In the high-stakes world of the National Football League, the 2023 season has already ushered in a new era of thrilling competition. As we enter Week 3, one thing is abundantly clear – close games and electrifying comebacks are the norm, making every matchup a spectacle for fans across the nation.
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NFL games have picked up right where they left off in 2022, with the average final-score margin currently standing at 9.50 points through two weeks. This closely mirrors last year’s trend, which saw the lowest average final-score margin (9.70 points) for a full season since 1932 (9.13).
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What makes this statistic even more significant is its direct correlation to postseason success. Since the NFL expanded the playoffs in 2020, an astonishing 20 out of 21 teams that managed to win at least 66.7 percent of their one-score games (decided by eight points or less) earned a ticket to the postseason.
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The previous week was nothing short of historic, with an unprecedented 12 games decided by eight points or less – a testament to the incredible parity in today’s NFL. Furthermore, in Week 2, a staggering 13 out of 16 games were within one score in the fourth quarter, showcasing the nail-biting drama that has become synonymous with the league.
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Close games in the final quarter are often intertwined with another thrilling element of NFL action – comebacks. In one of the most remarkable turnarounds this season, the New York Giants rallied from a 21-point third-quarter deficit to secure a sensational 31-28 victory. While this comeback stood out in 2023, it’s part of a broader trend. This marked the seventh time since 2019 that a team overcame a 21-point deficit to win, including postseason clashes.
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As we dive into Week 3, it’s clear that close games are here to stay. The thrilling action on the field keeps fans on the edge of their seats, showcasing the resilience and determination of NFL teams.
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The Starting 11 for Week 3:
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- Super Bowl Harbingers: The Philadelphia Eagles (2-0) clash with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0) in a Monday Night Football showdown that could foreshadow Super Bowl aspirations. Since 2010, Week 3 matchups between undefeated teams have often led to Super Bowl appearances, and both teams boast impressive turnover ratios.
- Number of the Week – 50: The NFC East has been dominant, with a combined record of 50-24-2 since the start of 2022, making it the most successful division in the NFL.
- Renegades: The Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) travel to face the Las Vegas Raiders (1-1) after a historic performance from their linebackers in a Monday night win.
- Spotlight – Individual Matchup: Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain and Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill, both first-team All-Pros last season, face off in a tantalizing matchup.
- Spotlight – Team Matchup: The New Orleans Saints (2-0) take on the Green Bay Packers (1-1), with Green Bay boasting an impressive red-zone offense and New Orleans having a stout red-zone defense.
- Streak Speak: Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson aims to become the first player in NFL history to achieve 150 receiving yards in each of his team’s first three games of a season when Minnesota faces the Los Angeles Chargers.
- Did You Know?: The Indianapolis Colts (1-1) make their 11th return trip to Baltimore since relocating to Indiana in 1984, facing the Baltimore Ravens (2-0), who have a historical edge in this matchup.
- Under-the-Radar Storyline: Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and Cardinals quarterback Joshua Dobbs, both drafted in the fourth round of the 2016 and 2017 NFL Drafts respectively, face off as the Cowboys look to continue their impressive start.
- Trend Time: Teams that start 3-0 have a strong track record of making the playoffs, with several teams having the opportunity to achieve that mark this week.
- Next Gen Stats Note of the Week: Falcons rookie running back Bijan Robinson’s explosive performance last week showcased his ability to gain yards after contact, making him a player to watch in Week 3.
- And Last But Not Least: The showdown between the Houston Texans (0-2) and the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1) features five players selected among the first three overall picks of the last three NFL Drafts, promising an intriguing battle on the gridiron.
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As the NFL season unfolds, fans can expect nothing less than thrilling matchups, dramatic comebacks, and the kind of excitement that only the National Football League can provide. Get ready for another unforgettable week of football action!
