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NFL Week 3: Cowboys upset by Cardinals, Travis Kelce thrills Taylor Swift, Dolphins roll

Safid Deen, Steve Gardner, Victoria Hernandez, Tyler Dragon and Chris Bumbaca, USA TODAY
·37 min read

Editor’s note: Follow all the "Sunday Night Football" action with USA TODAY Sports’ live coverage.

Week 3 of the 2023 NFL season provided what is the upset of year so far, when the Arizona Cardinals stunned the Dallas Cowboys. This result likely eliminated a lot of people from survivor pools.

Elsewhere, the Kansas City Chiefs routed the hapless Chicago Bears in front of a famous fan, Taylor Swift. The Dolphins scored the most points in a game by an NFL team since 1966. The Dolphins are just the fourth team to score 70 or more points in a game (regular season and playoffs).

The Minnesota Vikings remained winless after losing to the Los Angeles Chargers. Since the start of the 2019 season, only one team out of 32 that started a season 0-2 has gone on to make the postseason, something both the Vikings and Chargers did last year.

USA TODAY Sports brought the latest updates, scores, highlights, wild plays, analysis and more throughout the day.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Joshua Dobbs (9) escapes a tackle from Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) in the first half of Sunday's game.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Joshua Dobbs (9) escapes a tackle from Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) in the first half of Sunday's game.

NFL Week 3: Sunday's scores

Here are the results for all of Sunday’s NFL action.

32 things we learned in Week 3

It was a rough weekend for the undefeated, five 2-0 clubs losing Sunday. Speaking of rough ... seventy-burger? Seriously? You guys know this isn’t the BCS, and no style points are awarded, yeah? Regardless, what an obviously impressive performance as Miami became the fourth NFL team to reach the 70-point plateau. — Nate Davis

What was most embarrassing loss of Week 3?

The Miami Dolphins put up a 70-20 whupping on the Denver Broncos that was more rare than a hybrid solar eclipse.

Quick, when was the last time an NFL team scored – or gave up – 70?

You’d have to go back 57 years, to 1966, when the Washington team blasted the Giants, 72-41.

Then again, as convincingly lopsided as it was, it may not have been the worst loss on a Blowout Sunday in the NFL. There are too many candidates for worst loss. — Jarrett Bell

Hot second half lifts Seahawks over Panthers

The Seahawks registered their first home win of the season in a 37-27 victory over the Bryce Young-less Panthers.

Seattle scored 25 points in the second half to pull away from Carolina.

The Seahawks had a balanced attack on offense. Geno Smith passed for 296 yards, to go with 1 touchdown and 1 interception. Running back Kenneth Walker led the team with 97 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns.

Seattle’s offense had 27 first downs and 425 total yards.

Panthers’ Andy Dalton did a solid job filling in for Young at QB. Dalton was 34 for 58 passing for 361 and had 2 touchdowns in the loss. Panthers WR Adam Thielen had a game-high 11 catches for 145 yards. — Tyler Dragon

Chiefs topple Bears, 41-10

Travis Kelce scored a touchdown in front of his rumored love interest Taylor Swift in one of three scores for quarterback Patrick Mahomes as the Chiefs dominated the Bears, 41-10.

Besides the trips to the end zone, the star quarterback went 24-of-33 for 272 yards. He tweaked his ankle toward the end of the first half and was replaced by Blaine Gabbert in the third quarter.

Kansas City held the Bears scoreless through three quarters and sacked Justin Fields three times, including one from Chris Jones. — Victoria Hernandez

Cardinals pull off upset in desert

The Cardinals were big underdogs entering Sunday’s game against the Cowboys, but they didn’t perform like it.

The Cardinals led from start to finish in a 28-16 victory over Dallas. Arizona rushed 30 times for 222 yards and had 2 rushing TDs in the big win. Cardinals QB Joshua Dobbs threw for 189 yards and 1 TD.

Arizona gained 400 yards of total offense on the Cowboys defense.

Dallas played without multiple offensive linemen, and it showed. Dak Prescott and the Cowboys offense only managed to score one touchdown and was held out of the end zone for the entire second half. Prescott was picked off late in the fourth quarter, which sealed the win for Arizona.

The upset win gave Cardinals’ Jonathan Gannon his first victory as a head coach. — Tyler Dragon

Cowboys on upset alert in Arizona

Joshua Dobbs and the Cardinals are on the verge of pulling off a massive upset.

The Cowboys defense lost Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson in coverage and Dobbs found him wide open for a 69-yard reception. Three plays later, Dobbs tossed a short pass to wideout Marquise Brown for a two-yard TD.

The score was Arizona’s first touchdown of the second half and increased its lead to, 28-16, midway through the fourth quarter.

The Cardinals’ 28-point output matches a season high. — Tyler Dragon

Taylor Swift celebrates Travis Kelce touchdown

Taylor Swift had thousands of girls screaming for her when she performed at Arrowhead Stadium this summer.

On Sunday, the role was reversed.

The pop superstar’s rumored boyfriend Travis Kelce scored a touchdown in the third quarter of the Chiefs matchup to further their lead over the Bears.

From third-and-goal from Chicago’s 3-yard line, Patrick Mahomes took the snap from shotgun, surveyed the field and threw a dart to the center of the end zone. Kelce snagged the ball and two-stepped his landing for the score.

Taylor Swift yelled in delight from a suite, where she was sitting next to Kelce’s mom, Donna. The pop superstar jumped up and down and screamed “Let’s (expletive) go!”

The score put Kansas City up 41-0. — Victoria Hernandez

Cardinals have two-score advantage vs. Cowboys

The Arizona Cardinals went into the locker room at halftime up 21-10 over the visiting Dallas Cowboys.

Arizona produced 266 yards of total offense, including 182 yards on the ground in the first half.

The Cowboys have committed 10 penalties for 72 yards.

— Tyler Dragon

Chiefs routing Bears, but Patrick Mahomes rolls ankle at end of half

The Chiefs are having their way against the Bears. Kansas City is up 34-0 at halftime.

Patrick Mahomes is 20 of 27 for 221 yards and has two touchdowns. Running backs Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire have a touchdown apiece.

Nothing went right for Chicago in the first two quarters. Every single Bears offensive possession ended in either a punt or a turnover, and the defense allowed 321 yards and four touchdowns.

The Chiefs scored 10 points off Chicago’s two turnovers.

The only cause for concern for the Chiefs happened in the final minute of the second quarter when Mahomes appeared to get his ankle rolled up on, but the quarterback stayed in the game.

Kansas City took a 34-0 lead into halftime.

— Tyler Dragon

Andy Dalton scores long TD to put Panthers on top of Seahawks

Andy Dalton is resuming his role as starting quarterback with Carolina Panthers rookie Bryce Young out due to an ankle injury.

On third-and-10 from the Seattle 47, the 13-year veteran dropped back, launched the ball across his body and found DJ Chark. The wide receiver spun around to juke out safety Julian Love, then sprinted downfield to complete the 47-yard score.

The touchdown gave the Panthers their first lead of the game as they went up 10-9.

Each team scored a field goal before the break and Carolina is up 13-12 at the half.

— Victoria Hernandez

Saints' Derek Carr will undergo further examination on shoulder

Quarterback Derek Carr was knocked out of Sunday's 18-17 loss to the Green Bay Packers with a right shoulder injury after being sacked in the third quarter. He was initially listed as questionable to return before later being ruled out.

After the game, he was taken to a hospital for further examination, Saints coach Dennis Allen said after the game.

With the 10th-year veteran out of the lineup, New Orleans gave up 18 unanswered points as the team suffered its first loss of the year. Rookie kicker Blake Grupe had an opportunity to help the team retake the lead in the final two minutes, but he missed a 46-yard field goal. — Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

Cowboys-Cardinals score: Arizona extends lead

The Cardinals' high-flying start against the Cowboys has continued well into the second quarter.

Rondale Moore took a read-option handoff from Joshua Dobbs and scampered 45 yards for the touchdown. Moore’s touchdown gave Arizona a surprising 15-3 lead over the Cowboys.

The Cardinals have 137 rushing yards early in the second quarter. — Tyler Dragon

Taylor Swift at Chiefs-Bears game sitting with Travis Kelce's mom

Taylor Swift was shown during FOX's broadcast of the Kansas City Chiefs' game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday. Swift was sitting in a suite next to Donna Kelce, the mother of Pro Bowl tight end Travis Kelce, and was cheering while wearing a red hoodie as the Chiefs prepared for kickoff.

The pop superstar and Super Bowl champion have been rumored to be dating for the past few weeks, with Kelce's brother, Philadelphia Eagles center Jason, joking about their relationship status. — Victoria Hernandez

Cowboys-Cardinals score: Dallas falls behind

The Dallas Cowboys have been one of the most dominant teams in the NFL, but the Arizona Cardinals are not fazed as they are up 9-3 in the first quarter.

After marching down the field from their own 18, the Cardinals had first-and-goal from Dallas’ five. Running Back James Conner jetted to his right and powered past the line of scrimmage to reach the end zone.

Arizona went for the two-point conversion, which failed.

They opened the game with a 39-yard field goal from Matt Prater.

The Cowboys defense is playing without cornerback Trevon Diggs, who tore his ACL in practice this week. — Victoria Hernandez

Dolphins-Broncos highlights

The Miami Dolphins are on a roll with the most explosive offense in the NFL. And that might be a scary sight for the rest of the league.

Tua Tagovailoa threw for 309 yards with four touchdowns, running backs Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane scored four touchdowns each in a 70-20 rout of the Denver Broncos on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium.

Star Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill had 157 yards on nine catches and a touchdown catch from Tagovailoa, who threw one touchdown to Mostert and had two shovel passes to Achane for scores.

Achane finished with 233 total yards, while Mostert had 142 total yards as the Dolphins set the franchise record for points in a game.

Miami travels to face the Buffalo Bills next Sunday at 1 p.m. — Safid Deen

Colts-Ravens highlights

In what came down to a battle of long-distance kickers, the Indianapolis Colts gave the Baltimore Ravens the boot as Matt Gay nailed his fifth field goal of the game – a 53-yarder in overtime to give the Colts a 22-19 win.

Gay tied things up with less than a minute to go in regulation by hitting his third of four field goals from beyond 50 yards in the game. However, the Ravens' Justin Tucker still had a chance to win in the final seconds but was just short on a 61-yarder, sending the game to overtime.

Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew, playing for the injured Anthony Richardson, threw for 227 yards and a touchdown in leading the Colts to their game-winning drive. — Steve Gardner

Chargers-Vikings highlights

Brandon Staley and the Los Angeles Chargers decided to go for it on fourth-and-1 from their own 24-yard line and failed to convert in what was a questionable play call. But the Chargers' turnover on downs, didn’t cost them the ballgame.

Chargers linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. intercepted Kirk Cousins’ pass intended for tight end T.J. Hockenson in the end zone with 12 seconds remaining in the game to seal the 28-24 victory.

The game-deciding play was the Chargers defense’s second red-zone stop in the final four minutes of the fourth quarter. — Tyler Dragon

Texans-Jaguars highlights

The Houston Texans captured their first victory of the season, shocking the Jacksonville Jaguars 37-17 on the road.

The Texans went up 17-0 before halftime, including a 4-yard pass from rookie quarterback CJ Stroud to tight end Brevin Jordan.

No. 3 overall pick Will Anderson Jr. blocked a 51-yard field goal attempt from Brandon McManus, which drew boos from the crowd.

Fullback Andrew Beck put the exclamation point in the game with an 85-yard kickoff return to put Houston up by two scores in the third quarter.

Stroud finished 20-of-30 for 280 yards and two touchdowns.

Trevor Lawrence went 27-of-40 for 279 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Calvin Ridley was held to three receptions for 40 yards. — Victoria Hernandez

Packers-Saints highlights

Shut out for three quarters, Jordan Love led a furious fourth-quarter comeback, rushing for one touchdown and hitting Romeo Doubs for the go-ahead score with just under three minutes to play as the Green Bay Packers edged the New Orleans Saints 18-17.

The game was still in doubt in the final seconds as backup quarterback Jameis Winston, in for the injured Derek Carr, drove the Saints into field goal range. However, rookie kicker Blake Grupe's 46-yard field goal attempt with 1:10 to play was wide right. — Steve Gardner

Patriots-Jets highlights

The New England Patriots marched into MetLife Stadium and handled the New York Jets 15-10 to avoid being 0-3 for the first time since 2000.

In the second quarter, quarterback Mac Jones threw a 58-yard pass to Pharaoh Brown to put New England up 10-0.

The Jets tried to come back late with a 1-yard touchdown run from Nick Bawden, but the Patriots sealed the win with a safety when Matthew Judon sacked Zach Wilson in the end zone. The play was one of three sacks on the young quarterback.

The Patriots had more than double the Jets’ total yards of offense, 358 compared to 171. — Victoria Hernandez

Lions-Falcons highlights

The duo of Craig Reynolds and Jahmyr Gibbs ran out the clock for the Detroit Lions, who moved to 2-1 with the 20-6 victory.

Jared Goff led the way with another good performance, completing 22 of 33 passes for 243 yards and one passing and one rushing touchdown. Sam LaPorta had eight catches for 84 yards and one touchdown. Detroit survived the onslaught of injuries at running back and on the offensive line and ran for 116 yards as a team.

The big story of the day was Detroit's defense, which only gave up six points. Detroit held the Atlanta Falcons to two field goals and 195 total yards, a much better performance than giving up 37 points to the Seattle Seahawks last week. Rookie Brian Branch stepped up to lead the team with 10 tackles and Tracy Walker, who started for the injured C.J. Gardner-Johnson, had six. The last time Detroit gave up six or fewer points was its 31-0 win over the Packers in Week 17 in 2018. — Jared Ramsey, Detroit Free Press

Bills-Commanders highlights

LANDOVER, Md. — The Buffalo Bills (2-1) handed the Washington Commanders (2-1) their first loss of the season in embarrassing fashion. Buffalo blew the doors off Washington, 37-3, and forced five Commanders turnovers – four Sam Howell interceptions. Washington didn’t score until 46 seconds remained in the game, when Joey Slye made a mercy 51-yard field goal.

Bills quarterback Josh Allen (20-for-32, 218 passing yards) rushed for a touchdown and threw for another. Stefon Diggs, the Maryland native playing in his home state, caught eight passes for 111 yards, including two 30-yard catches. James Cook had 15 rushes for 98 yards for the Bills.

The lone bright spot for the Commanders was second-year running back Brian Robinson, who rushed 10 times for 70 yards. The Bills sacked Howell nine times. — Chris Bumbaca

Browns-Titans highlights

The Browns defense continued its early season brilliance, holding Tennessee to 94 yards in a 27-3 victory at home.

Cleveland allowed just six first downs and picked up five sacks, including a career-high 3.5 from Myles Garrett. The Browns’ defense has only allowed one touchdown in three games.

Deshaun Watson threw for 289 yards and two touchdowns for the Browns, connecting with Amari Cooper seven times for 116 yards and a score. — Casey Moore

Vikings-Chargers score: Justin Jefferson scores first TD

Justin Jefferson found the end zone for his first touchdown of the season.

The Vikings star wide receiver ran a dig route and Kirk Cousins found him open in the middle of the field. Jefferson caught the football and ran downfield for a 52-yard touchdown.

Jefferson’s catch and run gave him five catches, 138 yards and a touchdown. The Vikings reclaimed the lead, 24-21, following Jefferson’s TD. — Tyler Dragon

Bills-Commanders score: Buffalo opens up 30-0 lead

Josh Allen walked into the end zone with such ease he hit the FedEx Field crowd with the euro-step celebration after crossing the goal line.

When it’s going your way, you can celebrate like that.

Allen’s 10-yard rushing touchdown gave the Bills a 23-0 lead with 10:37 left in the game. Buffalo picked up possession in Washington territory for the third time following Washington’s fourth turnover. Antonio Gibson put the ball on the ground for his second fumble of the season, and the Bills recovered.

Things only got worse from there, as Buffalo extended it's lead to 30-0 with 10 minutes to go after Sam Howell’s fourth interception of the game.

Howell tried to make a throw on the run over Buffalo defensive end A.J. Epenesa. Except the ball never arced high enough, and Epenesa pawed the ball down, stiff-armed Howell, and walked into the end zone with his teammates.

It was Washington’s fifth turnover of the game.

The Bills have removed Josh Allen in favor of Kyle Allen for the final eight minutes. — Chris Bumbaca

Texans-Jaguars score: Kickoff return extends Texans lead

Just when the Jacksonville Jaguars looked like they were poised to rally from a 17-0 halftime deficit, the Houston Texans got a lift from an unlikely source.

After Jacksonville's Brandon McManus cut Houston's lead to 17-10, the Texans struck back on the ensuing kickoff when backup fullback Andrew Beck picked up a bouncing ball at his own 15 yard line and broke into the clear – taking it back all the way for a touchdown.

It was Beck's first NFL touchdown since he was a rookie in 2019 with the Denver Broncos. — Steve Gardner

Chargers-Vikings score: Keenan Allen throws long TD

Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen is doing a little bit of everything in Minnesota. Allen has 12 catches, 135 receiving yards and a 49-yard touchdown pass to fellow wideout Mike Williams.

Allen’s touchdown pass put the Chargers ahead 21-10 in the third quarter. — Tyler Dragon

Browns-Titans score: Jerome Ford scores second touchdown for Cleveland

In their first game without star running back Nick Chubb, the Browns' running game is leaving a lot to be desired.

However, new starting running back Jerome Ford does have two touchdowns – one receiving and one rushing – as the Browns hold a 20-3 lead against the Titans as the game heads into the fourth quarter.

The Browns' defense has allowed just 78 total yards while compiling five sacks. Myles Garrett has 3.5 of those sacks to give him 4.5 on the season. — Casey Moore

Saints' Derek Carr leaves game vs. Packers with injury

The New Orleans Saints were dealt a potential setback amid their hot start.

Quarterback Derek Carr left Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers with shoulder injury after being sacked in the third quarter. He was listed as questionable to return.

Carr remained down on the field after he was taken down by Packers outside linebacker Rashan Gary, who tallied his second sack of the day. Carr was eventually helped off the field by Saints staffers and went to the locker room to be evaluated.

After the Saints punted on the ensuing fourth down, backup quarterback Jameis Winston replaced Carr in the lineup. — Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

Panthers at Seahawks: Predictions, picks and odds 

The Seahawks are favorites to defeat the Panthers, according to BetMGM NFL odds.

  • Spread: Seahawks (-6.5)

  • Moneyline: Seahawks (-275); Panthers (+220)

  • Over/under: 42.5

USA TODAY Sports’ staff picks for this game:

  • Lorenzo Reyes: Seahawks 26, Panthers 16

  • Tyler Dragon: Seahawks 24, Panthers 16

  • Victoria Hernandez: Seahawks 23, Panthers 15

  • Jordan Mendoza: Seahawks 27, Panthers 16

Cowboys at Cardinals: Predictions, picks and odds 

The Cowboys are favorites to defeat the Cardinals, according to BetMGM NFL odds.

  • Spread: Cowboys (-12.5)

  • Moneyline: Cowboys (-650); Cardinals (+475)

  • Over/under: 43.5

USA TODAY Sports’ staff picks for this game:

  • Lorenzo Reyes: Cowboys 33, Cardinals 3

  • Tyler Dragon: Cowboys 28, Cardinals 13

  • Victoria Hernandez: Cowboys 35, Cardinals 12

  • Jordan Mendoza: Cowboys 38, Cardinals 9

Bears at Chiefs: Predictions, picks and odds 

The Chiefs are favorites to defeat the Bears, according to BetMGM NFL odds.

  • Spread: Chiefs (-13)

  • Moneyline: Chiefs (-800); Bears (+550)

  • Over/under: 47.5

USA TODAY Sports’ staff picks for this game:

  • Lorenzo Reyes: Chiefs 29, Bears 9

  • Tyler Dragon: Chiefs 27, Bears 16

  • Victoria Hernandez: Chiefs 24, Bears 10

  • Jordan Mendoza: Chiefs 34, Bears 13

Halftime scores Week 3

Bills-Commanders score: Buffalo takes 16-0 lead into halftime

Sam Howell gifted the Bills prime field position by throwing his second interception of the game, this time to Micah Hyde. Starting at the Washington 33-yard line, the Bills once again settled for a field goal. Tyler Bass knocked through a 32-yarder to make it 16-0 with 19 seconds left in the half.

It was a much shorter attempt than the one he converted earlier in the quarter. The Bills, taking over inside their own 5-yard line, had the ball for nine minutes, 47 seconds before Bass came out for a 54-yarder. Bass drilled it down the middle to make it 13-0.

The Bills are 6-for-10 on third down. The Commanders, meanwhile, are 0-4. — Chris Bumbaca

Texans-Jaguars score: CJ Stroud has Houston out in front

The Texans are giving the Jaguars a headache in the first half of their AFC South matchup.

Houston has scored two touchdowns — a 1-yard rush from Dameon Pierce and a 4-yard pass from CJ Stroud to Brevin Jordan — in Jacksonville. It's the rookie quarterback's third score of the season.

Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars have 121 yards of offense, but have yet to score.

No. 3 overall pick Will Anderson Jr. blocked a 51-yard field goal attempt from Brandon McManus. The play elicited loud boos from the Jaguars fans.

Lawrence is 1-3 against the Texans. He got his first win in January, a 31-3 thrashing that was Jacksonville's first time beating the Texans since 2017. — Victoria Hernandez

Packers-Saints score: New Orleans takes 14-0 lead with punt return

Rashid Shaheed electrified Lambeau Field on Sunday with a 76-yard punt return.

On fourth-and-15 from Green Bay’s 36-yard line, Daniel Whelan took the snap and sent the punt sailing to the waiting returner.

Shaheed fielded it at the New Orleans 24 and sprinted downfield to the left. When he approached a roadblock, he shifted his direction right, ran over the Packers logo at midfield and then pointed his body toward the end zone. He had a clear lane for 30 yards as he strode in for the score.

His teammates met up with him for a celebratory dance in the end zone. — Victoria Hernandez

Dolphins-Broncos score: Tua Tagovailoa throws no-look touchdown pass

Tua Tagovailoa didn’t even see where his second touchdown pass of the day went.

Tagovailoa’s no-look shovel pass to running back De’Von Achane gave the Dolphins a 21-7 lead over the Denver Broncos early in the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium.

The clever play design by Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel worked to perfection.

Tagovailoa dropped back. Tyreek Hill ran closely for a handoff as the decoy. Achane crept close to the goal line as the pocket collapsed. And Tagovailoa’s toss was spot on. — Safid Deen

Bills-Commanders score: Josh Allen hits Gabriel Davis for touchdown

The Bills needed one play to put six points on the board.

That’s all you need sometimes when you have a combination of winning the field-position battle, a 23-yard punt return and an additional penalty to set you up on the opponent’s 45-yard line.

From that point on the field, Josh Allen dropped back and looked toward Stefon Diggs. He then turned to the other corner of the gridiron where Gabriel Davis was running a corner route. Allen floated a perfect pass to Davis who scored easily. Tyler Bass’ extra-point was good and the Bills lead 10-0 with 41 seconds left in the first quarter. — Chris Bumbaca

Saints-Packers score: Jimmy Graham scores first TD for Saints since 2014

Former Pro Bowl tight end Jimmy Graham is back in the NFL, back with the New Orleans Saints ... and back in the end zone.

Graham, who went to three Pro Bowls with the Saints during his first five NFL seasons, returned to New Orleans this season at age 37 after sitting out last year. His first reception of 2023 came on an 8-yard scoring pass from quarterback Derek Carr.

It was Graham's first TD catch since Week 15 of the 2021 season when he was a member of the Chicago Bears. — Steve Gardner

Ravens-Colts score: Lamar Jackson runs for touchdown

The Baltimore Ravens are on the board first against the Indianapolis Colts.

Lamar Jackson led his team on a 12-play, 80-yard drive and capped it off with an 8-yard rushing touchdown.

On second-and-6, the quarterback took the snap from shotgun and rushed to his right, skipping and stutter-stepping his way through defenders before Shaquille Leonard wrapped him up and he fell into the end zone.

This is Jackson’s first score on the ground this season.

The Colts are playing without rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson and Gardner Minshew got the start.

The Ravens are up 7-0. — Victoria Hernandez

Bills-Commanders score: Sam Howell throws interception

The first drive for the Commanders ended with a Sam Howell interception.

Howell, already sacked twice on the drive – including the previous play in which he was thrown down hard by a group of Bills defenders – tried to find former North Carolina teammate Diyami Brown on third down to keep the Commanders in manageable field goal position. He didn’t see Terrel Bernard, however, and the Buffalo linebacker leaped to snatch the ball and came down with it at the 16-yard line.

Running back Brian Robinson Jr. had two rushes for 12 yards and Howell connected with tight end Cole Turner for a 21-yard gain to bring Washington into Bills territory. — Chris Bumbaca

Bills-Commanders score: Stefon Diggs leads scoring drive

Josh Allen and the Bills converted their first two third-down attempts. They could not execute on the third such situation from the red zone and Tyler Bass salvaged the drive with a 36-yard field goal to make it 3-0 five minutes, 31 seconds into the game.

The big plays came via Allen’s legs on third-and-10 to start the drive, as his rush up the middle went for 13 yards. Two plays later, Allen rolled right and threw a deep ball to two receivers (Gabe Davis and Stefon Diggs) running, essentially, the same route.

Diggs, the Maryland native playing in his home state, came up with the 30-yard catch – his longest reception of the season. — Chris Bumbaca

Dolphins-Broncos score: Tyreek Hill reels in long touchdown

The first touchdown of the day comes from the Miami Dolphins. And it only took three plays from scrimmage to make it happen.

Tua Tagovailoa found star receiver Tyreek Hill for a wide open, 54-yard touchdown to take an early 7-0 lead on the Broncos.

Tagovailoa needed two passes for 69 yards to spark the drive, after a 6-yard run by Raheem Mostert to start. — Safid Deen

Chargers' JC Jackson a surprise inactive against Vikings

About 90 minutes before their game against the Minnesota Vikings, the Los Angeles Chargers listed cornerback JC Jackson among their inactives.

The defender was not previously listed on the injury report throughout the week.

Jackson has three tackles and an interception so far this season.

Other players listed as inactive for Los Angeles for the road game are running back Austin Ekeler, linebacker Eric Kendricks, offensive lineman Brenden Jaimes and defensive lineman Christopher Hinton. — Victoria Hernandez

Bills Mafia out in droves for Commanders matchup

Despite miserable weather in the DMV for two consecutive days, “Bills Mafia” was out in full force at FedEx Field, the home of the Commanders, ahead of their 1 p.m. ET kickoff Sunday.

The passionate fan base travels well regardless of the location, but Landover, Maryland is a particularly accessible destination. Plus, Bills fans were able to purchase tickets when the home fans’ interest in their team remained passive prior to former owner Dan Snyder’s sale of the organization to Josh Harris and his partners over the summer.

The cheers almost outweighed the boos as the Bills ran onto the field 10 minutes before kickoff.  — Chris Bumbaca

NFL picks Week 3 

The NFL's 104th season is off and running, and USA TODAY Sports’ panel of resident NFL experts have made their Week 3 picks. Check them out here.

NFL Week 3 odds 

The top NFL betting apps list the New Orleans Saints as one of the best bets for NFL Week 3 after starting the season 2-0. The Saints are 2-point road underdogs against the Green Bay Packers, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023.

There is also significant interest surrounding the game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Minnesota Vikings. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has some of the best NFL MVP betting odds (+1600) in 2023, but the team has struggled. The Chargers entered the season with some of the best early Super Bowl betting odds, but have since faded (+3000).

Other action includes the Washington Commanders — one of the most popular NFL future bets after a surprising 2-0 start — taking on the Buffalo Bills as 6.5-point home favorites.

Not interested in these games? Our guide to the NFL betting odds, picks and spreads has you covered with Thursday Night Football odds, Sunday Night Football odds and/or Monday Night Football odds.

If you’re new to sports betting, don’t worry. We have tips for beginners on how to place bet online. And USA TODAY readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with the online sportsbooks and sports betting sites. — Richard Morin

All odds provided by BetMGM

Week 3 fantasy football rankings 

Another week, another running back out for the season. And that's on top of the various bumps and bruises those primary ballcarriers have to withstand on any given NFL weekend. As a result, the position is looking extremely thin as we head into Week 3.

This week's fantasy football rankings are based on the point-per-reception (PPR) scoring used in most seasonal and daily fantasy football formats. One point is awarded for every 10 rushing and receiving yards and one point for every 20 passing yards. Six points are awarded for touchdowns scored, four points for passing TDs and one point for receptions.

Rankings are compiled by Daniel Dobish, TheHuddle.com. — Steve Gardner

Bills' Stefon Diggs honors brother, Cowboys' Trevon Diggs

The Dallas Cowboys lost one of their best defensive players earlier in the week when cornerback Trevor Diggs tore his ACL during practice.

Diggs is the younger brother of Buffalo Bills star receiver Stefon Diggs, who showed off a tribute to his sibling while warming up at FedEx Field before the Bills' game against the Washington Commanders. — Casey Moore

Could there be NFL games in Spain and Brazil? 

The NFL will play three games in the next three weeks in London, but the league is looking toward other countries to broaden the sport’s appeal worldwide.

NFL games could be played in both Spain and Brazil, NFL executive vice president Peter O'Reilly said on the Adam Schefter podcast this week.

“Brazil and Spain are two strong markets and two important markets,” O'Reilly said.

“And importantly, there are also markets that clubs are interested in. ... Marrying where clubs are now building their fan base is important. It needs to work for the clubs as well.”

According to ESPN: The NFL is looking at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, the home of legendary soccer club Real Madrid, and Estadio Metropolitano, the home of Atletico Madrid, as potential sites in Spain.

The NFL will play five games this year in Europe -- three in London and two in Germany. — Safid Deen

How NFL Week 3's underwhelming schedule could be exciting 

The 2023 NFL schedule is replete with marquee matchups and exciting story lines. But Week 3 of the slate ... not so much.

No offense intended to the league's schedule-makers, but the final Sunday and Monday of September present an overall underwhelming offering of matchups. Overall, the schedule looks heavy with lopsided matchups, and the San Francisco 49ers' 30-12 handling of the New York Giants could be a harbinger of more blowouts to come.

Still, never count out the NFL when it comes to generating unexpected entertainment. With that in mind, USA TODAY Sports' NFL writers and columnists were asked: What's one thing to watch that could actually make Week 3 exciting?

Read their answers here.

Packers inactives: Aaron Jones, Christian Watson out vs. Saints

As expected, the Green Bay Packers will once again be without running back Aaron Jones and wide receiver Christian Watson for their game against the New Orleans Saints. Jones has been dealing with a hamstring injury he suffered in scoring the winning touchdown in Week 1. Meanwhile, Watson has yet to play this season because of a hamstring injury.

Both players were able to practice on a limited basis on Friday, but the Packers decided to wait a little longer before activating them. Green Bay has a short week upcoming, with a Week 4 clash on Thursday against the Detroit Lions.

In addition, offensive tackle David Bakhtiari and cornerback Jaire Alexander are also inactive today for the Packers. — Steve Gardner

Bills-Commanders inactives include Damar Hamlin

For the third consecutive week, Damar Hamlin will not suit up for the Buffalo Bills.

The safety hasn’t played since suffering cardiac arrest during a game Jan. 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Hamlin, 25, was medically cleared by doctors to resume football activities this summer and he participated in training camp.

The other Bills inactives for their Week 3 road matchup against the Washington Commanders (2-0) are:

  • Cornerback Kaiir Elam

  • Tackle Germain Ifedi

  • Guard Alec Anderson

  • Defensive tackle Poona Ford

The Commanders declared the following players as inactive:

  • Defensive end K.J. Henry

  • T Trent Scott

  • G Chris Paul

  • Tight end Curtis Hodges

  • Tight end Logan Thomas

  • Wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley

Thomas suffered a concussion on his first touchdown catch of the season – some Commanders players and coaches believed it was a dirty hit by Denver Broncos defensive back Kareem Jackson – and was in early stages of the concussion protocol throughout the week. — Chris Bumbaca

Browns' Kareem Hunt shows support for injured Nick Chubb

The Cleveland Browns are back home to face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, but they'll be without star running back and fan favorite Nick Chubb, who suffered a torn MCL on "Monday Night Football" against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In the aftermath of Chubb's injury, the Browns signed free agent Kareem Hunt, who played the previous four seasons in Cleveland alongside Chubb. Before his first game of the 2023 season, Hunt showed up at Cleveland Browns Stadium wearing a Nick Chubb jersey T-shirt. — Casey Moore

Colts at Ravens: Predictions, picks and odds 

The Ravens are favorites to defeat the Colts, according to BetMGM NFL odds.

  • Spread: Ravens (-8)

  • Moneyline: Ravens (-400); Colts (+300)

  • Over/under: 44.5

USA TODAY Sports’ staff picks for this game:

  • Lorenzo Reyes: Ravens 23, Colts 19

  • Tyler Dragon: Ravens 26, Colts 16

  • Victoria Hernandez: Ravens 24, Colts 17

  • Jordan Mendoza: Ravens 27, Colts 16

Titans at Browns: Predictions, picks and odds 

The Browns are favorites to defeat the Titans, according to the BetMGM NFL odds.

  • Spread: Browns (-3)

  • Moneyline: Browns (-165); Titans (+140)

  • Over/under: 40

USA TODAY Sports’ staff picks for this game:

  • Lorenzo Reyes: Titans 22, Browns 17

  • Tyler Dragon: Titans 21, Browns 17

  • Victoria Hernandez: Browns 23, Titans 21

  • Jordan Mendoza: Browns 22, Titans 20

Falcons at Lions: Predictions, picks and odds 

The Lions are favorites to defeat the Falcons, according to BetMGM.

  • Spread: Lions (-3)

  • Moneyline: Lions (-165); Falcons (+140)

  • Over/under: 46.5

USA TODAY Sports’ staff picks for this game:

  • Lorenzo Reyes: Lions 28, Falcons 23

  • Tyler Dragon: Lions 24, Falcons 17

  • Victoria Hernandez: Lions 24, Falcons 20

  • Jordan Mendoza: Lions 28, Falcons 24

Saints at Packers: Predictions, picks and odds 

The Lions are favorites to defeat the Seahawks, according to the BetMGM NFL odds.

  • Spread: Packers (-2)

  • Moneyline: Packers (-125); Saints (+105)

  • Over/under: 42.5

USA TODAY Sports’ staff picks for this game:

  • Lorenzo Reyes: Saints 20, Packers 18

  • Tyler Dragon: Saints 24, Packers 21

  • Victoria Hernandez: Packers 23, Saints 20

  • Jordan Mendoza: Packers 26, Saints

Texans at Jaguars: Predictions, picks and odds 

The Jaguars are favorites to defeat the Texans, according to the BetMGM NFL odds

  • Spread: Jaguars (-9.5)

  • Moneyline: Jaguars (-450); Texans (+350)

  • Over/under: 44

USA TODAY Sports’ staff picks for this game:

  • Lorenzo Reyes: Jaguars 24, Texans 10

  • Tyler Dragon: Jaguars 27, Texans 12

  • Victoria Hernandez: Jaguars 20, Texans 12

  • Jordan Mendoza: Jaguars 34, Texans 17

Broncos at Dolphins: Predictions, picks and odds 

The Dolphins are favorites to defeat the Broncos, according to BetMGM NFL odds.

  • Spread: Dolphins (-6.5)

  • Moneyline: Dolphins (-300); Broncos (+230)

  • Over/under: 48

USA TODAY Sports’ staff picks for this game:

  • Lorenzo Reyes: Dolphins 29, Broncos 20

  • Tyler Dragon: Dolphins 28, Broncos 20

  • Victoria Hernandez: Dolphins 28, Broncos 20

  • Jordan Mendoza: Dolphins 31, Broncos 23

Chargers at Vikings: Predictions, picks and odds 

The Chargers are favorites to defeat the Vikings, according to BetMGM NFL odds.

  • Spread: Chargers (-1)

  • Moneyline: Chargers (-110); Vikings (-110)

  • Over/under: 54

USA TODAY Sports’ staff picks for this game:

  • Lorenzo Reyes: Vikings 26, Chargers 23

  • Tyler Dragon: Chargers 25, Vikings 23

  • Victoria Hernandez: Chargers 28, Vikings 24

  • Jordan Mendoza: Chargers 33, Vikings 30

Patriots at Jets: Predictions, picks and odds 

The Patriots are favorites to defeat the Jets, according to BetMGM NFL odds.

  • Spread: Patriots (-3)

  • Moneyline: Patriots (-155); Jets (+130)

  • Over/under: 37

USA TODAY Sports’ staff picks for this game:

  • Lorenzo Reyes: Patriots 17, Jets 10

  • Tyler Dragon: Patriots 20, Jets 16

  • Victoria Hernandez: Jets 17, Patriots 13

  • Jordan Mendoza: Patriots 17, Jets 12

Bills at Commanders: Predictions, picks and odds 

The Bills are favorites to defeat the Commanders, according to BetMGM NFL odds.

  • Spread: Bills (-6.5)

  • Moneyline: Bills (-275); Commanders (+220)

  • Over/under: 44.5

USA TODAY Sports’ staff picks for this game:

  • Lorenzo Reyes: Bills 30, Commanders 22

  • Tyler Dragon: Bills 28, Commanders 20

  • Victoria Hernandez: Bills 30, Commanders 20

  • Jordan Mendoza: Bills 31, Commanders 23

Who is the highest-paid NFL player? 

The NFL's top 15 players in average annual salary are all quarterbacks, according to OverTheCap.com. As Joe Burrow proved in his new deal with the Cincinnati Bengals, teams place a huge priority on having a top-flight QB under center. Burrow's five-year, $275 million contract extension made him the league's highest paid player at a staggering average annual value of $55 million. San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa is the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league after signing a five-year, $170 million extension.

Here’s the complete list of the league’s highest-paid players.

Who are the highest paid NFL players at each position? 

We have a complete list at every position:

How much does the average NFL ticket cost? 

The average price of a 2023 NFL ticket is $377, according to TicketSmarter data. It’s a major jump from last season, when the average price was $235. Leading the NFL in ticket costs is the Las Vegas Raiders, which has an average cost of $582 per ticket. Behind the Raiders are the Super Bowl 57 contestants: the Kansas City Chiefs at $578 and Philadelphia Eagles at $559. Here are the five highest ticket averages:

  • Las Vegas Raiders: $582

  • Kansas City Chiefs: $578

  • Philadelphia Eagles: $559

  • Dallas Cowboys: $545

  • New England Patriots: $534

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Atlanta Falcons have the cheapest average price at $225. They are followed by the Houston Texans ($236) and Arizona Cardinals ($250). Here are the lowest five ticket averages:

  • Atlanta Falcons: $225

  • Houston Texans: $236

  • Arizona Cardinals: $250

  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $263

  • Tennessee Titans: $265

— Jordan Mendoza

NFL rules changes for 2023: What they are and what they mean 

The NFL, through its competition committee, assesses the league's playing rules each offseason and collects feedback from players, coaches and executives for possible changes.

The league classifies adjustments in two ways: actual changes to the rulebook and points of clarification, which essentially highlight emphases the NFL wants its officials to prioritize during games. Players and coaches, therefore, must tweak the way they play and coach in order to comply with the adjustments. For football fans, there's an adjustment, too, in understanding the strategy behind certain decisions.

Read Lorenzo Reyes’ breakdown of the league’s adopted changes here.

NFL broadcast teams: Meet all the announcers for 2023 season 

The NFL is back, and with that, so are the announcing teams that will be the soundtrack of the games.

Keeping track of who is behind the microphone for which game on what network can be difficult to keep track of. We’re here to help and break down the main broadcast players for the 2023 NFL season inside the booth. — Chris Bumbaca

How much do NFL players care about their Madden rating? A lot, actually. 

Armed with a clipboard and his disarming personality, Clint Oldenburg readies himself for the questions. And on this particular Friday afternoon at Washington Commanders practice, there will be plenty.

The interrogators are the players themselves, and the topic of their consternation (in most cases) is both subjective and a cultural touchpoint: their Madden NFL 24 ratings.

"They care a lot," Oldenburg, a ratings adjuster and former NFL offensive lineman, told USA TODAY Sports. "In my mind, the Madden rating is kind of like their street cred out there."

That's why some players’ reactions to their initial ratings can be combative. Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs, upon learning he was an 87 overall, took to social media to display his displeasure.

Read Chris Bumbaca’s full feature here.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL Week 3 highlights, scores: Biggest moments from Sunday’s games