The third week of the NFL season delivered a significant reality check for several of last year's postseason contenders. In a Sunday slate defined by unexpected results and narrow margins, five teams that featured in the 2025 playoffs suffered defeats that have raised immediate questions about their trajectory for the remainder of the 2026 campaign.
The losses were varied in nature, ranging from lopsided blowouts to heartbreaking fourth-quarter collapses. While some teams struggled with injury-depleted rosters, others faced tactical scrutiny as they fell to 0-3 starts, leaving them with a steep climb to replicate their previous success.
Struggles for Established Contenders
The New England Patriots endured a difficult afternoon in Jacksonville, falling 35-6 to the Jaguars. The defeat highlighted growing concerns regarding quarterback Drake Maye, who struggled with turnovers and decision-making throughout the contest. Despite flashes of potential, Maye’s inability to protect the football—compounded by injuries to key offensive personnel like A.J. Brown and Mike Onwenu—has left the Patriots searching for answers ahead of upcoming matchups against the Bills and Raiders.
Elsewhere, the Los Angeles Chargers saw their winless start extend to 0-3 following a 24-16 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Despite a defensive performance that forced five turnovers, the Chargers were unable to capitalize on their opportunities. Head coach Jim Harbaugh faced criticism for conservative fourth-down decisions, opting for field goals instead of aggressive play-calling against a high-powered Buffalo offense. The result leaves Los Angeles in a precarious position as they prepare to face the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks next week.
Upsets and Injury Woes
The Seahawks themselves were on the wrong side of a 33-31 result against the Washington Commanders. Despite the return of quarterback Sam Darnold, who threw for 379 yards and four touchdowns, Seattle was undone by three turnovers that Washington converted into 21 points. The loss snapped a 12-game winning streak for the defending champions, who struggled to replace the production of former running back Kenneth Walker III, currently excelling in Kansas City.
The Houston Texans also dropped to 0-3 after a 19-17 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Despite a strong defensive showing led by Will Anderson Jr., the Texans could not secure a final stop, allowing the Colts to set up a game-winning 53-yard field goal. While the Texans successfully navigated an 0-3 start last season, their current offensive reliance on C.J. Stroud and the absence of receiver Nico Collins have complicated their efforts to regain momentum.
Finally, the Carolina Panthers fell 21-18 to the Cleveland Browns in a game heavily impacted by injuries. With key starters sidelined, the Panthers struggled to maintain consistency on third and fourth downs. The loss leaves Carolina facing a difficult path forward, with the team looking toward an early-season bye in Week 5 to recover and regroup in a competitive NFC South.
