The 2024 NFL season has been full of surprises, with shocking outcomes becoming the norm. Week 3 delivered some of the biggest upsets yet, with underdog victories from the Panthers, Rams, Broncos, and Vikings. Meanwhile, the Chiefs, Vikings, Steelers, and Seahawks all hold strong at 3-0 heading into Monday night. In a season where unpredictability reigns, let’s dive into the biggest winners and losers from this wild week.
Jump to a Team
Winners
Minnesota Vikings
Not many people outside of Minnesota predicted the Vikings to be 3-0 to start the season considering their quarterback situation and tough schedule. Sam Darnold has been playing stellar football to start the 2024 season with 657 passing yards 8 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. The Vikings defense has been dominant this season behind their NFL-leading 16 sacks.
On Sunday they dominated an elite Texans offense holding them to 7 points and under 300 total yards. Aaron Jones controlled the pace of the game with his 102 rushing yards and helped the Vikings get out to an early 14-0 lead. The Vikings are a legit contender in the NFC.
Green Bay Packers
When Jordan Love went down in week 1, it looked like the Packers season could be in jeopardy. 2 weeks later the Packers have not lost since the injury and Love is close to returning. In his place QB Malik Willis has been everything the team needed completing 75% of his passes while having a 108 passer rating. The combination of Josh Jacobs and Emmauel Wilson is one of the better duos in football at RB.
The defense has stepped up after they got exposed in the week 1 loss. Since that game they have only allowed 24 total points while forcing 6 turnovers. LB Quay Walker is turning into one of the better linebackers in the NFL. If this unit continues to improve, they will be an X-factor come January.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos pulled off the upset win on the road against the Buccaneers behind a dominant performance from the defense. The defense held a good Bucs offense to 4 yards per play, forced 2 turnovers, and 7 points. Safety Brandon Jones had a monster day, intercepting a pass from Baker Mayfield, forcing a fumble, and finishing with a 92.8 player grade from PFF.
On offense the Broncos offense was not perfect but showed signs of improvement in week 3. Bo Nix was incredibly effective on short and intermediate throws while showcasing his running abilities in the win. RB Tyler Badie might have earned himself more touches after averaging 7.8 yards per carry on his 9 touches. This was a step in the right direction for the Broncos, we will see if they continue to trend in the right direction in week 4.
Carolina Panthers
It might be time to build Andy Dalton a statue in Carolina for his efforts on Sunday. Dalton is the first QB in 2024 to go for 300 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions this season. Behind his performance the Panthers scored 36 points with players like Chubba Hubbard and Diontae Johnson also having big days.
On defense the Panthers held the Raiders to 7 points through 3 quarters, they allowed 15 points in garbage time to make the game closer than it was. The Bryce Young era might be officially over in Carolina after what we watched on Sunday.
Losers
Chicago Bears
Let’s start with the positives for the Bears. This defense is truly one of the best units in football. They held the Colts to 306 total yards, had 2 interceptions, and 3/12 on 3rd down. Their defense, despite poor field position, allowed their most points on the season (21) on Sunday
On offense it’s a different story. Caleb Williams struggled again with his accuracy and decision making as he finished with 2 bad interceptions. The offensive line play has been brutal to start the season and Williams is looking down at pressure too often. D’Andre Swift is averaging 1.8 yards per carry on the season. OC Shane Waldron’s play calling has been abysmal. Will anything change going forward?
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have major concerns going forward if they want to contend in the NFC. On the defensive side of the ball, their run defense the last two weeks has been nonexistent. This week they allowed both Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson to combine for over 200 rushing yards. According to PFF NT Mazi Smith had a 33.0 grade while MLB DeMarvion Overshown had a 28.9 grade yesterday. The Cowboys lack of run stoppers in the middle of their defense is hurting them.
On the flip side, the offense is getting off to slow starts. As the defense is allowing long touchdown drives, the offense is sitting on the sideline never getting in rhythm. With the way their defense has played the last 2 weeks the offenses early drive stall-outs caused the game to get ugly quick. I do think they have found a gem in Rico Dowdle as he has been impressive the last two games against tough defenses. A matchup against the Giants seems like a must win game heading into week 4.
Cleveland Browns
It’s time to have a serious talk about the Browns future. Deshaun Watson has been a major part of these struggles and is currently on pace for the worst EPA per dropback in Browns history. On the offensive line, the injuries have gotten to be too much as they have allowed 16 sacks which leads the NFL. Even their running game took a step back this week as they only averaged 3.8 yards per carry
Luckily for the Browns they still have an elite defense. The injury to Myles Garrett is concerning and something to watch going forward. The next two weeks against the Raiders and the Commanders are must win games for the Browns. Could this be the last season for Deshaun Watson in Cleveland?
Miami Dolphins
The impact of Tua’s injury was going to hurt the Dolphins, but they were worse than expected on Sunday. The offense put up 3 points with 205 total yards and only managed to go 1/12 on 3rd down. The offense looked defeated before the game started and the defense got shredded for the majority of the day. They need to trade for a veteran QB to hold down for until Tua comes back.