cheering for your squad this Sunday.
Week 3 is shaping up to be a defining point in the 2025 NFL season. Between injuries, emerging stars, and tight standings races, fans have plenty of reasons to stay glued to the action while sporting their favorite team’s gear.