Rams Hold Early Lead Over Broncos in Week 3 NFL Sunday

The Los Angeles Rams built an early lead in their Week 3 matchup against the Denver Broncos, one of 14 NFL games played Sunday, including nine in the early afternoon window, according to ESPN's Week 3 highlights roundup. The full day of football produced upsets, quarterback changes and a run of injuries that will shape rosters heading into Week 4.

What happened in the Rams' game?

ESPN's Sunday recap listed the Rams among the day's headline storylines, noting the team "take early lead" as part of its broader Week 3 coverage. Detailed scoring and play-by-play from the Rams-Broncos game were not included in the network's national roundup, which instead focused on results and developments across the full 14-game slate.

What was the biggest upset of Sunday's slate?

The afternoon window's headline result came from Brazil, where the Baltimore Ravens defeated the Dallas Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro, according to ESPN. The Ravens' locker room needled the Cowboys afterward, with players calling it "Rio's team now," ESPN reported. The result stood out among four early-afternoon games that ESPN highlighted as producing significant swings for playoff-contending teams.

Which quarterbacks stepped up in Week 3?

In the early window, Jameis Winston led the New York Giants to a win over the Tennessee Titans, filling in during a stretch that has raised questions about New York's quarterback plans, according to ESPN NFL Nation reporter Jordan Raanan. The Washington Commanders also moved past the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, with reporter John Keim writing that Marcus Mariota's performance drew praise from teammates, one of whom said they would "run through a wall for him," per ESPN's Week 3 coverage. Pittsburgh running back Jaylen Warren had what ESPN described as a career outing in the Steelers' win over the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals.

What injuries hit teams during Sunday's games?

Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield dislocated his thumb and will undergo an MRI, according to ESPN NFL Nation's report on the Buccaneers. In Miami, the Dolphins described the outlook on running back De'Von Achane's knee injury as "doesn't sound very optimistic," ESPN reported. Minnesota's Justin Jefferson exited the Vikings' win and was "close" to returning before the game ended, according to ESPN reporter Kevin Seifert. San Francisco's Evans left the 49ers' win with what ESPN's Nick Wagoner called a painful injury, part of a pattern of 49ers players going down during the victory. In New York, Jets running back Breece Hall suffered a thigh injury as the team lost late again, according to ESPN reporter Rich Cimini.

"Give Bhayshul a touchdown. That's cool."

That explanation came from Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence, describing why he took a knee at the one-yard line rather than score himself, according to ESPN NFL Nation reporter Michael DiRocco's coverage of the Jaguars.

What else stood out from the day's highlights?

ESPN's Sunday-night analysis, written by Dan Graziano, posed a season-shaping question: whether 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has become the league's MVP front-runner through three weeks. The same piece examined whether the Giants are comfortable moving forward with Jameis Winston under center. Elsewhere, ESPN's weekly winners-and-losers column, from Matt Bowen and Tristan H. Cockcroft, flagged hot starts for skill players including Jahmyr Gibbs and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, while noting quieter days for Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jonathan Taylor.

Where can fans watch full Week 3 highlights?

ESPN's complete Week 3 roundup, including box scores and highlight video from all 14 games, is available on ESPN.com. Fans tracking scores in real time and testing their own weekly picks can also try the Smorgi Challenge prediction app alongside Sunday's live coverage.

HTT News will update this report as additional box scores and postgame comments from the Rams-Broncos game become available.

How are struggling teams responding after Week 3?

The Los Angeles Chargers remained winless through three weeks, and head coach Jim Harbaugh said the offense needs to "make it work" going forward, according to ESPN NFL Nation reporter Kris Rhim's coverage of the team. The comment came as ESPN's Sunday coverage grouped the Chargers among teams facing early-season pressure, alongside playoff-caliber clubs like the Ravens, Commanders, Jaguars and Steelers, whose Week 3 wins prompted ESPN reporters to reassess contender status across both conferences. ESPN's NFL Nation team said those results would shape roster and game-plan decisions heading into Week 4.

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