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Breaking down the NFL standings coming out of Week 3

The NFL is almost finished with Week 3. We break down the standings as the league starts to look to Week 4.

By David Fucillo Updated
Kicker Justin Tucker #9 of the Baltimore Ravens kicks a 43-yard field goal against the Las Vegas Raiders during the NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The NFL is on the back half of its Sunday slate for Week 3, and it’s already been a wild day. The Ravens beat the Lions on a record-setting field goal and the Bengals showed the Steelers it might be time for a bit of a changing of the guard. The Giants and Falcons both stink, but Atlanta managed a win in New Jersey. And the Cardinals escaped with a 12-point win after falling behind by double digits in Jacksonville.

In the early going, the Panthers (on TNF) and Cardinals (on Sunday) both remain undefeated. The remaining unbeaten teams are in action this afternoon and evening.

Below are the eight divisional standings, along with some quick thoughts about each division after three weeks of football. We’ll update with various records after the Sunday late afternoon slate and Sunday Night Football and Monday Night Football.

AFC East

Buffalo crushed Washington while the Patriots struggled in an ugly loss to New Orleans. The Bills seem to be settling back into a positive rhythm.

Sunday PM: The Jets were shut out in Denver and remain winless. The Dolphins forced overtime in Las Vegas but came up short against the Raiders.

  1. Buffalo Bills, 2-1
  2. Miami Dolphins, 1-2
  3. New England Patriots, 1-2
  4. New York Jets, 0-3

AFC North

The AFC North wrapped its full slate and the Bengals get the big win, stunning the Steelers 24-10. Baltimore escaped with a wild win over Detroit on a record-setting 66-yard field goal by Justin Tucker.

  1. Cleveland Browns, 2-1
  2. Baltimore Ravens, 2-1
  3. Cincinnati Bengals, 2-1
  4. Pittsburgh Steelers, 1-2

AFC South

The Colts had Carson Wentz back, but it wasn’t enough and they came up short at Tennessee. Houston lost to Carolina on TNF while the Jaguars lost in a blur to Arizona. Jacksonville took a two-possession lead only to give up a score and then a pick-six to swing this one.

  1. Tennessee Titans, 2-1
  2. Houston Texans, 1-2
  3. Jacksonville Jaguars, 0-3
  4. Indianapolis Colts, 0-3

AFC West

The Chiefs are going to leave Week 3 in last place after losing to the Chargers. How many people saw that coming a month ago? The Raiders and Broncos are both in action in the late afternoon slate.

Sunday PM update: The Broncos shut out the Jets and the Raiders held off the Dolphins to both remain undefeated.

  1. Las Vegas Raiders, 3-0
  2. Denver Broncos, 3-0
  3. Los Angeles Chargers, 2-1
  4. Kansas City Chiefs, 1-2

NFC East

The Giants stumbled at home against a bad Falcons team while Washington was thumped in Buffalo. The Eagles and Cowboys close out the week on Monday Night Football.

MNF update: The Cowboys thumped the Eagles to close out Week 3 and Dallas now sits in sole possession of first place in the NFC East.

  1. Dallas Cowboys, 2-1
  2. Philadelphia Eagles, 1-2
  3. Washington Football Team, 1-2
  4. New York Giants, 0-3

NFC North

Oh, the poor Lions. Detroit had Dan Campbell’s first win in their sights, only to lose 19-17 on a record-setting 66-yard field goal by Justin Tucker. The Bears also lost in a disaster of a day with Justin Fields getting sacked nine times.

Sunday PM update: Minnesota got on the board with a big win over Seattle. They trailed most of the first half, but came back and took control in the second half.

SNF update: The Packers beat the 49ers on a game-winning field goal as time expired.

  1. Green Bay Packers, 2-1
  2. Chicago Bears, 1-2
  3. Minnesota Vikings, 1-2
  4. Detroit Lions, 0-3

NFC South

Carolina handled its business against Houston on Thursday. The Saints thumped the Patriots with ease while the Falcons got on the board with a road win over the Giants. The Bucs close out the division’s schedule with a 4:25 p.m. ET road game against the Rams.

Sunday PM update: The Bucs lost their first game of the year, struggling to hang with the Rams in the second half of Week 3.

  1. Carolina Panthers, 3-0
  2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2-1
  3. New Orleans Saints, 2-1
  4. Atlanta Falcons, 1-2

NFC West

The Cardinals came back from a double digit deficit against the Jaguars to roll to a 31-19 victory. The Rams face the Bucs and the Seahawks face the Vikings in the 4:25 slot. The 49ers wrap up the division’s schedule on Sunday Night Football against the Packers.

Sunday PM update: Seattle lost to Minnesota after leading for most of the first half. The Vikings controlled things in the second half. The Rams thumped the Bucs, pulling away in the second half.

SNF update: The 49ers lost to the Packers on a field goal as time expired.

  1. Arizona Cardinals, 3-0
  2. Los Angeles Rams, 3-0
  3. San Francisco 49ers, 2-1
  4. Seattle Seahawks, 1-2

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