2025 3GML Season - Week 7

Texans Grounded by Seahawks, Fall 27-17 in Seattle

SEATTLE (AP) — The Houston Texans couldn’t find their footing on offense Sunday, falling 27-17 to the Seattle Seahawks in a game that exposed their one-dimensional attack.

Houston managed just 63 rushing yards on the day, forcing quarterback Drake Maye and the passing game to shoulder nearly all of the offensive burden. The lack of balance allowed Seattle’s defense to dictate tempo and pressure Maye throughout the afternoon.

Despite the loss, the Texans’ linebackers were a bright spot. Logan Wilson was everywhere, racking up 15 tackles, including three for a loss, as he consistently knifed into the backfield to stuff Seattle’s run game. Frankie Luvu added an interception off Sam Darnold, giving Houston brief life early in the second half.

Head coach David Shaw acknowledged the offensive struggles but praised his defense’s fight. “Our linebackers played with heart,” Shaw said. “But when you can’t run the football, you put too much pressure on everyone else. We’ve got to find our rhythm again.”

The loss drops Houston to 4-2, snapping their two-game winning streak, while Seattle improved to 4-3 with the home victory.

Packers Lose Wild One in Arizona, 32-31 — Chaos, Confusion, and Maybe a Little “Extra Interest”

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — In one of the most baffling finishes in 3GML history, the Green Bay Packers snatched defeat from the jaws of victory Sunday, falling 32-31 to the Arizona Cardinals after a stunning late-game collapse that left analysts — and fans — speechless.

Leading 31-24 with under two minutes to play and a first down already secured, all Green Bay needed were three kneel-downs to seal the win. Instead, in a moment that defied logic — or perhaps hinted at something larger — the Packers dialed up a pass play. The throw was picked off, Arizona capitalized with a quick touchdown drive, and then converted a two-point attempt to steal the win.

Asked postgame about the play call, head coach Matt LaFleur looked dazed. “We, uh… thought we saw something on tape,” he said, before mumbling something about “next-gen analytics.”

Speculation immediately swirled that perhaps LaFleur had been inspired by the recent NBA betting scandal, as fans joked online that “someone in Vegas just bought a new boat.” One reporter even claimed that offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich was seen double-checking the over/under line moments before the call.

When pressed, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa tried to downplay the situation, saying, “Coach called it, I threw it — I didn’t know we were playing FanDuel mode.”

While the loss drops Green Bay to 5-1, it may go down as the most Madden-esque moment in 3GML history — one that had players, coaches, and gamblers alike shaking their heads in disbelief.

49ers Keep Rolling, Crush Falcons 36-9 Behind Dominant Effort in Santa Clara

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers continued their midseason surge Sunday, dismantling the Atlanta Falcons 36-9 at Levi’s Stadium in a game that never felt close.

Jordan Love orchestrated a crisp offensive attack, throwing for 299 yards and a touchdown, while running back Jaylen Warren powered the ground game with 91 yards and two scores on 20 carries. The 49ers offense found rhythm early and never looked back, stacking up over 450 total yards and controlling possession throughout.

The star of the day, however, was rookie wideout Jalen Coker, who turned heads — and broke a few tackles — with a jaw-dropping performance that had fans buzzing. Coker racked up 105 receiving yards and a touchdown, repeatedly skying over defenders and bulldozing through contact in a display that had local commentators comparing him to Calvin Johnson.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan grinned when asked about the comparisons after the game. “I don’t know about Megatron just yet,” Shanahan said, “but I’ll tell you what — if he keeps playing like that, I might start calling him Optimus”

The 49ers (4-3) have now won two straight and look to be rounding into form just as the NFC playoff race starts to heat up.

Chargers Steamroll Colts 49-28 as McCaffrey Strengthens MVP Case

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Chargers put together their most complete game of the season Sunday, dismantling the Indianapolis Colts 49-28 at SoFi Stadium.

The Chargers jumped out to a 21-7 first-quarter lead and never looked back, controlling every phase of the game. Once again, Christian McCaffrey was the heartbeat of the offense — and of the MVP conversation. The veteran running back racked up 217 rushing yards and two touchdowns, continuing a historic start to his season.

Through seven games, McCaffrey now has 1,114 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, separating himself as the NFL’s most dominant offensive weapon. To put that in perspective, the next-closest rusher, Alvin Kamara, sits at 653 yards — a staggering 461-yard gap.

Wide receiver Davante Adams chipped in with 88 receiving yards and a touchdown, while Matthew Staffordmanaged the offense with poise and precision, finishing with two touchdown passes and no turnovers.

After the game, Coach Bobby Slowik praised McCaffrey’s blend of intelligence and physicality. “Christian is a coach’s dream — his preparation is elite, his execution is flawless, and he’s the kind of guy who makes everyone else better,” Slowik said. “We’re just lucky he’s wearing powder blue.”

With the win, the Chargers move to 5-2, looking every bit like a contender in the AFC — and McCaffrey continues to run away, quite literally, with the early MVP race.

2025 3GML Season - Week 6

Dolphins Outlast Chargers 55-52 in Overtime Thriller

MIAMI (AP) — In one of the wildest shootouts in 3GML history, the Miami Dolphins outlasted the Los Angeles Chargers 55-52 in overtime on Sunday, a game that featured over 1,200 yards of total offense, 12 passing touchdowns, and zero time for defense.

The fireworks started early and never let up. Dolphins quarterback Zach Wilson delivered a career-defining performance, throwing for 431 yards, six touchdowns, and one interception, leading Miami to scores on nearly every possession. For the Chargers, Matthew Stafford matched him blow for blow, tossing 482 yards and six touchdowns of his own before two late interceptions tipped the balance.

In overtime, Miami won the toss and marched downfield for a touchdown, only to see Stafford respond with one of his own. But on the Dolphins’ second drive, Wilson methodically led a clock-milking series that ended in a short field goal to seal the victory.

Wilson’s resurgence has become one of the league’s most surprising storylines — a full-circle moment for a quarterback once haunted by his own words. “I’m not seeing ghosts anymore,” Wilson said with a grin postgame, referencing his infamous comment from his Jets days. “Just open receivers — and a lot of end zones.”

Chargers running back Christian McCaffrey continued his historic pace, rushing for 177 yards and a touchdown while adding 55 receiving yards and another score, doing everything possible to keep Los Angeles in the game.

With the loss, the Chargers fell to 4-2, while the Dolphins (5-1) cemented themselves as one of the most dangerous offenses in football — and possibly the league’s new kings of chaos.

Packers Grind Out 30-17 Win Over Bengals in Rain-Soaked Lambeau

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Green Bay Packers stayed perfect on the season with a 30-17 win over Joe Flacco and the Cincinnati Bengals in a game played under torrential downpours that turned Lambeau Field into a mud pit.

Neither team could find footing early — literally or figuratively — as the first half ended scoreless at 0-0. The rain and wind made passing nearly impossible, forcing both sides to lean heavily on the ground game.

That suited the Packers just fine. In the second half, Isiah Pacheco and David Montgomery powered the offense behind a surging Green Bay line. Pacheco finished with 100 rushing yards, consistently bursting through soggy turf for tough gains, while Montgomery added 79 yards and a touchdown, his downhill style wearing down the Bengals defense as the game went on.

“It wasn’t pretty, but that’s the kind of football we love,” head coach Matt LaFleur said. “Our backs ran hard, our line stayed patient, and the defense kept us in it until we found traction.”

The Packers (5-0) remained undefeated with the win, proving they can thrive in any condition — from explosive shootouts to old-school slugfests in the rain. The Bengals never adjusted to the elements and left Green Bay soaked, battered, and without answers.

49ers Win Shootout in Tampa Bay, Climb Back to .500

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers got back on track Sunday, outlasting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 34-28 in a high-scoring affair that featured more than 900 yards of combined offense.

Both teams traded blows throughout the game, with neither defense finding consistent answers. San Francisco’s offense, however, leaned on its balance to pull away late. Running back Jaylen Warren continued his breakout season, rushing for 175 yards, gashing the Buccaneers defense with a series of punishing runs that kept the chains — and the clock — moving.

Rookie receiver Ladd McConkey made the most of his opportunities, hauling in two touchdown receptions among his 72 yards to give quarterback Jordan Love key outlets in the red zone.

“This was the kind of game where you have to keep answering,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said. “Jaylen set the tone, and the young guys stepped up when we needed them.”

The win evens the 49ers’ record at 3-3, helping them regain footing in the NFC race after a shaky start. Tampa Bay (1-5) dropped its third straight despite posting over 450 yards of offense in the loss.

2025 3GML Season - Week 5

49ers Bounce Back, Down Rams 37-27 on Thursday Night Football

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers looked like themselves again under the primetime lights, taking down the Los Angeles Rams 37-27 on Thursday Night Football behind sharp quarterback play and a breakout rookie performance.

Quarterback Jordan Love delivered one of his cleanest games of the season, throwing for 336 yards and two touchdowns while avoiding turnovers — something that had plagued him in recent weeks. His decisiveness and poise helped the Niners move the ball efficiently against a tough Rams front.

Rookie running back Kaleb Johnson continued his rapid ascent, exploding for 108 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just 12 carries. Johnson’s blend of speed and power kept Los Angeles off balance, and his ability to finish drives gave San Francisco the spark it’s been missing.

“We got back to playing 49er football — run it hard, play clean, and finish,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said. “Jordan was in full control, and Kaleb’s just getting better every week.”

With the win, San Francisco (2-3) stopped its skid and regained momentum heading into a crucial stretch of the season, while the Rams (3-2) were left frustrated after a tough divisional loss.

Chargers Edge Commanders 20-19 After Blocked Extra Point Seals Win

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Chargers escaped with a dramatic 20-19 victory over the Washington Commanders on Sunday, surviving a furious late rally that came down to a single special teams play.

With the Chargers leading 20-13 late in the fourth quarter, Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels led an impressive final drive, capping it off with a scramble into the end zone from seven yards out — his second rushing touchdown of the day and part of his 122 rushing yards on the ground. That brought the Commanders within one point with just 13 seconds remaining.

But on the ensuing extra point attempt, Chargers defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo broke through the edge and got a hand on the kick, deflecting it wide and sending SoFi Stadium into chaos. The blocked PAT preserved the Chargers’ narrow one-point victory and capped a gritty defensive effort that made just enough plays when it mattered most.

“It’s all effort,” Odeyingbo said afterward, grinning. “You dream about making that kind of play — game on the line, one chance to end it. I just went for it.”

The Chargers improved to 4-1, continuing their strong start to the season and further solidifying themselves as legitimate AFC contenders, while the Commanders fell to 1-4 after another heartbreaking finish.

Texans Grind Out 19-10 Win Over Ravens in Rain-Soaked Battle

BALTIMORE (AP) — In a game defined by sideways rain, swirling wind, and muddy trenches, the Houston Texans powered past the shorthanded Baltimore Ravens 19-10 on Sunday.

With passing nearly impossible in the torrential downpour, both teams leaned heavily on the ground game. Houston’s Derrick Henry proved built for the conditions, churning out 102 rushing yards and a touchdown as the Texans controlled the clock and field position throughout the day.

The Ravens, missing several key starters — including Lamar Jackson, Roquan Smith, Marlon Humphrey, and Ronnie Stanley — struggled to generate offense.  Baltimore mustered only a single touchdown drive, unable to keep up with Houston’s steady approach.

“This was old-school football,” Texans head coach David Shaw said afterward. “In weather like that, it’s about who’s willing to keep their pads low and move bodies. Derrick was built for it.”

With the win, Houston improved to 4-1, earning a gritty road victory and proving they can win even when the Texas heat gives way to Baltimore rain.

2025 3GML Season - Week 4

Giants Hand Chargers First Loss, 30-17 in New York

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The Los Angeles Chargers’ perfect start came to an end Sunday as the New York Giants controlled the line of scrimmage in a 30-17 victory at MetLife Stadium.

For the first time all season, the Chargers’ ground game sputtered. The Giants’ front seven bottled up Christian McCaffrey, holding the early MVP candidate to just 53 yards on 15 carries, marking a drastic drop from his usual production.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford turned in a solid performance, throwing for 317 yards and two touchdowns, but the Chargers couldn’t find balance or rhythm offensively. Defensively, Los Angeles had no answers for Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr., who torched them for 104 rushing yards and two touchdowns, repeatedly gashing the middle of the defense.

The loss drops the Chargers to 3-1 while snapping their unbeaten run to start the year. McCaffrey’s rushing total now sits at 689 yards through four games, but Week 4 will serve as a reminder that even elite backs need help up front.

Texans Crush Titans 45-13 — and Possibly Summon Jim Leonhard’s Spirit

HOUSTON (AP) — Whatever new defensive coordinator Aaron Curry is doing, it’s working — and possibly attracting ghosts. The Houston Texans dismantled the Tennessee Titans 45-13 on Sunday, showcasing a defense reborn after weeks of turmoil and historical embarrassment.

Curry’s unit looked ferocious, recording six sacks and forcing rookie quarterback Cam Ward into a day of pure frustration. Ward was under duress from the opening drive, often flinging the ball out of bounds before defenders like Micah Parsons or Payton Wilson could flatten him.

But the real show began after half time. As the Texans built their lead to 30-plus, the NRG Stadium speakers suddenly erupted with the triumphant score from Gladiator — and wouldn’t stop. The orchestral horns blared through play after play, drowning out the broadcast team and confusing everyone in attendance.

At first, team officials blamed a “technical glitch.” But sideline whispers soon suggested something far more… Leonhardian.

According to sources, recently fired defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard was spotted earlier in the day near the press box with what witnesses described as “a suspicious number of aux cables.” Rumor has it Leonhard hacked into the stadium system to “inspire the troops one last time.”

Head coach David Shaw didn’t deny it, either. When asked about the mysterious music, Shaw deadpanned: “If Jim wants to play Gladiator while we’re getting sacks, I’m not going to stop him.”

The Texans (3-1) have officially turned the page — though apparently not without Leonhard’s dramatic flair echoing from the rafters. And if the defense keeps this up, Houston fans might just start requesting the Gladiator soundtrack every week.

Packers Erupt Late to Stun Cowboys 42-31

DALLAS (AP) — The Green Bay Packers turned a slow start into a fireworks show Sunday, exploding for 29 fourth-quarter points to rally past the Dallas Cowboys 42-31 in a wild shootout at AT&T Stadium.

Trailing 31-13 early in the fourth, Green Bay’s offense ignited behind quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Jefferson burned the Cowboys’ secondary twice on back-to-back drives late in the quarter — each time getting behind coverage for long touchdown strikes that flipped the game’s momentum.

Jefferson finished the afternoon with 162 yards and two touchdowns on just four receptions, showcasing the kind of efficiency and explosiveness that make him nearly impossible to defend.

Not to be overlooked, running back Isiah Pacheco continued his breakout campaign, rumbling for 140 yards and a touchdown on only 10 carries — a staggering 14 yards per rush — giving the Packers a consistent spark on the ground.

“Once we got rolling, we knew it was over,” Jefferson said with a grin after the game. “You could feel it — the crowd, the energy, everything flipped.”

With the win, the Packers improved to 4-0, solidifying their reputation as one of the NFC’s most explosive teams.

49ers Fall Short Again, Drop 37-30 Heartbreaker to Jaguars

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers’ skid continued Sunday as they fell 37-30 at home to the Jacksonville Jaguars, undone by late turnovers and defensive lapses.

Quarterback Jordan Love, last season’s 3GML MVP, endured another rough outing. Despite flashes of brilliance, he threw two costly interceptions in the fourth quarter, both killing potential scoring drives. The late mistakes overshadowed an otherwise balanced offensive day for San Francisco.

Rookie running back Kaleb Johnson provided a bright spot, exploding for 171 rushing yards and a touchdown in his best performance as a pro. His physical running kept the 49ers within striking distance for much of the game.

Defensively, however, San Francisco had no answers for Brian Thomas Jr., who torched their secondary with 201 receiving yards and a touchdown, including several chunk plays that flipped field position and momentum.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan was visibly frustrated afterward, calling the team’s recent stretch “unacceptable.” He added, “We’ve got the talent — but we’re not playing with the focus or finish we need. That’s on all of us.”

The 49ers (1-4) find themselves searching for answers after a second straight loss, but will try to course correct next week against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night.

2025 3GML Season - Week 3

Texans Make Unwanted History in 33-28 Loss to Jaguars

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The Houston Texans hit rock bottom on Sunday, becoming the first team in NFL history to allow three separate 100-yard rushers in a single game in their 33-28 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Trevor Lawrence stunned by tucking and running for 105 yards of his own, while Travis Etienne (105 yards, TD) and Tank Bigsby (102 yards, TD) joined the rushing parade. In total, the Jaguars piled up a staggering 509 yards of offense, leaving Houston’s defense in shambles.

Despite Drake Maye and the offense scratching out 28 points — usually more than enough to win — the Texans’ defense was so porous that even head coach David Shaw, normally the picture of calm, looked like a man at his wit’s end.

When asked postgame what he would say to defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard in the locker room, Shaw replied coldly: “I don’t know, Jim isn’t welcome in the locker room after that performance.” The room erupted in laughter, but Shaw’s face remained unreadable. He turned and walked into the locker room, leaving the press corps stunned into silence.

Reports soon confirmed Leonhard had been fired immediately, with linebackers coach Aaron Curry stepping in as interim defensive coordinator. As if the debacle couldn’t get more surreal, Leonhard was later spotted wandering the streets of downtown Jacksonville. Witnesses said the Texans didn’t even provide him cab fare.

By Monday morning, rumors swirled that Leonhard had managed to hitchhike home — not in a car, but on a cargo plane bound for a small airfield just north of Houston.

For Houston (2-1), the loss isn’t just another mark in the standings — it’s a sobering reminder that their “talented but underachieving” defense must turn things around quickly, or more changes may be coming.

Packers Storm Back to Beat Browns 23-13

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Green Bay Packers flipped the script on Sunday, erasing a sluggish first half to beat the Cleveland Browns 23-13 on the road.

Cleveland controlled the opening half, putting up all 13 of its points before halftime behind steady defensive play and timely offense. But after the break, the Packers found another gear. Green Bay scored all 23 of its points in the second half, leaning on explosive plays from their stars to secure the win.

Wide receiver Justin Jefferson was the spark, catching eight passes for 117 yards and a touchdown as he consistently found holes in Cleveland’s secondary. On defense, it was a homecoming performance for pass rusher Myles Garrett. Facing his former team, Garrett racked up 1.5 sacks and an eye-popping eight tackles for loss, disrupting the Browns’ protection and shutting down their ground game.

For Garrett, the game carried extra meaning but little sentimentality. “Coming back here, I wasn’t thinking about memories or emotions — just business,” Garrett said. “My job is to dominate up front, no matter who’s on the other sideline. Today was about getting this team a win.”

The Packers (3-0) remained unbeaten to start the season, showing resilience in hostile territory, while the Browns (1-2) were left frustrated after failing to sustain their early momentum.

49ers Fall to Cardinals 20-16, Drop Second Straight

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers stumbled for the second week in a row, falling 20-16 to the unbeaten Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

Quarterback Jordan Love once again struggled with consistency, completing just 57% of his passes as the 49ers’ offense failed to sustain drives. Love admitted afterward that mechanics may have been part of the problem. “I’ve got to go back and look at my footwork — I felt off at times, and that shows up in the accuracy,” Love said.

Arizona, meanwhile, leaned on the dynamic play of Kyler Murray. The Cardinals quarterback hurt San Francisco repeatedly with his legs, rushing for 93 yards and scoring both of Arizona’s touchdowns on the ground.

The loss drops the 49ers to 1-2, while the Cardinals moved to 3-0 and cemented themselves as the early surprise of the NFC West.

Chargers Dominate Broncos, Stay Perfect at 3-0

DENVER (AP) — The Los Angeles Chargers look every bit the early-season juggernaut after a 27-3 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday, fueled by another monster outing from Christian McCaffrey and a defense that is playing at an elite level.

McCaffrey carried the Chargers’ offense, pounding out 254 rushing yards on 31 carries and wearing down Denver’s front throughout the game. His blend of vision and power left the Broncos with no answers.

On the other side of the ball, the Chargers’ defense was smothering. They limited Denver to just 172 total yards, closing lanes in the run game and making life miserable for quarterback Bo Nix. Through three weeks, the unit is building a case as one of the league’s best, combining speed off the edge with lockdown play in the secondary.

The win puts Los Angeles at 3-0 overall and, perhaps more importantly, 3-0 in the AFC West. In a division often defined by razor-thin margins, stacking early wins against rivals could prove pivotal in December.

2025 3GML Season - Week 2

Chargers Rally Past Raiders 31-28 in Vegas

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Los Angeles Chargers stormed back with 21 fourth-quarter points to stun the Las Vegas Raiders 31-28 on Sunday, improving to 2-0 in division play.

After trailing 17-3 in the third quarter, Matthew Stafford steadied the offense and finished with 251 passing yards and two touchdowns. But once again, it was Christian McCaffrey who carried the load and fueled the comeback. The veteran running back shredded the Raiders’ defense with 148 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground, while also adding 68 receiving yards and a touchdown through the air.

“This team doesn’t panic,” McCaffrey said. “We knew if we kept grinding, the opportunities would come, and in the fourth quarter everything clicked.”

The Chargers’ offense roared to life late, controlling possession and piling up points while their defense forced key stops to give Stafford and company repeated chances.

The win moves Los Angeles to 2-0 overall and in AFC West play, setting up momentum for what looks like an early-season push toward the top of the division standings. The Raiders, meanwhile, fell to 0-2 and are left searching for answers after letting a double-digit lead slip away at home.

Texans Outscore Buccaneers 39-31, Move to 2-0

HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Texans leaned on their offense once again Sunday, pulling out a 39-31 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to remain unbeaten at 2-0.

Houston’s defense was expected to be the hallmark of the season, but two weeks in, it’s the offense that’s carrying the load. The Texans have now given up 31 or more points in consecutive games, raising questions about their ability to hold up over the long haul. Still, timely turnovers made the difference in this one. Safety Jabrill Peppers and cornerback L’Jarius Sneed each came up with key interceptions that halted Buccaneers drives and kept Tampa Bay from closing the gap late.

On the other side of the ball, Houston continued to score at will. Quarterback Drake Maye spread the field and kept drives alive, while Derrick Henry bulldozed his way to 85 rushing yards and a touchdown, once again moving the chains and wearing down the defense.

“We’re not happy about giving up that many points,” Texans coach David Shaw said, “but winning is winning. And until the defense gets to where we want it, our offense has shown it can handle the pressure.”

With the win, Houston (2-0) keeps pace early in the AFC race, while Tampa Bay (0-2) leaves frustrated after another high-scoring defeat.

Packers Defense Smothers Commanders in 27-3 Win

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Green Bay Packers leaned on a relentless defense and a powerful ground game to take down the Washington Commanders 27-3 at Lambeau Field on Sunday.

From the opening whistle, Green Bay’s front seven made life miserable for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Myles Garrett and Ernest Jones IV each came up with interceptions, and the Packers’ pass rush battered Washington’s offensive line, forcing Daniels into hurried throws and broken plays all afternoon.

On offense, it was the Isiah Pacheco show. The running back gashed the Commanders’ defense for 155 rushing yards and two touchdowns, consistently breaking into the second level and keeping the chains moving.

“This is exactly how we want to play — defense flying around and the run game setting the tone,” Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said. “When we play complementary football like that, we’re tough to beat.”

With the win, Green Bay improved to 2-0 on the season, sending a message that their combination of defensive dominance and ground control could be the recipe for another deep run. The Commanders, meanwhile, dropped to 0-2 and will have to regroup quickly.

Saints Hand 49ers First Loss, 27-14 in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers came into Week 2 riding high off their opener, but left New Orleans humbled after a 27-14 defeat at the hands of the Saints.

Quarterback Jordan Love struggled from the start, looking out of rhythm against a Saints defense that disguised coverages and tightened up on key downs. Love completed just 45% of his passes, finishing with two touchdowns and two interceptions, but never able to establish a consistent rhythm for the offense.

On the other side, New Orleans leaned heavily on veteran running back Alvin Kamara, who shredded San Francisco’s interior defense for 104 rushing yards and a touchdown. His ability to find lanes inside kept the Saints ahead of the sticks and wore down the 49ers’ front seven as the game wore on.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan didn’t mince words postgame, visibly frustrated with his team’s lack of urgency. 

“That wasn’t us out there. We got outplayed, outworked, and out-executed in every phase. If we want to be taken seriously this season, that effort can’t ever happen again,” Shanahan said.

The 49ers (1-1) will look to regroup quickly, while the Saints (1-1) walked away with a big win over one of the NFC’s contenders.

2025 3GML Season - Week 1

Chargers Dominate Chiefs in Brazil, 27-6

SÃO PAULO (AP) — The Los Angeles Chargers opened their season in style, shutting down the Kansas City Chiefs 27-6 on Sunday in Brazil.

The Chargers’ defense was the story of the game, holding Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs to just 180 total yards of offense and no touchdowns. Haason Reddick led the way with three sacks as Los Angeles controlled the line of scrimmage.

“This defense came to make a statement today,” Reddick said. “We knew if we got pressure and kept our energy up, we could keep them out of the end zone. That’s exactly what we did.”

On offense, the Chargers leaned heavily on Christian McCaffrey, who delivered a monster performance with 234 rushing yards and two touchdowns. His explosive runs consistently broke through the Kansas City front, helping Los Angeles (1-0) build and maintain its lead.

The Chiefs (0-1), meanwhile, never found a rhythm and will look to regroup after one of their most lopsided losses of the Mahomes era.

With the win, the Chargers not only started their season strong but also made an early statement that they intend to be contenders in the AFC playoff race.

Texans Edge Rams in 41-38 Shootout

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Houston Texans outlasted the Los Angeles Rams 41-38 on Sunday in a wild back-and-forth game that saw both offenses trade blows until the final whistle.

Running back Derrick Henry was a force for Houston, dragging tacklers for tough yards and finishing with 83 yards and a touchdown. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye showed poise in the shootout, throwing for 303 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions while keeping pace with one of the league’s best.

On the other side, Justin Herbert looked every bit like an MVP candidate for Los Angeles. He carved up Houston’s defense with 389 yards and four touchdowns, keeping the Rams in it until the very end.

Ultimately, Houston’s ability to finish drives proved the difference, as Maye spread the ball around and Henry iced the clock late. The Texans (1-0) opened their season with a statement win, while the Rams (0-1) will leave wondering what more Herbert could have done.

“This was about staying composed,” Texans head coach David Shaw said. “Our guys matched every punch and found a way to make one more play when it mattered.”

Packers Hold Off Lions’ Rally, Win 31-24 at Lambeau

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Green Bay Packers opened their season with a 31-24 win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday, fending off a furious late rally led by Jared Goff.

The Packers built a commanding 31-14 lead, sparked by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s dual-threat performance. Tua accounted for all four Green Bay touchdowns — two through the air and two on the ground — finishing with 224 passing yards, two interceptions, and a previously unseen ability to improvise outside the pocket.

Running back Isiah Pacheco helped open up the offense, grinding out 98 yards at a clip of 6.5 yards per carry, keeping Detroit’s defense on its heels.

But the Lions weren’t done. Wide receiver Romeo Doubs burned Green Bay’s secondary, posting 119 yards and three touchdowns, including two scores in the second half to bring Detroit within one possession. The Lions even recovered an onside kick in the closing minutes, but Green Bay’s defense stiffened to preserve the win.

“This league is never easy,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. “We made it harder on ourselves late, but we’ll take the win and learn from it.”

The Packers (1-0) move into early control of the NFC North, while the Lions (0-1) will look to regroup after a near comeback that came up just short.

49ers Dominate Seahawks 48-7 in Seattle

SEATTLE (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers rolled to a 48-7 rout over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, putting together one of their most complete performances in recent memory.

San Francisco’s offense clicked on all cylinders, racking up 469 total yards while the defense suffocated Seattle, holding the Seahawks to just 158 yards.

Quarterback Jordan Love orchestrated the attack with efficiency, throwing for 237 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. On the ground, Jaylen Warren provided the balance the 49ers have been searching for, powering his way to 184 rushing yards and two touchdowns behind a dominant offensive line.

Defensively, linebacker Drue Tranquill delivered a statement performance with 10 tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception, leading a unit that never let Seattle breathe.

“We wanted to set the tone for the season, and that’s exactly what we did today,” Tranquill said. “When the offense and defense play like that together, we’re tough to beat.”

The 49ers (1-0) start their season with a convincing division win, while the Seahawks (0-1) will need to regroup quickly after a humbling defeat at home.