NFL Week 3: A Dozen Games Decided by One Score, Including a Game-Winner in Rio

# What happened Week 3 featured an unusually high concentration of close games. Twelve matchups ended within one score, tying the NFL record for most one-score games in a single week. Fans who checked scores early often had to recheck as leads evaporated and last possessions decided outcomes.

# Standout finishes The most dramatic finish came in Rio de Janeiro, where the Baltimore Ravens played the Dallas Cowboys in the first NFL game held in the city. Dallas tied the game with seven seconds left. Lamar Jackson completed a 27-yard pass to Zay Flowers to set up a 56-yard field-goal attempt. Second-year kicker Tyler Loop made the kick as time expired to give Baltimore a 34-31 win.

Sunday night produced another late thriller. The Los Angeles Rams led the Denver Broncos 16-0 at halftime, but Denver mounted a comeback and took a 30-26 lead late. On Los Angeles' final chance, Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga intercepted Matthew Stafford in the end zone as time expired to seal the win for Denver.

# Key performances and milestones Detroit's Jahmyr Gibbs scored three touchdowns on Sunday—two rushing and one receiving—and finished with a performance that moved him past Billy Sims for second on the Lions' career rushing touchdown list. That output helped Detroit hold off the New York Jets 31-24.

Washington, led by Marcus Mariota, pulled off a surprise 33-31 win over Seattle. Other close outcomes included Indianapolis edging Houston by two points, Pittsburgh beating Cincinnati by three, and San Francisco surviving Arizona by six points. The week's count of one-score games also included contests decided by eight points, which the story counted toward the one-score total for the slate.

# What's next

# Why it matters

# Quick list of notable Week 3 tight finishes

• Ravens 34, Cowboys 31 — Tyler Loop 56-yard field goal as time expired in Rio de Janeiro.
• Broncos held off Rams — Talanoa Hufanga intercepted Matthew Stafford in the end zone on the final play.
• Lions 31, Jets 24 — Jahmyr Gibbs with three touchdowns and moved past Billy Sims for second in Lions rushing TDs.
• Commanders 33, Seahawks 31 — Marcus Mariota led Washington to a close win.

Week 3 reinforced that many NFL games are still decided on the final possession. Expect that reality to influence coaching choices, roster moves, and how teams approach late-game situations in the coming weeks.