• The NFL Week 3 underdog report highlights potential upsets, with the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings favored but vulnerable.
• The Eagles’ passing game ranks near the bottom of the NFL, relying heavily on their defense and Saquon Barkley’s running.
• The Los Angeles Rams, led by Puka Nacua, boast a stronger offense and could exploit Philadelphia’s weaknesses.
• The Vikings face challenges with J.J. McCarthy sidelined, leaving Carson Wentz to lead a struggling offense against the Bengals.
• Cincinnati’s backup QB Jake Browning has proven he can win, supported by star receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

Setting the Stage for Week 3 Upsets

As a football fan, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of an underdog pulling off a stunner. The NFL Week 3 underdog report dives into why the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings, both favored at home, could be in for a rough Sunday. 

The Eagles are riding high after beating the Kansas City Chiefs, while the Vikings are licking their wounds from a loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Based on the latest stats and trends as of September 18, 2025, let’s explore why the Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals might steal the spotlight.

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Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles (-3.5)

Eagles’ Passing Woes Could Spell Trouble

The Eagles are 2-0, but their offense is sputtering. Their passing game is the NFL’s second-worst, averaging just 119 yards per game, only better than the Tennessee Titans (102.5). 

Last year, they threw for 181.9 yards per game, third-lowest in the league. I’ve watched enough football to know a one-dimensional offense is a recipe for trouble, especially against a balanced team. 

Jalen Hurts, ranked 33rd out of 34 QBs by Pro Football Focus with a 5.9-yard average depth of target, isn’t stretching the field. Without their top-ranked defense, the Eagles could easily be 0-2.

Running back Saquon Barkley has been a bright spot, averaging 74 yards per game, but wide receiver A.J. Brown is struggling with just six catches for 35 yards, ranking 139th among NFL receivers. Last November, it took a monster 255-yard game from Barkley and 109 yards from Brown to edge out the Rams. Can they repeat that magic?

Rams’ Offense Ready to Shine

The Rams, also 2-0, are a different story. Their offense ranks seventh in the NFL, averaging 367.5 yards per game, dwarfing Philadelphia’s 259. Puka Nacua is a standout, leading the league with 18 catches and 110.5 yards per game, while Davante Adams averages 15.7 yards per reception. 

It’s like watching a well-oiled machine compared to the Eagles’ clunky attack. If the Rams’ fourth-ranked defense can contain Barkley—think bottling up a runaway train—linebackers Byron Young and Jared Verse could tee off on Hurts, putting the defending Super Bowl champs in a tough spot.

Read also: NFL Week 3 Predictions: Top Bets and Matchups for 2025

Cincinnati Bengals at Minnesota Vikings (-3.5)

Bengals Adapt to Life Without Burrow

The Bengals got a scare in Week 2 when Joe Burrow went down with a toe injury that’ll sideline him for at least three months. Enter Jake Browning, who threw three interceptions against the Jacksonville Jaguars but rallied for a 15-play, 92-yard game-winning touchdown drive with 3:21 left. 

I’ve seen backups crumble under pressure, but Browning’s no stranger to stepping up, with a 4-3 record in seven starts since joining Cincinnati in 2023. He’s got Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, arguably the NFL’s best receiver duo, to lean on. That’s like having two aces up your sleeve in a high-stakes poker game.

Vikings Face Uncertainty with Wentz

The Vikings are dealing with their own QB woes. J.J. McCarthy’s high ankle sprain will keep him out 2–4 weeks, so Carson Wentz steps in, making history as the first QB to start for six different teams in six straight seasons. 

Wentz, who went 12-of-19 for 118 yards in three games for the Chiefs last year, inherits an offense ranked 31st in yards (226 per game) and 27th in points (16.5). The Bengals’ offense isn’t much better, ranked 30th with 245.5 yards, but their 24 points per game (ninth in the NFL) give them an edge. Both teams’ defenses have allowed over 21 points per game, so this could be a shootout.

Why These Games Could Flip

The NFL Week 3 underdog report shows why the Eagles and Vikings are vulnerable. Philadelphia’s passing game is stuck in neutral, and the Rams have the firepower to exploit it. In Minnesota, Wentz’s first start could be rocky, while Cincinnati’s used to life without Burrow. 

It’s like comparing a team breaking in new shoes to one that’s already worn them in. The Bengals’ experience with Browning and their elite receivers could outshine Minnesota’s patchwork offense.

Final Thoughts: Expect the Unexpected

Week 3 is shaping up to be a wild ride. The Eagles and Vikings might be favored, but the Rams and Bengals have the tools to pull off upsets. 

As a fan, I love when underdogs shake things up—it reminds me of those times you bet on a long shot and it pays off big. Keep an eye on these matchups, because if the Rams contain Barkley or Browning finds his rhythm, home crowds in Philadelphia and Minnesota might leave disappointed. Here’s to a week of surprises and great football.

Read more: NFL Week 3 Injury Report

Aliha

Hi, I’m Aliha! I’ve been a huge NFL fan for as long as I can remember, and I love sharing my thoughts, updates, and insights about the game. Whether it’s big plays, team news, or behind-the-scenes stories, writing about the NFL gives me a chance to connect with fellow fans who share the same passion for football.