Jump to a matchupChiefs 22, Falcons 17Rams 27, 49ers 24Ravens 28, Cowboys 25Vikings 34, Texans 7Steelers 20, Chargers 10Seahawks 24, Dolphins 3Lions 20, Cardinals 13Eagles 15, Saints 12Packers 30, Titans 14Broncos 26, Buccaneers 7Panthers 36, Raiders 22Giants 21, Browns 15Colts 21, Bears 16Jets 24, Patriots 3
It’s desperation time for some teams in the NFL, and we have yet to reach October.
Historically speaking, falling into an 0–3 hole is a death knell for postseason hopes. Since the league expanded to 12 playoff teams in 1990, the only teams to lose each of their first three games and then make the postseason are the 1992 San Diego Chargers, ’95 Detroit Lions, ’98 Buffalo Bills and 2018 Houston Texans.
In the early window, we saw a few teams avoid that hole. The Indianapolis Colts, New York Giants and Denver Broncos all won, giving themselves a chance to get right. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers got to 3–0, handling a suddenly injury-ravaged Los Angeles Chargers team.
In the late window, the Baltimore Ravens and Carolina Panthers both got their first wins of the campaign, each winning in blowout fashion on the road. Then there was the Los Angeles Rams at home, scoring 10 points in the final two minutes to stun the San Francisco 49ers.
On Sunday night, the Kansas City Chiefs stayed unbeaten, beating the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 22–17.
Let’s get to the action.
SUNDAY
My take: Kansas City (3–0) never makes it easy, but the Chiefs did enough to stay among the ranks of the unbeaten. Patrick Mahomes had another uneven night, throwing for 217 yards on 5.6 yards per attempt along with two touchdowns and an interception. Still, Kansas City made it work, allowing only 10 points after the opening drive. For Atlanta (1–2), it should be heartened. The Falcons came within a horrific no-call on Bryan Cook and a failed fourth-and-1 conversion from beating the two-time defending champs.
Stock up: Carson Steele looks like an adequate replacement for Isiah Pacheco. The undrafted rookie got his first NFL start, rushing for 72 yards on 17 carries. He’s not going to give Kansas City the explosiveness of Pacheco, but he can run straight ahead and break some tackles.
Stock down: Atlanta’s offensive line, although it’s not all its fault. Right tackle Kaleb McGary and center Drew Dalman left in the first half due to injuries and didn’t return. Those losses seriously hindered the Falcons’ run game, which mustered only 82 yards, averaging 3.3 yards per carry.
Up Next: Chiefs at Chargers, 4:25 p.m. ET Sept. 29; Saints at Falcons, 1 p.m. ET Sept. 29
