Week 3 NFL Storylines: Close Calls, Explosive Scoring, and History in the Making
By Myles Mohair
NEW YORK — September 16, 2025 — Two weeks into the 2025 NFL season, parity and explosiveness have defined the action. Seventeen games have already been decided by a touchdown or less—the most through two weeks in more than a decade. Combine that with nearly 800 points scored league-wide last weekend, and it’s clear this season is off to one of the most dynamic starts in recent memory.
The reimagined kickoff rule is adding to the fireworks. With a return rate of 76.9 percent, fans are seeing more kickoff action than at any point since 2009. Teams are averaging over 200 kick return yards per game, the highest through Week 2 since 1970.
The 2-0 Club: Who’s Hot Early
Ten teams have jumped out to 2-0 starts, including four squads—Arizona, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and San Francisco—that missed the postseason in 2024. It’s the second straight year that at least four non-playoff teams have opened undefeated, underscoring how quickly momentum can shift in the NFL.
Rams vs. Eagles: A Heavyweight Clash
The Los Angeles Rams head to Philadelphia for one of the week’s premier matchups. The Eagles swept the Rams twice last season, highlighted by Saquon Barkley’s historic 300-yard scrimmage game. Jalen Hurts, meanwhile, just passed Steve Young for the third-most games with a rushing touchdown by a quarterback in league history. On the other side, Davante Adams continues to etch his name among the greats, tying Calvin Johnson and Reggie Wayne with 33 career 100-yard, one-touchdown games.
Cardinals vs. 49ers: Legends and Rising Stars
The NFC West duel between Arizona and San Francisco is loaded with storylines. Calais Campbell, at 39, returned to the Cardinals with a vintage two-sack performance in Week 2, joining a short list of players his age to achieve that milestone. Christian McCaffrey, meanwhile, keeps rewriting history, becoming only the third player ever with at least 50 rushing and 30 receiving touchdowns.
AFC Storylines: Quarterbacks and Streaks
Bills vs. Dolphins: Thursday Night Stage
The Buffalo Bills look to extend their 12-game home winning streak against Miami. Josh Allen is 7-0 in Thursday starts and could soon join Peyton Manning and Tom Brady in the record books with eight consecutive wins on the primetime stage.
Packers vs. Browns: Records Within Reach
In Cleveland, Josh Jacobs is eyeing NFL history with a rushing touchdown streak that could tie Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson. On defense, Myles Garrett is chasing a sack streak matched by only four players since 1982.
Bengals vs. Vikings: Wide Receiver Showcase
Two of the game’s brightest stars, Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase, will headline a must-watch duel. Jefferson just became the youngest player ever to reach 500 receptions, while Chase is coming off a 14-catch, 165-yard performance that put him alongside Antonio Brown and Jason Witten in the record books.
Additional Matchups to Watch
- Jets at Buccaneers: Tampa Bay is off to their fifth straight 2-0 start and is looking for its first 3-0 run since 2005.
- Colts at Titans: Indianapolis has scored on every offensive possession so far this season, avoiding a single punt through two weeks.
- Broncos at Chargers: The Chargers have a chance to start 3-0 for the first time since 2002 while sweeping divisional foes in September.
Monday Night: Lions vs. Ravens — Offensive Fireworks
The Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens square off in what could be the week’s most explosive game. Detroit’s Jared Goff just led his team to a 52-point outing, tying Peyton Manning for the fourth-most career games with 50+ points scored by a quarterback’s team. Lamar Jackson, meanwhile, is riding a 10-game streak of at least two touchdown passes and a passer rating above 90—putting him in elite company alongside Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady.
The Road Ahead
As Week 3 kicks off, the storylines are rich: undefeated teams chasing validation, veterans proving their staying power, and young stars pushing the game to new heights. If the opening two weeks are any indication, the 2025 season is destined to be one for the history books.
— Myles Mohair
