Week 3 of the NFL season delivers a loaded slate with plenty of storylines to watch. Let’s break down the key matchups, stats, and trends you need to know heading into Sunday.
Steelers @ Patriots | 1:00PM EST
Pittsburgh and New England square off looking for defensive redemption after shaky starts to the season. The Steelers’ offense has been middling in the air and nearly non-existent on the ground, while New England has shown promise on offense, but remains vulnerable without some of its top defensive pieces. With both teams giving up yards and points, this one could get high-scoring, assuming each unit can execute in the red zone and protect the football late.
| Offensive | Steelers | Patriots |
| Passing Yards | 206.5 | 246.5 |
| Rushing Yards | 62.5 | 91 |
| Points Scored | 25.5 | 23 |
| 3rd Down % | 36% | 42.3% |
| Red Zone % | 80% | 57.1% |
Game Key Notes
- New England is ranked last in the league in defensive passing yards, defensive yards per pass, and defensive first down passing
- Pittsburgh has allowed 299 rushing yards and four touchdowns through their first two games
| Defensive | Steelers | Patriots |
| Passing Yards Allowed | 245 | 315 |
| Rushing Yards Allowed | 149.5 | 58.5 |
| 3rd Down % Allowed | 46.4% | 39.1% |
| Red Zone % Allowed | 71.4% | 66.7% |
| Points Allowed | 31.5 | 23.5 |
Jets @ Buccaneers | 1:00PM EST
The Bucs are putting up steady numbers (mid-teens defenses vs. run and pass, strong red zone conversion) while the Jets come in struggling to produce explosively, especially through the air. The story in this game will be how each team can handle their injury situations. New York is missing key pieces, most notably starting QB Justin Fields, and Tampa is dealing with a slew of offensive line injuries.
| Offensive | Jets | Buccaneers |
| Passing Yards | 133 | 175 |
| Rushing Yards | 141 | 135 |
| Points Scored | 21 | 21.5 |
| 3rd Down % | 28% | 46.4% |
| Red Zone % | 80% | 75% |
Game Key Notes
- The Jets will be without Justin Fields, who’s in concussion protocol, plus star DE Jermaine Johnson and WR Josh Reynolds. Tyrod Taylor is expected to start under center.
- Both teams are among the Top 10 in the league in rushing yards per game
| Defensive | Jets | Buccaneers |
| Passing Yards Allowed | 198.5 | 235.5 |
| Rushing Yards Allowed | 138.5 | 76.5 |
| 3rd Down % Allowed | 37.5% | 33.3% |
| Red Zone % Allowed | 71.4% | 25% |
| Points Allowed | 32 | 19.5 |
Rams @ Eagles | 1:00PM EST
The Rams travel to Philadelphia in a clash of contrasting styles: LA’s passing game has been sharp, while Philly has leaned almost exclusively on their rushing attack and defensive strength. The Eagles boast a perfect red-zone conversion rate (100%) but have shown limitations in their passing game, while the Rams have been more balanced but less efficient in scoring opportunities near the goal line. The game will depend on whether Stafford can stretch the field against a susceptible Eagles secondary and if their offense can convert in the red zone while avoiding turnovers. On the flip side, if the Eagles can dominate time of possession and force the Rams into uncomfortable third-down and tight-space situations, this one might be a low-scoring Philly win.
| Offensive | Rams | Eagles |
| Passing Yards | 257 | 119 |
| Rushing Yards | 110.5 | 140 |
| Points Scored | 23.5 | 22 |
| 3rd Down % | 48% | 48.2% |
| Red Zone % | 55.6% | 100% |
Game Key Notes
- Philadelphia is converting 100% of their red-zone opportunities (5-for-5), all scored on the ground between Hurts and Barkley
- Matt Stafford is top 10 in total passing yards (543) and yards per attempt (8.8)
| Defensive | Rams | Eagles |
| Passing Yards Allowed | 147 | 180.5 |
| Rushing Yards Allowed | 111.5 | 120 |
| 3rd Down % Allowed | 33.3% | 47.8% |
| Red Zone % Allowed | 25% | 60% |
| Points Allowed | 14 | 18.5 |
Broncos @ Chargers | 4:05PM EST
Denver heads into SoFi Stadium hoping to rebound after a narrow loss in Week 2, facing a Chargers team that’s looked sharp through the air and stout defensively overall. The Chargers are allowing only 15 points per game so far (#3 in the league) while Denver’s offense has shown promise, particularly on the ground with J.K. Dobbins and rookie RJ Harvey. While LA’s offense isn’t perfect, their pass game is efficient enough to pressure a Broncos’ secondary that gave up 300+ yards to Daniel Jones.
| Offensive | Broncos | Chargers |
| Passing Yards | 186 | 270 |
| Rushing Yards | 134.5 | 85.5 |
| Points Scored | 24 | 23.5 |
| 3rd Down % | 41.7% | 45.8% |
| Red Zone % | 66.7% | 42.9% |
Game Key Notes
- Los Angeles ranks first in the NFL in dropback success rate (37%)
- Denver ranks first in the NFL in opponent 3rd down conversions (29.6%)
| Defensive | Broncos | Chargers |
| Passing Yards Allowed | 184 | 199.5 |
| Rushing Yards Allowed | 119 | 83 |
| 3rd Down % Allowed | 26.9% | 43.7% |
| Red Zone % Allowed | 25% | 16.7% |
| Points Allowed | 20.5 | 15 |
Chiefs @ Giants | 8:20PM EST
Kansas City heads to New York still searching for its 2025 identity after a shaky start to the year. Their offense has been pretty balanced overall, but their red-zone efficiency has dropped, down from 54% in 2024, mostly due to the lack of consistent receiver help. The Giants, meanwhile, saw the resurrection of Russell Wilson in Week 2 and are moving the ball well, especially passing, where they are currently the top-ranked team in the NFL. However, like the Chiefs, their red-zone offense has been cause for concern.
| Offensive | Chiefs | Giants |
| Passing Yards | 211 | 289.5 |
| Rushing Yards | 109.5 | 79 |
| Points Scored | 19 | 21.5 |
| 3rd Down % | 34.6% | 33.3% |
| Red Zone % | 40% | 14.3% |
Game Key Notes
- Russell Wilson exploded for 450 yards and 3 touchdowns against Dallas in Week 2
- Patrick Mahomes has struggled this year, averaging less than 225 passing yards and less than a 60% completion percentage
| Defensive | Chiefs | Giants |
| Passing Yards Allowed | 199 | 277.5 |
| Rushing Yards Allowed | 106 | 177.5 |
| 3rd Down % Allowed | 44.4% | 40% |
| Red Zone % Allowed | 66.7% | 85.7% |
| Points Allowed | 23.5 | 30.5 |