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Week 3 of the NFL season features three must-watch games in three distinct settings. The Los Angeles Rams visit the Denver Broncos on Sunday Night Football, the Baltimore Ravens face the Dallas Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro, and the Philadelphia Eagles host the Chicago Bears on Monday night. This preview covers the biggest storylines surrounding each matchup and offers predictions for the week's marquee games. Fans can find tickets to see their favorite teams throughout the season, along with tickets to other NFL games, at TicketPurchase.com.

Three weeks into the season, expectations are already being challenged. Some preseason favorites are searching for answers, while several surprise teams are building momentum few predicted in August. As divisional races begin to take shape, this week's results could carry significance well beyond September.

Rams at Broncos Headline Sunday Night Football

There is nothing quite like a Sunday night kickoff in Denver. Between the altitude, the crowd, and the energy under the stadium lights, the Denver Broncos' home field presents a difficult test for visiting teams.

The Los Angeles Rams arrive with something to prove after an uneven start, while the Broncos look to turn their early momentum into a meaningful home win. The battle at the line of scrimmage could determine which team controls the pace. If Denver can pressure the Rams and keep their passing game from settling into a rhythm, the Broncos could force Los Angeles into a physical, defense-driven contest.

The Rams, however, have enough talent and experience to stay competitive even if the game doesn't unfold in their favor early. With two capable rosters and an important win at stake, this Sunday night matchup could stay close until the final possession.

Ravens and Cowboys Meet in Rio de Janeiro

The NFL's international presence continues to grow, and Week 3 brings the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys to Rio de Janeiro for one of the season's most anticipated global matchups. Both franchises have passionate fan bases, recognizable stars, and the ability to deliver a memorable game on an international stage.

Playing in an unfamiliar setting introduces another layer of unpredictability. Neither team will enjoy its traditional home-field advantage, and both will need to adjust to a different environment and game-day routine. Those factors could make preparation, discipline, and the ability to settle into the game quickly especially important.

The location may be unique, but the goal remains the same: secure an early win against a respected opponent. For Baltimore and Dallas, this game offers a chance to build momentum while representing the league before an international audience.

Monday Night Football Comes to Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears close out Week 3 in Philadelphia, where Monday Night Football regularly feels like one of the biggest events on the city's calendar. From the pregame tailgates to the energy inside Lincoln Financial Field, the Eagles' home crowd creates a demanding setting for any visiting team.

Chicago will need to stay composed early and avoid mistakes that let Philadelphia take control. The Bears have playmakers capable of producing points, but the crowd could test their communication and timing. Quarterback Caleb Williams will need to stay patient if the Eagles generate pressure or disrupt Chicago's rhythm.

For Philadelphia, the game is a chance to reinforce its home-field reputation and strengthen its position in the division. The Eagles will look to dictate the pace, pressure Williams, and prevent the Bears from gaining confidence as the night progresses.

Other NFL Week 3 Storylines to Watch

The featured games are only part of a Week 3 schedule filled with developing storylines. One of the biggest involves New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, who has been ruled out for the season with an injury. His absence changes the direction of the Giants' season and raises questions about how the organization will approach the rest of the year.

Several high-profile players will also be looking to respond after quiet Week 2 performances. Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has the talent and target share to rebound quickly if healthy. Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. remains an explosive threat who can turn a few additional opportunities into a productive afternoon.

At quarterback, Caleb Williams and Washington Commanders dual-threat Jayden Daniels continue to face high expectations. A difficult Week 2 performance will not define either player, and Week 3 gives both quarterbacks a chance to respond. Early-season results can be misleading, so their next performances will indicate whether the previous week was a temporary setback or the start of a larger trend.

Young quarterbacks across the league are also encountering increasingly sophisticated defensive schemes. How they adjust to pressure, disguise, and tighter coverage will help shape their teams' outlooks.

Injuries are adding another challenge for coaches and depth charts throughout the league. Teams that find reliable replacements and adapt their strategies quickly will be better positioned to remain competitive as the season progresses.

Our NFL Week 3 Picks

Predictions are never certain, especially this early in the season, but that is part of what makes Week 3 so intriguing. Here is how we see the three featured matchups unfolding.

Rams at Broncos

Denver's home-field advantage could make the difference in a game that appears evenly matched. The altitude can wear down visiting teams as the night goes on, while crowd noise makes communication harder for opposing offenses.

The Broncos will need to generate pressure and prevent the Rams' passing game from becoming comfortable. Los Angeles has enough talent and coaching experience to stay within reach, but the outcome may depend on which offensive line performs better during the final few possessions. We are taking Denver at home in a close game.

Prediction: Broncos win.

Ravens vs. Cowboys

This may be the week's most difficult matchup to predict. Neither team will be playing in familiar surroundings, and both rosters feature players who can change the game in a single moment.

Baltimore has a history of responding well in high-profile situations, and its disciplined, physical defense could create problems for a Cowboys offense still searching for consistency. Dallas has enough playmakers to keep the game competitive, but the Ravens' experience gives them a slight advantage.

Prediction: Ravens win.

Eagles vs. Bears

Philadelphia has a clear environmental advantage in this matchup. Chicago must contend with one of the league's most demanding road settings while trying to establish greater consistency on offense.

The Bears can put points on the board, but the Eagles' defense knows how to pressure young quarterbacks and disrupt communication up front. Philadelphia doesn't need a complicated game plan—it just needs to execute, protect the football, and let its defense and home crowd apply pressure.

Prediction: Eagles win.

Week 3 Could Set the Tone for the Season

Week 3 arrives early on the calendar, but its results could influence the direction of several teams. Denver has a chance to defend its home field against Los Angeles; Baltimore and Dallas will compete under an international spotlight; and Philadelphia will look to finish the week strong against Chicago.

With divisional races taking shape and teams still establishing their identities, each matchup offers a chance to build momentum before October. Clear your schedule, choose your side, and enjoy the action.

Who do you think will win this week's featured games? Drop your predictions in the comments or tag us on social media—we want to know who you've got. Click here to purchase NFL tickets from TicketPurchase.com.