NFL Week 3 preview highlights quarterback returns and first game in Brazil
Experts preview Week 3 of the 2026 NFL season, noting the Falcons' debut of Michael Penix Jr., the Ravens-Cowboys clash in Rio, and several teams fighting for their first win.
The NFL’s third week features a mix of quarterback comebacks and historic venues. Atlanta travels to Green Bay, where rookie Michael Penix Jr. is set to start his first game after recovering from a knee injury, while the Packers contend with injuries to key players including Micah Parsons and Josh Jacobs.
In Cleveland, Deshaun Watson will make his first regular-season start in two years for the Browns. The AFC South sees the winless Texans face the Colts in a matchup that could decide one team’s season.
The league’s inaugural regular-season game in Rio de Janeiro will pit the Baltimore Ravens against the Dallas Cowboys at Maracanã Stadium, though concerns have been raised about field conditions during Brazil’s rainy season.
Prime-time action includes the Los Angeles Rams visiting the Denver Broncos on Sunday night, followed by the Chicago Bears hosting the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night.
USA TODAY Sports’ panel of NFL analysts provided their picks for each game, with odds supplied by BetMGM.