Week three of this crazy NFL season has come and gone, and we are slowly seeing the teams that are title contenders emerging.
Despite some slow starts, some teams were able to earn their first wins of the season in statement fashion, while other teams with high expectations continued their downward spirals due to injuries to key talent or struggles on all fronts. Regardless of the ups and downs, we at TPS are excited about what’s to come as the 2024 NFL season continues.
Here are the grades for all 32 NFL teams after week three.
Which NFL teams managed to get the highest grades this week?
Arizona Cardinals: C-
After the Cardinals’ week two victory, this NFL team fell back down to earth in their 13-20 loss to the Detroit Lions. Kyler Murray threw a touchdown against an interception and led the Cardinals’ rushing attack with 45 yards on the ground. James Conner had a brutal day, as he rushed for 17 yards all game, and Marvin Harrison Jr. scored a touchdown. On defense, the Red Birds had two sacks and an interception against Jared Goff.
Despite the painful loss, the Cardinals will bounce back from this as they get prepared for their week four matchup against the Washington Commanders.
Atlanta Falcons: C-
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The Falcons lost a tough and somewhat controversial Sunday night matchup 17-22 to the Kansas City Chiefs. Kirk Cousins threw a touchdown against an interception, Bijan Robinson scored a rushing touchdown, and Drake London scored a receiving touchdown. On defense, the Falcons had an interception by Justin Simmons but no sacks on the night. The referees also missed a clear pass interference call on the Chiefs’ defense when Kyle Pitts attempted to score a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
However, the Falcons had some missteps in the game as well, including injuries to key offensive linemen. The only thing the Falcons can do is move on to their week four matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
Baltimore Ravens: B+
Despite a comeback attempt by the Dallas Cowboys, the Ravens finally are back in the win column, as they defeated the ‘Boys 28-25. Lamar Jackson threw a touchdown pass to Rashod Bateman with no interceptions, wasn’t sacked at all, and scored a rushing touchdown, and Derrick Henry had an excellent day on the ground as he scored two rushing touchdowns on defense.
The Ravens had three sacks and a fumble recovery against the Cowboys, but they had no interceptions. This game showed the addition of Henry is paying dividends, as the Cowboys defense couldn’t slow him down. Hopefully, the Ravens will continue building on this first win.
Buffalo Bills: A-
The Bills entered primetime and obliterated the Jacksonville Jaguars 47-10. Josh Allen threw four touchdowns against no interceptions, James Cook and Ray Davis both scored rushing touchdowns, and Khalil Shakir, Dalton Kincaid, Ty Coleman, and Keon Coleman all scored receiving touchdowns. On defense, the Bills had five sacks and a fumble recovery, and Damar Hamlin had his first career interception. A strong night for the Bills on all sides of the ball, which will make some of their next opponents quiver in fear.
Carolina Panthers: B-
Who are you, and what have you done with the Carolina Panthers? They earned their first win of the 2024 season with a shocking 36-22 victory on the road against the Las Vegas Raiders. Andy Dalton, who replaced a benched Bryce Young, threw three touchdowns against no interceptions in the game, and Chubba Hubbard rushed for 114 yards. At the same time, Miles Sanders scored a rushing touchdown, and Dionte Johnson, Hubbard, and Adam Thielen scored receiving touchdowns.
On defense, the Panthers had three sacks, and Michael Jackson snagged himself an interception on the afternoon. It was a massive turn of events for the Panthers after being humiliated in back-to-back games, and it shows. Dalton and this NFL team have some fight in them, after all.
Chicago Bears: C-
Even though the Bears played slightly better than they did in week two against the Houston Texans, they still fell to the Indianapolis Colts 16-21. Caleb Williams threw his first two touchdown passes of the season against two interceptions, the Bears’ rushing attack was held to 63 rushing yards all game, and Rome Odunze and Cole Kmet scored receiving touchdowns. On defense, the Bears had a sack and two interceptions against Anthony Richardson.
The Bears need to improve their rushing attack and find a way to earn their second win of the 2024 season, and fast.
Cincinnati Bengals: B-
The Bengals played a good battle with the Washington Commanders on Monday night but failed to get the win as they lost 33-38 at home. Joe Burrow threw three touchdowns against no interceptions and was sacked twice; Zack Moss scored a rushing touchdown, Ja’Marr Chase scored two receiving touchdowns, and Andrei Iosivas scored a receiving touchdown.
On defense, the Bengals had two sacks and no turnovers. Despite a great performance offensively, the Commanders scored more points and got ahead of the Bengals when it mattered most.
Also Read: Grading All 32 NFL Teams Defenses After Week 2 Games Of The 2024 Season
Cleveland Browns: C-
The Browns started the game off well with a fumble recovery and a touchdown to Amari Cooper in the first seconds, but everything fell apart for them as the game got underway, resulting in a 15-21 loss. Deshaun Watson threw two touchdowns against no interceptions but was sacked a whopping eight times and lost two fumbles. The Browns rushing attack was nonexistent all afternoon, and Amari Cooper scored two touchdowns all game.
On defense, the Browns had two sacks and two fumble recoveries. The Browns played a decent game, but they need to find a way to close games out on a positive note and better protect their quarterback. They could also have Watson benched for Jameis Winston moving forward.
Dallas Cowboys: D+
The Cowboys were outplayed by the Baltimore Ravens, before they attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter, even though they lost 25-28 in the end. Dak Prescott threw two touchdowns against no interceptions. The Cowboys’ rushing attack was held to 51 rushing yards all game, and Jalen Tobert and KaVonte Turpin both scored touchdowns. On defense, the Cowboys couldn’t get a sack or interception against Lamar Jackson, nor could they stop Derrick Henry, who had rushed for 151 yards.
Despite the comeback, the Cowboys couldn’t stave off the high-powered Ravens’ offense. They have some work to do as they prepare for their road trip to the Meadowlands for their week four matchup against the New York Giants.
Denver Broncos: B
It was quite the shock, but the Broncos earned their first win of the 2024 season with a 26-7 upset victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Bo Nix didn’t throw any touchdowns or interceptions, but he did score a rushing touchdown. Jaleel McLaughlin scored a rushing touchdown, and Courtland Sutton caught seven receptions for 68 yards.
On defense, Brandon Jones had a fumble recovery, and an interception returned for 37 yards, while the rest of this NFL team had seven sacks against Baker Mayfield. It was a very strong afternoon for the Broncos, as they earned their stripes with this statement victory despite Nix not throwing a touchdown pass.
Detroit Lions: B+
The Lions rebounded from their week two loss with an impressive week three 20-13 victory on the road against the Arizona Cardinals. Jared Goff threw two touchdowns against an interception, David Montgomery scored a rushing touchdown, and Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs both scored receiving touchdowns. On defense, the Lions had a sack and interception against Kyler Murray. The Lions once again showed us they’re not going down without a fight, and they will continue building off their successful 2023 season with a potentially stronger run.
Green Bay Packers: A-
The Packers had a very strong Sunday afternoon, as they defeated the Tennessee Titans 30-14. Malik Willis threw a touchdown against no interceptions and scored a rushing touchdown, but was sacked three times. Christian Watson had a good game with 67 receiving yards as Emanuel Wilson scored a touchdown.
On defense, the Packers had a fumble recovery and eight sacks, and Jaire Alexander had an interception returned for 35 yards and scored a pick-six. Good performances from the Packers’ offense, but it was Alexander and the Packers’ defense who stepped up big in their impressive victory over the Titans.
Houston Texans: D-
The Texans struggled all game long in their 7-34 loss on the road against the Minnesota Vikings. C.J. Stroud threw a touchdown against two interceptions on the afternoon, the Texans’ rushing attack was held to 38 rushing yards all game, Cam Akers scored the only touchdown for the Texans, and Stefon Diggs had 94 receiving yards. On defense, the Texans had four sacks and three pass deflections but no turnovers. A brutal afternoon, the Texans would like to forget, as they return home for a divisional matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars in week four.
Indianapolis Colts: C
Despite a sloppy and low-scoring matter, the Colts survived week three and earned a 21-16 victory over the Chicago Bears. Anthony Richardson threw two interceptions against no touchdowns, Jonathan Taylor went to work and scored two rushing touchdowns, Trey Sermon scored a rushing touchdown, and Alec Pierce caught one reception for 44 yards. On defense, the Colts had a fumble recovery and four sacks, and Jaylon Jones had two interceptions. It’s not the prettiest way to earn a first win of the season, but a win is a win, and the Colts are finally in the win column.
Jacksonville Jaguars: F
It was a disastrous night the Jaguars want to forget about as they were crushed 10-47 by the Buffalo Bills. Trevor Lawrence threw a touchdown against an interception and was sacked four times, Travis Etienne Jr. rushed for 68 yards on 11 carries, and Brenton Strange scored the Jaguars’ only touchdown of the night. On defense, this NFL team had three pass deflections but no sacks or turnovers. It may be time for the Jaguars to hit the reset button and potentially lose out for a high 2025 draft pick.
Kansas City Chiefs: B+
The Chiefs managed to secure another win in a close and somewhat controversial 22-17 final over the Atlanta Falcons. Patrick Mahomes threw two touchdowns against one interception, Carson Steele led the Chiefs’ ground game with 72 rushing yards, and Rashee Rice and Juju Smith-Schuster both scored touchdowns. However, Travis Kelce has been struggling this season, as he caught four receptions for 30 yards.
On defense, the Chiefs had two sacks and an interception on the night. Despite the win, the Chiefs got away with pass interference on Kyle Pitts in the end zone late in the fourth quarter due to poor officiating. That said, the Falcons had some missteps in the game, which the Chiefs took advantage of to secure the win.
Las Vegas Raiders: D+
It was a shocking afternoon for the Raiders, as they fell to the Carolina Panthers 22-36. Gardner Minshew threw a touchdown against an interception but was sacked twice and was replaced by Aidan O’Connell late in the game, as he threw a touchdown pass to Tre Tucker. The Raiders rushing attack was held to a mere 55 yards, although Alexander Mattison scored a rushing touchdown, Jakobi Meyers scored a touchdown pass, and Davante Adams caught four receptions for 40 yards.
On defense, the Raiders had two sacks and five pass deflections but no defensive turnovers. It was a rough afternoon for the Raiders in their home opener, as they dropped a tough one to the Panthers. It’s time for the Silver and Black to move on as fast as they can and get set for week four.
Los Angeles Chargers: C-
The Chargers started the game off hot with a 10-7 halftime lead but lost it to the Pittsburgh Steelers 10-20. Justin Herbert threw a touchdown against no interceptions. Things unraveled with Herbert leaving the game early due to an ankle injury, even though X-rays came back negative. J.K. Dobbins was held to 44 rushing yards, and Quentin Johnston scored a touchdown. On defense, the Chargers had two sacks, four pass deflections, and a Bud Dupree interception. It was not the best afternoon for the Chargers, as they threw away a three-point lead after halftime and didn’t make contact with the end zone in the second half.
Los Angeles Rams: B
After getting humiliated by the Arizona Cardinals in week two, the Rams played a very close matchup with the San Francisco 49ers and won 27-24 in the last seconds thanks to kicker Joshua Karty kicking the game-winning field goal. Matthew Stafford threw a touchdown against no interceptions, Kyren Williams scored two rushing touchdowns and caught a receiving touchdown, and Tutu Atwell had a great game with 93 receiving yards.
On defense, the Rams had a fumble recovery and a sack but no interceptions. Despite the win, the Rams certainly feel the burn of not having Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, who are both recovering from injuries. It was great to see them bounce back and earn a close win against their NFC West rival.
Miami Dolphins: F
Life without Tua Tagovailoa wasn’t easy, as the Dolphins were smacked 3-24 by the Seattle Seahawks on the road. Skylar Thompson didn’t even throw a touchdown or interception in the game and was sacked five times before suffering a painful rib injury, forcing the Dolphins to use Tim Boyle to finish out the game. Their NFL team’s rushing attack was held to 65 yards all game, and Tyreek Hill only caught three receptions for 40 yards.
On defense, the Dolphins had three sacks and two interceptions against Geno Smith all game. The Dolphins look like a mess and need to rebound quickly if they want to have a somewhat respectable season or lose out just to obtain a high draft pick in 2025.
Minnesota Vikings: A-
The Minnesota Vikings once again had a very strong statement game, as they shut down the Houston Texans 34-7. Sam Darnold had four touchdowns against no interceptions but was sacked four times. Aaron Jones rushed for 102 yards on the ground and scored a receiving touchdown, Justin Jefferson scored a touchdown, Jalen Nailor scored a touchdown, and Johnny Mundt scored a touchdown. On defense, the Vikings had five sacks (four of them against C.J. Stroud and one against Davis Mills) and had two interceptions against Stroud.
The Vikings continued their dominance as they looked to maintain control of the NFC North, and for now, Sam Darnold looked like he could potentially win the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award by the end of the season.
New England Patriots: F
It was a very brutal night for the Patriots, as they were crushed in a painful 3-24 loss to their AFC East rivals, the New York Jets. Jacoby Brissett had no touchdowns or interceptions and was sacked five times, while rookie Drake Maye was sacked twice. The Patriots’ run game combined for 78 rushing yards on the ground, and DeMario Douglas caught seven receptions for 69 yards. On defense, the Pats had two sacks and no defensive turnovers.
It is a sign of the tide turning, as the Patriots are officially no longer the AFC East bullies they used to be, and Bill Belichick is long gone. They need to find their new identity under the current head coach, Jerod Mayo, moving forward.
New Orleans Saints: C
The Saints saw themselves playing a very low-scoring game and losing to the Philadelphia Eagles 12-15 in the last minutes of the game. Derek Carr threw a touchdown against an interception, Alvin Kamara rushed for 87 yards on 26 carries, and Chris Olave scored a touchdown, while Rashid Shaheed had a very quiet afternoon with no catches. On defense, the Saints had four sacks, an interception, and a fumble recovery. It was not the best afternoon for the Saints as they suffered a very close first loss of the 2024 season. The Saints should rebound in their week four matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on the road.
New York Giants: B+
The Giants opened the game up extremely sloppy, as they lost a fumble on the opening kick return, and the Browns scored a touchdown because of it. However, the G-Men turned things around and won 21-15 outright. Daniel Jones threw two touchdowns against no interceptions, Devin Singletary scored a rushing touchdown, and Malik Nabers scored two receiving touchdowns. On defense, the Giants had two defensive fumble recoveries and eight sacks against Deshaun Watson. Despite the sloppy start, the Giants were able to quickly turn things around and decisively earn their first win of the 2024 season.
New York Jets: A-
Despite a very short week, the Jets dominated their longtime bullies, the New England Patriots, on all fronts in their 24-3 victory. Aaron Rodgers threw two touchdowns against no interceptions, Breece Hall scored a rushing touchdown, and Allen Lazard and Garrett Wilson scored receiving touchdowns. On defense, the Jets had seven sacks and a fumble recovery. Seeing the team, once bullied and used as the New England Patriots’ punching bag, turn the tables and deliver a blowout victory in front of their home must have been incredibly satisfying for their NFL fans. This may be just the beginning of turning a new page of victory moving forward.
Philadelphia Eagles: C+
Despite Jalen Hurts playing a slightly worse game than Derek Carr, the Eagles managed to earn the 15-12 win against the New Orleans Saints. Hurts threw an interception against no touchdown passes, Saquon Barkley scored two rushing touchdowns, and Dallas Goedert caught 10 receptions for 170 yards, as well as setting up Barkley’s second touchdown of the day with a 61-yard reception. On defense, the Eagles had a sack, and Reed Blankenship caught the game-ending interception. Despite the low-scoring affair, the Eagles secured the win against a very tough opponent, which is all that matters at the end of the day.
Pittsburgh Steelers: B
Despite being down 10-7 at halftime, the Steelers kept the Los Angeles Chargers out of the end zone in the second half, came back from behind, and won 20-10. Justin Fields threw a touchdown against an interception and scored a rushing touchdown, Najee Harris rushed for 70 yards, and Calvin Austin III scored a receiving touchdown. On defense, the Steelers had five sacks and one pass deflection but no defensive turnovers. Good afternoon to the Steelers, as they have a 3-0 record and are solely in possession of the AFC North for now.
San Francisco 49ers: B-
Despite starting the game off strong against the Los Angeles Rams, the 49ers were outdone at the very end of the game due to Rams’ kicker Joshua Karty kicking the game-winning field goal and losing on a failed lateral attempt 24-27. Brock Purdy had a nice game as he threw three touchdowns against no interceptions, Jordan Mason rushed for 77 yards, and Jauan Jennings scored three touchdowns.
On defense, the 49ers had three sacks but no defensive turnovers. Despite the 49ers playing a lot better than they did in week two of the NFL season, week three was another tough break for this 49ers team as they look to find a way to avoid extending their current losing streak in their week four matchup against the New England Patriots.
Seattle Seahawks: B-
Even though Geno Smith didn’t play his best game, the Seahawks were able to take advantage of the Miami Dolphins’ struggles in their 24-3 victory in week three. Smith threw a touchdown against two interceptions, Zach Charbonnett scored two rushing touchdowns as Kenneth Walker III is recovering from an oblique injury, and DK Metcalf scored a receiving touchdown. On defense, the Seahawks were relentless against Skylar Thompson, as they sacked him five times on the day but couldn’t get any defensive turnovers all game. So far, this Seahawks team is strong on the defensive side of the ball. However, there were some slight cracks in Geno Smith’s play in this game.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: D
In one of the more bizarre games of the afternoon, the Buccaneers fell flat to the Denver Broncos 7-26. Baker Mayfield threw a touchdown against one interception and was sacked seven times, Bucky Irving rushed for 70 yards, and Chris Godwin caught the only touchdown pass while Mike Evans had a very quiet afternoon. On defense, the Bucs had five pass deflections and a Logan Hall fumble recovery, but they had no sacks or interceptions. It was a very brutal afternoon for this NFL team, as the Broncos took advantage of the team’s missteps all game long.
Tennessee Titans: D
The Titans looked like a mess as they fell to the Green Bay Packers 14-30. Will Levis threw two touchdowns against two costly interceptions and lost a fumble, which was returned for a Packers touchdown, and was sacked eight times. The Packers’ rushing attack was held to a mere 33 yards all game, and DeAndre Hopkins and Nick Vannett both scored touchdowns. On defense, the Titans had three sacks and no defensive turnovers.
It was a brutal afternoon for the Titans, as they have yet to win a game all season. Now they head back to practice and get prepared for week four against the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football.
Washington Commanders: B+
The Commanders traveled to western Ohio and pulled off an impressive upset 38-33 win against the Cincinnati Bengals. Jayden Daniels threw two touchdowns against no interceptions and scored a rushing touchdown but was sacked twice. Austin Ekeler scored a rushing touchdown, Brian Robinson Jr. scored a rushing touchdown, offensive tackle Trent Scott scored a touchdown, and Terry McLaurin scored an impressive 27-yard touchdown to seal the deal. On defense, this NFL team had two sacks and no turnovers.
This game was a coming-out party for Jayden Daniels as he shined in primetime in a very hostel environment. Hopefully, Daniels continues to impress NFL fans with more performances like this.
Also Read: The Most EMBARRASSING Record Held By Each Of The 32 NFL Teams
