As week three of the NFL approaches, there are many teams who want to prove a point early in the season. Some teams are looking to show their offseason work has paid off, while others are looking to avoid becoming laughing stocks of the league. Every game of the season has a purpose but some more than others.
Here are a few games in week three to pay attention to, as these team are fighting for more than just a win:
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Giants vs. 49ers
On one side, you have a team trying to prove they are the next big thing in the NFL. On the other, you have a team playing to prove they have made progress. After suffering the largest defeat of week one losing 40-0, the New York Giants made a glorious 20 point comeback in week two against the Cardinals.
With two different games behind them, both very different results, they are out to prove that one was a fluke and the other was not. They hope to show the league that the Giants of week two are the real opponents teams will have to face during the NFL season.
As for the 49ers, they have a starting quarterback who has yet to lose a regular season game and have established themselves as a force early this season. Players like Deebo Samuel and George Kittle have redemption on their mind, while wrecking ball Christian McCaffrey wants to become a name 49ers fans will embrace.
The 49ers want to keep their win streak going for as long as they can, and the Giants want to prove they are a winning team. Plus, it’s the first game of the week so why not treat yourself with an absolute showdown.
2. Patriots vs. Jets
Each of these division rivals will be determined to get a win in week three. The Patriots are 0-2 for the first time since 2001, and they haven’t started 0-3 since the year prior. They will be looking to make sure they get their first win of the season, or Pats fans may start to take quite a distaste with their team.
As for the Jets, not only will they be looking to reclaim a winning record, but accomplish a feat they have not since 2015. The Patriots have defeated the Jets 14 times straight, however, many believe this is the best Jets team in years. The Jets have not been that dominant over the Patriots since the late ‘60s, but they will at least be looking for a change in pattern on Sunday.
If the Patriots do not get a win, it will be detrimental to their playoff chances early in the year. If the Jets do not win, Zach Wilson will begin to tip toward the direction of disappointment, and the search for a new quarterback may ensue.
3. Chargers vs. Vikings
Nobody expected either of these teams to begin their season 0-2, and each of them will be looking for their first win on Sunday. With home field advantage, the Vikings are sure to have the upper hand. They have also beaten the Chargers three times straight and are looking to increase their dominance.
More eyes may lie on Justin Herbert and the Chargers, however, as their position is more unexpected. Since the addition of Herbert, they have slowly gotten better and better each year. That being said, this is the teams worst start with Herbert as their leading man.
Each team currently sits 3rd in their division, but whoever loses is likely to drop to last, not boding well for future playoff chances. Who will get their first win of the season, and who will drop to likely the most unexpected 0-3 record so far?
4. Steelers vs. Raiders
Even with the Raiders move to Las Vegas, the history runs deep between these two sides. The bitterness each team holds for the other since their sour rivalry in the ‘70s has never seemed to fade, resulting in entertainment with every matchup. As they now play one another for the third season in a row, each enters the matchup with a record of 1-1.
The Raiders currently lead their division, however, they are tied for the top spot. A win would not only help their divisional chances, but help quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo’s chances of establishing a name for himself in Vegas. Meanwhile, Steelers fans may think their team should be 0-2, however, a late fumble recovery and touchdown by TJ Watt in week two propelled them past the Browns.
The Steelers have not had a true chance to prove themselves as a team this season, but by defeating the Raiders they would do so. They also have something to prove as they trail the all time series 14-17. A win would be a positive boost for either team, while questions may begin to arise with a defeat.
5. Eagles vs. Buccaneers
One of these teams will receive its first loss of the season when they face off Monday night. The problem is neither side wants to become that team. Newly signed Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has been making a statement in his first two weeks in Tampa Bay.
He has three touchdowns and is one of eight quarterbacks yet to throw an interception. He also follows in the steps of one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time in Tom Brady, and wants to prove to Tampa Bay he is an adequate replacement.
On the other hand, the Philadelphia Eagles want nothing more than to get a redemption shot at the Superbowl, but their division is making that tough. They stand tied with both the Cowboys and Commanders for first in the NFC East, and could take sole control of the top spot with a win. The Eagles have also lost to the Buccaneers four times in a row and will be looking to defeat them for the first time since 2013.
Although you will not want to miss the finish of the other Monday night game between the Bengals and Rams, this matchup will conclude first and see a new division leader with its result.
