2023 NFL Week 3 Biggest Takeaways

By Jeff Stinger • September 25, 2023

NFL Week 3 had arguably the most entertaining slate of action early into the season. From a memorable overtime thriller to surprising upsets and stratospheric levels of scoring performances, this week had it all. Without further ado, let’s recap the wildest and most impactful moments that transpired on Sunday.

Nitrobetting is here to take your bets into the end zone this 2023 NFL season. Let’s briefly recap the biggest headlines and takeaways from the Week 3 action on the gridiron, and what we should expect from the upcoming thrills of Week 4.

Top 5 Takeaways from Week 3 of the 2023 NFL Season

Double the football on MNF. Let’s run it back.

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— NFL (@NFL) September 25, 2023

Setting off the Fireworks

Week 3 would make Katy Perry proud, as four teams scored at least 37 points in their given matchups. The Chiefs dropped 41 points in a blowout victory against the Bears, while the Bills and the Texans each scored 37 points in wins over the Commanders and the Texans, respectively. More about the fourth team later below as that team deserves a section of its own.

Not all teams were as fortunate as these high-flying offenses, though. The Falcons, Titans, and the aforementioned Commanders failed to score a single touchdown in their Week 3 matchups, which inevitably led to their downfalls this week. All things considered, most of the NFL teams have gotten their proper footing for the rest of the season, which will likely translate into more high-scoring games to the delight of modern-era football fans.

70-Point Tidal Wave from the Fins

The most glaring anomaly on Week 3’s scoreboard has got to be the Broncos-Dolphins matchup, as Miami obliterated Denver to the tune of a 70-20 massacre in the Sunshine State. The Dolphins piled up a staggering 726 yards of total offense and an unbelievable 10 touchdowns, as they became the first team in NFL history to score 70 points since the Washington Redskins finished with 72 points in 1966.

Miami also set history by becoming the only team in the league to score five passing TDs and five rushing TDs in a single contest. The backfield pairing of Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane stole the show, with both running backs each finding the end zone four times and rookie Achane gashing the Broncos for 233 all-purpose yards. The Fins will have a blockbuster clash in Week 4 against the Bills and it’s a crime that they’re currently (+2.5) road dogs in the upcoming battle for AFC East supremacy.

Cards Crush Cowboys in Massive Upset

After outscoring their first two opponents by an ungodly 70-10 margin, the Cowboys were rightfully double-digit favorites to win their Week 3 road matchup against the winless Cardinals. However, Dallas underestimated its rebuilding opponent as Arizona pulled off arguably the biggest upset of the season thus far.

The Cards came out on top with a well-earned 28-16 victory over America’s Team, putting immediate doubt back into the minds of Cowboys fans everywhere. On the bright side, Dak Prescott and Co. still outgained the Cardinals in offensive yardage, 416-400. However, it’s their poor performance on the defensive end that came as a shocking disappointment after looking like the best D in the NFL after two weeks of play.

Bolts Win Battle of the Winless

The Chargers and Vikings both had high hopes as playoff contenders this season but both suffered back-to-back losses to start their respective campaigns, making their head-to-head matchup in Week 3 a crucial one. As it turned out, LA wanted the win more than the Vikes, as the Bolts prevailed with an ugly 28-24 win in Minnesota.

Justin Herbert was near-perfect against one of the worst defenses in the league, throwing just seven incompletions out of his 47 passes and finishing with 405 passing yards and three touchdowns. Herbert and the Chargers should keep the offensive momentum going in Week 4, as they set to host the Raiders as (-4.0) favorites, with Las Vegas having just lost in primetime to the visiting Steelers.

Minshew with the Mustache Magic in OT

If the voices of hipsters NFL fans weren’t loud enough, perhaps Indy’s 22-19 overtime upset over Baltimore in Week 3 will make more people realize that backup quarterback Gardner Minshew is the real deal. Minshew led the Colts to a significant win over the then-undefeated Ravens subbing in for injured rookie Anthony Richardson, and the man with the sweetest ‘stache in the biz was efficient in the pocket once more with 227 yards in the air and a passing TD with no picks.

Credit also goes out to the team’s new lead back Zack Moss, who racked up 122 rushing yards on 30 against a stout Ravens front seven, as well as kicker Matt Gay, who made all four of his field-goal attempts that were all from over 50 yards. With a 2-1 record, the Colts are the sole leaders in the AFC South. Former Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen is proving his worth as Indy’s new head coach and his reunion with his former backup QB in Philly has paid off dividends as well while the Colts eagerly wait for Richardson to return from his injury.

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