The NFL season could also be younger, however the stakes are already excessive heading into Week 3. Joe Burrow is sidelined once more, Patrick Mahomes is in uncharted territory, and a handful of groups are staring down the dreaded 0-3 begin.
Here are 5 things you want to know.
Bad news in Cincinnati: Joe Burrow is out as soon as once more.
The Bengals quarterback – who was positioned on injured reserved on Tuesday – suffered turf toe that requires surgical procedure and is anticipated to miss not less than three months, in accordance to studies, derailing one other season earlier than it actually will get going.
(*5*)
It’s the newest blow in what’s turn out to be a irritating cycle of accidents for Burrow and the Bengals. Still, Cincinnati has opened 2-0 for the first time since 2018, giving the group a bit of cushion. Backup Jake Browning takes over as the Bengals go to the 1-1 Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.
Minnesota has quarterback points of its personal, with rookie J.J. McCarthy sidelined two to 4 weeks by an ankle damage. That leaves Carson Wentz, as soon as forged apart, with one other likelihood to show he belongs.
The Indianapolis Colts have carried out one thing no NFL group has ever carried out in the Super Bowl period: they haven’t punted via two video games. That’s not simply effectivity – it’s borderline absurd.
Quarterback Daniel Jones, rejuvenated in Indy, has clicked with operating again Jonathan Taylor to energy a 2-0 begin, capped by final week’s win over Denver.
For now, Rigoberto Sanchez has the strangest job in soccer: punter and not using a punt. That streak may finish Sunday when the Colts play their first street recreation towards Tennessee, however the reality it lasted this lengthy exhibits simply how harmful Indy’s offense seems.
The Chicago Bears are in a tough spot at 0-2, together with a 52-21 mauling at the fingers of the Detroit Lions that confirmed how far they nonetheless have to go.
Fans anticipated second-year quarterback Caleb Williams and new head coach Ben Johnson to spark a turnaround, however thus far the offense has been inconsistent, and the protection has been flat-out dangerous.
Chicago’s subsequent check is a conflict with the Dallas Cowboys, whose protection simply gave up 450 yards passing to Russell Wilson.
If Williams and the offense can’t take benefit of that matchup at residence, count on the Soldier Field boos to rain down early.
For the first time in his profession, Patrick Mahomes is 0-2.
The Chiefs’ 20-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in final week’s Super Bowl rematch marked their third straight defeat relationship again to final season. That hasn’t occurred since Andy Reid and Mahomes joined forces.
Kansas City followers aren’t used to this type of begin – particularly after celebrating three Super Bowl titles in the final six years. No one’s hitting the panic button but, but when the Chiefs fall to the New York Giants on Sunday evening and drop to 0-3, it could spark a full-on disaster in KC.
Falling to 0-3 is basically a loss of life sentence for playoff hopes.
Only six groups in NFL historical past have began 0-3 and rallied to attain the postseason. The most up-to-date instance was the 2018 HoustonTexans, and earlier than that you’ve got to return to the 1998 Bills. It’s uncommon for a purpose – digging out of a three-game gap in a league constructed on parity is sort of inconceivable.
This week, 10 groups are watching that cliff: the Chiefs, Texans, New York Jets (who can be lacking beginning QB Justin Fields due to a concussion), Miami Dolphins, Giants, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, Bears, New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers. That means a slew of “must-win” video games in Week 3, although the calendar nonetheless says September.
Away @ residence (all instances in ET)
Thursday
Miami Dolphins @ Buffalo Bills, 8:15 p.m.
Sunday
Cincinnati Bengals @ Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m.
Houston Texans @ Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m.
Indianapolis Colts @ Tennessee Titans, 1 p.m.
Las Vegas Raiders @ Washington Commanders, 1 p.m.
Los Angeles Rams @ Philadelphia Eagles, 1 p.m.
Atlanta Falcons @ Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ New England Patriots, 1 p.m.
Green Bay Packers @ Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m.
New York Jets @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 p.m.
Denver Broncos @ Los Angeles Chargers, 4:05 p.m.
New Orleans Saints @ Seattle Seahawks, 4:05 p.m.
Dallas Cowboys @ Chicago Bears, 4:25 p.m.
Arizona Cardinals @ San Francisco 49ers, 4:25 p.m.
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