Week 3 NFL Outlook Highlights Giants QB Concerns, Mahomes' Strong Start and Running Back Updates
Analysts discuss the New York Giants' quarterback situation after Jaxson Dart's injury, Patrick Mahomes' early performance with Kansas City, and emerging clarity in several teams' running back depth charts ahead of Week 3.
League insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano provided updates ahead of Week 3 of the 2026 NFL season. The New York Giants, who lost 28-6 on Monday night after a quarterback change, are now relying on Jameis Winston, who recently signed a two-year, $13 million extension.
"Winston is comfortable operating out of the shotgun, which offensive coordinator Matt Nagy can accommodate," Fowler noted. The Giants hope to improve with a full week of practice and the return of receivers Malik Nabers, Andrew Thomas and Brian Burns, though injuries to those players remain a concern. Backup options such as practice-squad quarterback Jake Haener and potential trade targets were also mentioned.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes continued a strong start, posting five touchdown passes and four sacks in two wins.
"His ability to drive throws – I thought he was ripping the ball," one personnel evaluator said of Mahomes' performance against Indianapolis. The Chiefs' run game, led by Kenneth Walker III and rookie Emmett Johnson, has helped Mahomes reacclimate after knee surgery, and the return of left tackle Josh Simmons is expected to further boost the offense.
Other running back situations gaining clarity include Tampa Bay's Bucky Irving, who posted 134 yards and a touchdown in Week 2, and Carolina's Chuba Hubbard, who remains the primary back despite Jonathon Brooks' health issues. The New England Patriots are evaluating rookie TreVeyon Henderson alongside veteran Rhamondre Stevenson, while the Minnesota Vikings are leaning on Aaron Jones after Jordan Mason’s injury.
Fantasy advice from the analysts suggested targeting the Chiefs' defense and monitoring the potential resurgence of Quinshon Judkins with the Cleveland Browns, as well as keeping an eye on Seattle’s Emanuel Wilson and New Orleans receiver Devaughn Vele.
Additional notes covered the Chargers' early struggles, the Houston Texans' reliance on a strong running game for quarterback C.J. Stroud, and the Atlanta Falcons' anticipation of Michael Penix's return. The Green Bay Packers face offensive-line challenges after multiple injuries, and the Arizona Cardinals may consider trading wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. before the trade deadline.