5 NFL Teams That Will Let Fan Bases Down in Week 3, Including the Dallas Cowboys

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectWhile each franchise enters the week with optimism, not all 32 NFL teams can win every week. An early-season loss doesn’t mean much in the grand scheme of things, but it’s not how any team wants to start the year. Yet, here are five NFL teams that will inevitably let their fan bases down with a loss in Week 3.

>Related: Week 3 NFL Power Rankings: Bengals, Vikings, Saints Rise After Chaotic Week 2

New England PatriotsSep 20, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel reacts during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn ImagesAdversity hit the New England Patriots over the offseason, and it’s continued since they took the field in the season opener, where A.J. Brown suffered an ankle injury that landed him on IR. Yet, Mike Vrabel’s team brushed off the loss of their star receiver and blew past the Steelers with a 20-3 win in Week 2. The issue here is that their Week 3 opponent, the Jacksonville Jaguars, boast a much better scoring attack than the Steelers do, and Liam Coen’s coaching will ultimately overcome Vrabel in this one.

Tampa Bay BuccaneersSep 10, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) looks to pass during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY SportsAfter a 0-2 start, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reached the point of desperation, which means the pressure will be on for them to win on Sunday. Meanwhile, facing off against the NFL’s most blitz-heavy defensive coordinator, Brian Flores of the Minnesota Vikings, the pressure literally will be on Baker Mayfield all day. That won’t bode well for a Buccaneers offense that hasn’t been able to find its groove since Mike Evans departed in free agency.

Dallas CowboysSep 20, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer watches the video scoreboard during a stoppage of play against the Washington Commanders in the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn ImagesAfter a season-opening dud, the Dallas Cowboys bounced back with a convincing win in Week 2. Now they’re asked to head to Brazil to take on one of the NFL’s brightest defensive minds, Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter. Both teams enter the game with a 1-1 record, but Minter, plus a healthy Ravens rushing attack led by Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson, will be too much for the Cowboys to handle in Rio De Janeiro.

Las Vegas RaidersSep 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) exits the field after the game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesThe Las Vegas Raiders may be 2-0, but their Week 3 opponent is no slouch, as the New Orleans Saints are averaging 27 points per game while bringing the intensity on defense too. Yet, here’s where the Raiders’ win streak ends, but they’ll still put up a hard-fought game on Sunday. While some fans may continue to be inspired by the improved play as a team overall, it’s never a good feeling to end with a loss.

Pittsburgh SteelersSep 20, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) passes against the New England Patriots in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn ImagesThe Mike McCarthy Pittsburgh Steelers started their season with a win, but they’ve been quite underwhelming thus far. They’ve scored just 23 points, which ranks 31st in the NFL. They also haven’t gone over 264 yards in either game. Life could get tougher this week as their AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals come to town. The Bengals’ defense has been ferocious thus far, and Joe Burrow could be ready for a big game too.