NFL Week 3: Raiders Stay Perfect, Rams Tumble, and Ravens Win a Shootout in Rio

Week 3 of the 2026 NFL season delivered a Sunday slate filled with stunning upsets, historic milestones, and a few preseason favorites hitting the panic button. From a thrilling shootout in Brazil to a massive sigh of relief in Indianapolis, the playoff picture is already taking some unexpected turns.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the biggest storylines and stats from yesterday’s wildest games.

Ravens 34, Cowboys 31: A Historic Shootout in Brazil

For the first time in NFL history, the league touched down in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys delivered an absolute classic at the legendary Maracanã Stadium. In a back-and-forth offensive showcase, the Ravens outlasted Dallas 34-31 to secure a crucial win.

The Storyline: Baltimore’s physical rushing attack ultimately broke the Cowboys’ defense in the fourth quarter. The Ravens leaned heavily on their backfield duo, while the Cowboys relied on Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb to keep pace.

Key Stats: Lamar Jackson was hyper-efficient, going 15-20 for 186 yards and two touchdowns while adding 50 yards on the ground. Derrick Henry was the bruising closer, rushing for 89 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries. For Dallas, Prescott threw for 276 yards and a score, frequently targeting CeeDee Lamb, who erupted for 112 receiving yards on seven catches.

Playoff Impact: The Ravens avoid a dangerous early-season hole, solidifying their standing in the AFC North. Meanwhile, Dallas takes a tough out-of-conference loss that puts early pressure on them in a highly competitive NFC East.

Broncos 30, Rams 26: Super Bowl Favorites on the Brink

In perhaps the biggest early-season shock, the Denver Broncos defended Empower Field at Mile High by stunning the Los Angeles Rams, 30-26. Coming into the year as heavy preseason Super Bowl favorites, the Rams have been completely derailed, falling to a 1-2 start.

The Storyline: Los Angeles moved the ball at will but was plagued by drive-killing mistakes and turnovers. The Broncos played a clean, opportunistic game, allowing their defense to capitalize on Matthew Stafford’s errors.

Key Stats: Stafford racked up massive yardage, throwing for 390 yards and two touchdowns, but crucially threw two interceptions and took four sacks. Davante Adams was spectacular in a losing effort for L.A., hauling in seven passes for 137 yards. Denver quarterback Bo Nix managed the game perfectly, passing for 186 yards and two touchdowns, while the Broncos’ defense forced two massive Rams turnovers.

Playoff Impact: The Rams are in a nightmare scenario. Falling this far behind in the NFC West puts their Super Bowl aspirations in serious jeopardy, as history is notoriously unkind to teams that start this poorly. Denver, meanwhile, grabs a massive momentum-building win to stay relevant in the AFC West.

Postgame LIVE: BIG WIN IN THE HOME OPENER! https://t.co/T9AhMsDyjZ

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) September 27, 2026

Commanders 33, Seahawks 31: Washington Shocks Seattle

The Washington Commanders pulled off a thrilling 33-31 upset over the Seattle Seahawks at Northwest Stadium. In a game defined by late-game heroics and costly turnovers, Washington’s defense stepped up when it mattered most.

The Storyline: Seattle’s aerial assault was nearly unstoppable, but self-inflicted wounds doomed the Seahawks. Washington capitalized on three total Seattle turnovers, proving that taking care of the football is still the ultimate equalizer.

Key Stats: Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold put up video game numbers, throwing for 379 yards and four touchdowns, but his two critical interceptions swung the game. Jaxon Smith-Njigba was Darnold’s favorite target, catching 10 passes for 128 yards and two scores. For Washington, veteran Marcus Mariota was incredibly efficient, passing for 183 yards and three touchdowns without turning the ball over. Terry McLaurin paced the Commanders with 77 receiving yards and a score.

Playoff Impact: Washington grabs a vital conference win to keep pace in the crowded NFC East. The Seahawks squander a massive offensive output, suffering a loss that could have tiebreaker implications down the stretch in the NFC playoff hunt.

Raiders 35, Saints 27: Las Vegas is For Real

Who saw this coming? The Las Vegas Raiders went on the road to the Caesars Superdome and knocked off the New Orleans Saints 35-27, moving to a shocking 3-0 on the season.

The Storyline: The Raiders continue to defy preseason expectations. Underestimated by nearly every analyst, Las Vegas has built a gritty, winning culture, and dropping 35 points in New Orleans proves their offense is far more potent than anyone predicted.

Key Stats: Once again, Kirk Cousins turned the hands of time back with an efficient game going 22-33 for 248 yards, three touchdowns, and no turnovers. Brock Bowers had a big day with 10 catches for 116 yards. For the Saints, Tyler Shough had a huge game, going 29-42 for 255 yards and four touchdowns. It just wouldn’t be enough. Chris Olave continues to put up big numbers with 9 catches for 107 yards.

Playoff Impact: At 3-0, the Raiders are suddenly controlling their own destiny in the AFC. While the Chiefs remain the boogeymen of the division, Las Vegas is stacking early wins that will be critical for Wild Card positioning if they eventually regress.

In the End

Teams like the Rams, Patriots, Texans, Chargers, Cowboys, Packers, Bucs, and Rams find themsleves in holes they just weren’t anticipating this early. It will now be an uphill climb from this point out, and being that this is so early in the season, you better get this right or your season may already be over.