User-Endzone: The Situation Is Already Foul

Washington Commanders

33-31 Win against the Seattle Seahawks

by Cruehead

For this segment, I also considered nominating the Raiders (great 3-0 record, even if the strength of opponents seems "manageable") or the Falcons (the heart wants what the heart wants). Ultimately, it was the Commanders - although for all three teams, there likely won't be many more opportunities in this segment.

In the first three rounds, the Commanders had truly tough opponents in the Eagles, Cowboys, and now the Seahawks. Against the Eagles, it was already very close with the failed 2-pt ATT at the end of the game. I honestly wouldn't have expected them to secure a win against the reigning Super Bowl champions from Seattle, with their incredibly strong defense, of all teams.

It's interesting that in the key statistics of Week 3, there are no top positions for Washington Commanders' offensive players. For example: Mariota threw for 183 yds and 3 TD passes, while Darnold threw for 379 yds and 4 TD passes. With a player like Smith-Njigba on the Seahawks' side, nothing should really go wrong.

Now, the 'but': Washington managed to maintain possession without turnovers, while Seattle had three (2 Interceptions and 1 Lost Fumble). When you throw an interception at 24:27 with about four minutes remaining, which results in a TD (in this case by Medrano), then the defense won the game. Without this interception, the Seahawks would have walked off the field as winners; momentum was on their side after they equalized a 14-point deficit at the start of the last quarter and had the ball with -3 points towards the end.

The Commanders now host two opponents, the Colts and Giants, who are certainly beatable. They can build on yesterday's performance, but I still consider it highly unlikely that Washington will recommend themselves for this segment again, and I stand by it: the last place in the division belongs to the Commanders this year.

Green Bay Packers

14-35 Home Loss against the Atlanta Falcons

by Cruehead

Among the losers, besides the Packers, there was also a hot contender. However, my colleague austrianViking will specifically highlight a player there.

In our season preview, Fredix already aptly analyzed that the offense would likely need to become more versatile, as the running game and the RB situation are rather bleak. This proved true against the Falcons: a single first down from the running game, and a total of only 17 yards from 9 rushing plays is abysmal.

In the league-wide statistics, they are dead last with 146 yards, as well as in attempts (48 to 57 for the Eagles – though they have one less game), but they lead the list in fumbles, which they also don't want. It wouldn't matter if they got something substantial out of it. But they don't, a total of zero touchdowns to date this season.

So, what to do? Let's try the passing game. It can't be denied that Jordan Love is trying, but a completion percentage of 52.8 is, in my opinion, rather poor for a starting QB of such a storied franchise. The rating was consequently devastating.

And the defense? Bijan Robinson and Drake Landon were completely uncontainable; the former scored two TDs and ran 29 times for a total of 194 yards. One can no longer speak of a strong rush defense.

And so we return to the analysis already mentioned at the beginning of the season: Even the defense will probably not "melt the cheese" in Wisconsin this year, and the seven previously predicted wins for an 8-9 record are, honestly, difficult to comprehend in this condition.

Jahmyr Gibbs (RB, Detroit Lions)

31-24 Win against the New York Jets (7 Receptions, 65 Receiving Yards, 2 Receiving TDs, 20 Carries, 99 Rushing Yards, 2 Rushing TDs)

by Cruehead

In a nerve-wracking game for Lions fans, Gibbs was the clear match-winner. Extremely efficient in both the running and passing game, the Jets' defense found no effective means to stop Gibbs.

Especially important in such 50:50 games are the game-deciding moments, and Gibbs had those too. Why the Jets allowed him so much freedom just before the two-minute warning would need to be thoroughly clarified in the Big Apple, as the Jets could have gotten more out of this game.

You can score the leaping touchdown for the win like that, but you don't have to – it still provided a bit of emotion for the Green Gang.

Drake Maye (QB, New England Patriots)

6-35 Loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars (14/25, 199 Yards, 0 TD, 2 INT, 1 Lost Fumble)

by austrianViking

Drake Maye is currently struggling with the same problems as in the first two weeks: uncertain decisions, especially in the red zone and under pressure, as well as significantly decreased deep-ball accuracy. His weaknesses became particularly evident in Sunday's game.

Early in the second drive, the ball slipped out of his hand during a throw attempt (fumble, recovered by the Jaguars). Maye later explained that blood from the center made the ball slippery – nevertheless, it was a turnover in their own half that directly led to a touchdown for the hosts.

Just before halftime, on 3rd-and-Goal from the 2-yard line, he rolled right and threw a weak pass into the end zone to the covered Efton Chism. Travis Hunter intercepted it (his first in the NFL). In the third quarter, the second pick followed: Maye looked for the one-on-one matchup with Kyle Williams, Jarrian Jones read the throw and broke it up. Two of the three turnovers immediately led to points for the Jaguars. The offense could only manage two field goals.

After three games, he has 1 TD and 6 interceptions – not what was expected after his last season. Additionally, there are personnel losses. Top receiver A.J. Brown (high-ankle sprain) has been out since Week 1 and is on IR. He could return as early as Week 6, but realistically, probably later.

Without a clear deep threat and with an offense that shows little explosiveness in the running game, Maye has so far been unable to compensate for the gaps. Additionally, injuries on the offensive line do not make the situation any easier.

For the Patriots (1-2), the question remains how quickly he can turn things around and whether Brown will return in time before the deficit becomes too large.

Kenyon Sadiq (TE, New York Jets)

24-31 Loss against the Detroit Lions (7 Catches, 105 Yards, 1 TD)

by austrianViking

In his third NFL game, Sadiq delivered the best performance of his young NFL career to date. After the skill-position group was decimated by injuries before & during the game (Mitchell, Hall, and finally Wilson), the first-rounder received more snaps and targets – and he capitalized on them.

The diving catch for his first career receiving TD was the highlight, otherwise solid Yards after Catch and reliable hands. Geno Smith targeted him eight times in total.

For the Jets, the overall impression remains mixed because it ultimately wasn't enough for a win. For Sadiq himself, however, it was his strongest performance yet and an indication that he can be productive with an increased target share. Whether he and the Jets (who, by the way, currently have picks 6, 7 & 8 😊 in the next draft) can maintain or even increase their level in the coming weeks remains to be seen.

-244 (Brian Flores Appreciation Post)

by austrianViking

The Minnesota Vikings are 3-0 after three games – and that's despite a total yards margin of -244. According to ESPN research, this is the second-worst yards differential for a 3-0 team in NFL history (only the 2020 Seahawks were worse).

The offense continues to struggle noticeably, ranking only 25th in EPA. This is, of course, also due to the Murray injury in Week 1 & the rain game in Chicago. Against Tampa, the Vikings even had zero snaps in the red zone – and still won. The last time that happened was in 2007 against the Bears.

However, the defense is carrying the team. It ranks first league-wide in EPA, allows the second-fewest points, forces turnovers, and consistently keeps opponents in check. Brian Flores’ unit is currently clearly the biggest factor behind their undefeated start.

The Special Teams (2nd in EPA) are also contributing – a punt return touchdown and reliable field goals from Will Reichard secured the decisive points against the Bucs.

The Vikings are currently winning not with a dominant offense, but with efficiency, a top defense, and strong special teams. Whether this will carry them through the entire season remains to be seen.

austrianViking:

Is the AFC North the most competitive division this season?

The AFC North has always been one of the toughest divisions in the league – and currently, it looks like nothing will change in 2026. All four teams are at least 2-1 after three games and appear competitive in their own way.

The Steelers just continue as always: somehow they muddle through, winning games they probably shouldn't. The famous Tomlin voodoo seems to have transferred to Mike McCarthy. Unspectacular, but effective.

The Bengals finally have what they've lacked for years: a formidable defense. In addition, the dangerous trio of Burrow, Chase, and Higgins continues to perform. If the defense remains this stable, they are clearly in the running for the division and the playoffs.

The Ravens also look strong right now. Lamar Jackson is in good form and fit, and Zay Flowers is taking the next step towards absolute elite WR status. Baltimore has the individual quality to compete at the top.

And then there are the Browns. Surprisingly competitive, with a good young core. The big question remains whether Deshaun Watson can continue his nascent upward trend. If so, this division will be really tight.

Currently, there's a lot to suggest that the AFC North will be the most balanced and toughest division in the league in 2026. Four teams that can take points from each other – that could turn into a real grind for all involved in the end.