Week 3 of the 2026 NFL season delivered a chaotic slate of Sunday matchups defined by self-inflicted mistakes, resilient late-game drives, and standout performances across both conferences. According to reporting from NFL.com, the early window featured a mix of blowout victories and nail-biting finishes, headlined by the Buffalo Bills overcoming five turnovers to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers.
Buffalo Overcomes Historic Turnover Tally
The Buffalo Bills did everything in their power to hand Sunday’s game to the visiting Los Angeles Chargers, committing five turnovers and drawing 10 penalties for 88 yards. Josh Allen threw two interceptions, while running back James Cook and tight end Dalton Kincaid both lost fumbles. According to NFL.com, it marked the first time the Bills won a regular-season game when committing at least five turnovers since 1997.
Buffalo secured its third straight win to open the season by pivoting heavily to James Cook in the fourth quarter. Cook rushed for 77 of his 154 yards and a touchdown in the final period, allowing the Bills to control the clock and wear down a disciplined Chargers defense that had dominated the first half. The loss dropped the Chargers to 0-3 after another late collapse.
Browns Defense and Watson Deliver Again
In Cleveland, the Browns secured a 21-18 victory over the Carolina Panthers, building on a strong defensive identity under new defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg. The Browns generated a 51% pressure rate, led by Jared Verse with six pressures and Mason Graham with two crucial sacks, according to NFL.com.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson once again engineered a game-winning touchdown drive in the final minutes, connecting with Harold Fannin Jr. on a third-and-10 strike from the 14-yard line. For Carolina, Bryce Young struggled under constant duress, particularly after losing top receiver Jalen Coker to a quad injury, as the Panthers fell short despite a brief fourth-quarter lead.
Around the League
Elsewhere in the early window, the Detroit Lions defeated the New York Jets 31-24 behind three second-half touchdowns from Jahmyr Gibbs. The Indianapolis Colts edged the Houston Texans 19-17, the Jacksonville Jaguars cruised past the New England Patriots 35-6, and the Kansas City Chiefs handled the Miami Dolphins 24-10. Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders outlasted the Seattle Seahawks 33-31 in a high-scoring thriller, and the Pittsburgh Steelers squeezed past the Cincinnati Bengals 30-27.