The new NFL season is in full gear with teams starting to present themselves as both contenders and pretenders. While it’s still early in the year, these games are crucial when it comes to playoff seeding and implications.
Week 3 of the schedule brings some very intriguing games on the docket. We have some playoff teams playing each other, some divisional games, and even possibly some Super Bowl previews.
We see each week that upsets happen, making the game of football so much fun. But which teams are entering this week on upset alert?
Here are the five teams on the biggest upset watch this week from Newsweek Sports.
5. Las Vegas Raiders, vs Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have been a mess this season so far but they have changed quarterbacks. Veteran Andy Dalton takes the place of Bryce Young as Carolina looks to reclaim their season.
The Panthers have some strong playmakers on the offensive side of the ball so if Dalton can be smart with the ball, they could make this a game. Las Vegas will need to be careful overlooking Carolina in this contest, otherwise, they will drop their second game of the season.
4. Indianapolis Colts, vs Chicago Bears
It could be hard to list the Colts on upset alert when they have yet to win a game this season, but many are favoring them this weekend. Chicago’s offense has been kind of a mess, even with Caleb Williams under center. However, he gains experience with every passing game.
Williams is due for a strong game and the Colts’ defense has suffered some big injuries. They will be without star pass rusher DeForest Buckner, potentially opening the door for Williams to put things together in this contest. The defense and special teams have performed well, so now it’s Williams’ turn to play the part.
3. Buffalo Bills, vs Jacksonville Jaguars
Buffalo comes into this game with a record of 2-0 while Jacksonville enters 0-2. This means that the Jaguars will enter Monday Night Football with a sense of desperation to get their first victory.
The Bills have looked better than many would have thought but the Jaguars could be a tough test. Their offense has yet to click so maybe this is the game that they figure things out.
2. Kansas City Chiefs, @ Atlanta Falcons
Many people believe that the Chiefs will always find a way to win a game, and they’ve done just that in the first two weeks. They’ve won two close contests in the final few seconds of each game. But this will be their first game away from Arrowhead Stadium.
The Falcons are coming off a big win in Philadelphia, and if they can keep their offense going, the Chiefs could be in for a tough game. Atlanta’s defense is much improved as well, giving them more credibility in this contest.
1. Detroit Lions, @ Arizona Cardinals
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 19: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions throws a pass during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Ford Field on December 19, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions are on upset alert this weekend.
Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images
The Lions entered the year with heavy Super Bowl expectations, and they’ve been a little shaky for the past two weeks. They held on in overtime against a very banged-up Los Angeles Rams team, only to then lose to the Buccaneers in Week 2.
Arizona has been rolling, culminating in their blowout win over the Rams last week. Quarterback Kyler Murray is playing some of the best football of his career, putting the Lions directly on upset watch as they enter into the Red Sea at State Farm Arena.
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