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As we put a stamp on Week 3, certain NFL teams are beginning to separate themselves from the pack, but it's still a wide-open race. Only three undefeated teams remain, while there are four who are yet to win a game. Parity is the name of the game in 2023, yet this past week we witnessed a record-setting team performance, while some teams and players have already hit rock bottom.
Let's run through it before we turn our attention to Week 4.
Winners
Miami Dolphins running backs: The Dolphins put up an absurd 70 points on the Broncos, with their backfield duo of Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane putting up unforeseen numbers. Mostert gained 142 yards and scored four touchdowns. Achane, making his NFL debut, totaled 233 yards and four touchdowns as well. It was a historic performance that showcased the Dolphins' elite playmaking ability on offense.
Cincinnati Bengals: After an 0-2 start, this was pretty much a must-win for the struggling Bengals. Joe Burrow was a game-time decision but gutted out a tough performance and helped his team when they badly needed a victory. Burrow escaped the game without a setback, and the Bengals now face the Titans and Cardinals with a good shot at winning three straight.
Houston Texans rookies: The Texans' season didn't get off on the right foot, but their offense showed signs of life in Week 2. In Week 3, it all came together with big-time help from their 2023 draft class. C.J. Stroud threw for 280 yards and two touchdowns. Tank Dell went for 145 yards and a score. Will Anderson Jr. got two QB hits. Henry To'oTo'o racked up 10 tackles. And Jarrett Patterson played 100% of the snaps and helped keep Stroud clean and sackless.
Losers
Sam Howell: Howell's ascension to Commanders starting quarterback has been a nice story, but the wheels completely came off in Week 3. The Bills picked off Howell four times and sacked him nine times. The disappointing performance has many wondering if Jacoby Brissett could usurp Howell within the next few weeks.
Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings went 13-4 last season, but needed a lot of luck to get there. In 2023, negative regression is hitting hard and putting things back into place. Minnesota is now 0-3, which is essentially a death stroke to their playoff hopes, with their latest loss another heartbreaker. A potential interception with eight minutes left in the game instead ended up in a Chargers touchdown, followed by a tipped Kirk Cousins interception in the final moments of the game to seal their fate.
Zach Wilson: This might not be the last time we see Wilson on this list, unless he gets benched. The Aaron Rodgers fill-in was once again unable to move the offense and took three sacks while completing only 50% of his es. The Jets signed veteran Trevor Siemian on Tuesday, and it may not be long before we see him taking over.