NFL Week 3 Preview: Who Needs a Win Most? Predictions, Injuries & Matchups to Watch (Ep. 2219)

September 25, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

The New York Giants are reportedly exploring trade options for a quarterback after just one game of the James Winston experience, while the Josh Jacobs legal saga took another turn that could make a damaging video more likely to surface. Week 3 also brings a slate of games where injuries and shaky quarterback play are reshaping expectations, from Cincinnati’s resurgent defense to a Bears offense that may have to lean on the run without Caleb Williams.

Giants Quarterback Carousel: Winston’s Leash Looks Short

After Jackson Dart went down with a season-ending knee injury (though the team holds out hope for a playoff return), the Giants handed the offense to James Winston. His Week 2 performance was disastrous enough that Adam Schefter reported the team is looking at trade candidates, specifically naming Gardner Minshew and Mac Jones. The panel was skeptical that any of these options change the team’s trajectory. Andrew Erickson called the idea of Dart returning for the playoffs “BS,” noting that the team’s medical staff made questionable backup decisions last year with Lamar Jackson. Fitz noted that Winston has historically been terrible as a betting favorite (8-20-1 ATS in 29 such games), and Erickson added that the real issue is whether the Giants will panic after one more bad start or simply ride out a lost season. Chris Welsh pointed out that a trade for Minshew makes se

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What you'll learn

1 (02:06) **Giants QB Crisis: Winston, Trade Rumors & Dart's Timeline** - The crew discusses Jackson Dart's season-ending surgery, the possibility of his playoff return, and Adam Schefter's report that the Giants are exploring trade options for Gardner Minshew, Mac Jones, or Jimmy Garoppolo after James Winston's disastrous Week 2 start.
2 (08:46) **Denver's Backfield Injury Mess** - Jonathan Coleman, JK Dobbins, and RJ Harvey are all on the injury report, with Coleman not practicing. The crew warns that this backfield could feature a different lead back every week.
3 (11:08) **Puka Nacua's Setback & the Rams' Offense** - Sean McVay says Puka Nacua is "not making great progress," suggesting another missed game. The crew discusses how this boosts Terrence Ferguson but notes a tougher matchup against Denver's secondary.
4 (14:47) **Aaron Jones Injury & Vikings Backfield** - The crew reacts to Aaron Jones' knee injury, which could sideline him. They discuss the potential for rookie Damon Clayborn to take over lead duties, with DJ Dallas in a pass-blocking role.
5 (18:33) **Josh Jacobs Legal Saga Update** - A judge denied the victim's request to permanently seal the video evidence in the Josh Jacobs case. The records are now under the purview of the police department, increasing the likelihood of the video being released.
6 (22:53) **Game Breakdown: Bengals vs. Steelers** - A divisional rock fight. The panel highlights the "Dexter Lawrence effect" transforming the Bengals' defense versus the Steelers' completely broken offense, led by a passive Aaron Rodgers.
7 (31:38) **Game Breakdown: Patriots vs. Jaguars** - A key matchup between Parker Washington and Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez is the focus. The crew discusses whether Drake May can turn things around after a rough start against a weak Jaguars secondary.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Guests on this episode

Andrew Erickson Chris Welsh

Show Notes

Chris Welsh, Andrew Erickson and Pat Fitzmaurice are back on the Tailgate to sort through a chaotic start to NFL Week 3, from quarterback questions in New York to major injuries affecting the Broncos, Rams and Vikings.

Then it’s on to the games that matter, including Bengals-Steelers, Patriots-Jaguars, Ravens-Cowboys in Rio, Rams-Broncos and the Monday night matchup between the Eagles and Bears.

The crew finishes with their biggest Week 3 calls, including a monster Patrick Mahomes prediction, a potential Drake Maye bounce-back and the teams that simply cannot afford to fall to 0-3.

Timestamps: (May be off due to ads)

Intro - 0:00:00

Jaxson Dart To IR - 0:01:58

Broncos RB Room is Banged Up - 0:08:27

Puka Nacua Injury Lingers - 0:10:50

Aaron Jones Knee Injury - 0:14:28

Josh Jacobs Legal Situation - 0:18:10

Polymarket - 0:21:50

The Games That Matter Most - 0:22:33

Jersey Giveaway - 0:46:03

Make The Call - 0:46:56

Tailgate YouTube Channel - 0:51:20

One Thing to Watch - 0:51:50

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