NFL Week 3 preview: Top storylines, key matchups, kickoff dates and times, and how to watch

The 2025 NFL season is high gear as we leave Week 2 and now enter Week 3

With the dust now settled, here’s a look at the top storylines, key matchups, and the full schedule for Week 3.

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Biggest storylines in Week 3

Kansas City Chiefs are in a must-win situation

Who would have had this on their bingo card heading into Week 3? I wouldn't guess many hands would be raised. Yet, here the Chiefs are after losing Sunday's Super Bowl LIX rematch at home to the Philadelphia Eagles 20-17.

The Chiefs are 0-2 for the first time since 2014 and have lost three consecutive games overall. Now, they enter Sunday Night Football's matchup against the Giants in a must-win game. A loss and more questions will be raised. 

Caleb Williams under fire

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft hasn't played particularly well after two games. He's thrown for 417 yards with 3 touchdowns and one interception. People will think that's ok, he's tied for eighth in TD passes. 

But if you take a harder look, two of those touchdowns came in garbage time. He isn't seeing the field very well, making unnecessary throws like his INT on Sunday against the Lions in a 52-21 defeat. Instead of throwing the ball away and living for another down and getting into field goal range, he makes a horrible throw that led to the interception. That allowed the Lions offense to go down the field and score a touchdown. His QBR is 57.7, which is 17th, so not too hot. He's got a chance to right the ship on Sunday against the Cowboys, as they have allowed 61 points in two games. If Williams can't correct course, then the calls will come louder for backup, Tyson Bagnet to get the call.

Mike McDaniel's job is at stake

Despite the Miami Dolphins blowing two opportunities to win the home opener in Sunday's 33-27 loss to the New England Patriots, McDaniel isn't too worried if he loses his job as the team is now 0-2. Many fans left before the final whistle, fans booed at times during the game, and an airplane flew over Hard Rock Stadium calling for McDaniel to be let go.

"Fans want their team to win," McDaniel told reporters after the game. "I don't think it's personal. I think they want to win. And so do I."

McDaniel has three days to get his team prepared as they face the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park. A loss here, and McDaniel is likely to be given his pink slip on Friday morning. 

Key matchups in Week 3

Every game in Week 3 is must-watch football, but two stand out above all the rest.

Dallas Cowboys at Chicago Bears

• Date: Sunday, September 21
• Kick-off: 9:25 p.m. BST / 4:25 p.m. ET / 1:25 p.m. PT

Two of the NFL's most storied franchises play in the Windy City as the Cowboys look to build on momentum from their 40-37 comeback win over the New York Giants in overtime on Sunday. On the other hand, the Bears look to win their first game of the season after blowing a fourth quarter lead in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings and their blowout loss to the Lions in Week 2.

Detroit Lions at Baltimore Ravens

• Date: Tuesday, September 23 (BST) / Monday, September 22 (ET and PT)
• Kick-off: 1:15 a.m. BST / 8:15 p.m. ET / 5:15 p.m. PT

In terms of a quality matchup, this is the best of Week 3. The Lions' (1-1) offense roared back into life by hanging 52 on the Bears, while the Ravens put up another 40-point game, scoring 41 in a rout of the Cleveland Browns. Two teams with Super Bowl aspirations. But the loser goes 1-2, so it can be classified as a game where neither team wants that mark in a loaded AFC and NFC.

Full Week 3 Schedule

 

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