Three weeks into the NFL season, fans across the country are watching a mix of familiar storylines and surprising developments. While the national picture dominates the headlines, the most compelling narratives this week have clear implications for families and communities who follow their local teams.
Houston Texans: Searching for a turnaround
The Texans sit at 0‑3 for the second straight season, a rare and discouraging repeat. Historically, only a handful of clubs have ever reached the playoffs after beginning 0‑3, and the Texans are the only team to do it in back‑to‑back seasons (2025 and 2018). The last team to start 0‑4 and still make the postseason was the 1992 San Diego Chargers, who won 11 of their final 12 games.
Houston’s upcoming schedule offers a relatively manageable path: the Dallas Cowboys, Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars (in London), New York Giants, Los Angeles Chargers, Cleveland Browns, and Indianapolis Colts. If the Texans can post a 5‑2 record in those seven games, they would sit at 5‑5 and keep division hopes alive, even with the AFC South currently 3‑9 collectively.
Las Vegas Raiders: A historic start
On the opposite side of the league, the Raiders have surged to 3‑0, marking the first time since 2021 they have opened a season unbeaten. They are also the first team ever to start 3‑0 after drafting a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick. Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, now 38, has been instrumental, throwing three touchdowns in each of the first three games. Cousins reunited with head coach Klint Kubiak, his former offensive coordinator in Minnesota, and is currently tied with San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy for the most passing touchdowns this season.
So far, the Raiders’ victories have come against the Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers, and New Orleans Saints—teams that are not traditionally powerhouses. A win over the 3‑0 Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday would be a statement victory and could set the stage for the Raiders’ first 4‑0 start since 2002.
Quarterback showdown: Burrow vs. Lawrence
Sunday’s game in Cincinnati pits former No. 1 overall picks Joe Burrow and Trevor Lawrence against each other. Burrow’s LSU team defeated Lawrence’s Clemson in the 2020 national championship, and Burrow has also bested Lawrence in both of their NFL meetings. Burrow’s record when trailing in the final eight minutes stands at 1‑34, a statistic that underscores his urgency to close games.
Fantasy spotlight: Gibbs, Smith‑Njigba, and Allen
Fantasy owners have reasons to be optimistic. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs, the consensus No. 1 overall fantasy pick, has scored six touchdowns in the Lions’ first three games, becoming only the fifth running back ever to achieve that start. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith‑Njigba has led the league in receiving yards and touchdowns, posting at least 120 yards and a touchdown in each game—a feat matched only by Hall of Famer Jerry Rice.
Quarterback Josh Allen continues to rewrite the record books. With two rushing touchdowns in the Bills’ win over the Chargers, Allen became the first quarterback in NFL history with multiple rushing touchdowns in three consecutive games. He now holds the most rushing touchdowns ever by a quarterback (85), tying him for 17th on the all‑time rushing touchdown list, all while only 30 years old.
New Orleans honors a milestone
Monday night in New Orleans will be an emotional affair as the Saints commemorate the 20th anniversary of their return to the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina. On September 25, 2006, the Saints defeated the Atlanta Falcons 23‑3 in the first game back at the venue, highlighted by Steve Gleason’s blocked punt that resulted in a touchdown. The moment is immortalized by a statue outside the Superdome and remains a symbol of resilience for the Gulf Coast.
Twenty years later, the Falcons will travel to New Orleans for the matchup, with both teams entering the game at 1‑2.
Key games this week
- Thursday: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cleveland Browns
- Sunday: Indianapolis Colts @ Washington Commanders (London)
- Sunday: Dallas Cowboys @ Houston Texans
- Sunday: New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills
- Sunday: Jacksonville Jaguars @ Cincinnati Bengals
- Sunday: Kansas City Chiefs @ Las Vegas Raiders
- Monday: Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints
Fans can tune in to these matchups to see how early-season narratives evolve, from underdog turnarounds to historic milestones that resonate far beyond the gridiron.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
