By Akaash Kamdar

Panthers 38, Cardinals 20

Following an inactive ruling of Panthers QB Cam Newton before the game, Kyle Allen started the game and produced a fabulous win on the road against the Cardinals. Allen threw for 261 yards and four touchdowns, marking the first Panther win of the season. The Panthers offense was rolling with star running back Christian McCaffrey gaining 188 total yards and a score. The Cardinals, still yet to get a win on the season, looked shabby throughout the game with a poor performance on offense and defense. The Panthers, despite a losing record, are capable of showing some potential with Allen and a productive offense as they head to Houston next week. 

Saints 33, Seahawks 27

In an upset win, backup Saints quarterback Teddy Bridgewater led the team to a road victory against the Seahawks. After Drew Brees was ruled out for six weeks, the demoralized Saints were expected to take a loss at CenturyLink Field, but the 161 scrimmage yards and two scores from star running back Alvin Kamara put them on top. The Seahawks returned a fair fight with Russell Wilson having a career day of 406 yards passing, 51 yards rushing, and four scores. The Saints, waiting out their time without Brees, are now looking forward to a bright future to potentially win a few games before Brees returns; however, their dreams will be put to the test next week as the rolling Dallas Cowboys come to New Orleans.

49ers 24, Steelers 20

The 49ers moved along their perfect season so far with a home win against the banged up Steelers offense. A modest game on both ends, the 49ers were supported with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo throwing for 277 yards, and the rushing department producing 168 yards and two scores. The Steelers, after losing Ben Roethlisberger to an elbow injury and James Conner with a slight knee injury the week before, attempted to rally behind backup Mason Rudolph and the return of Conner and fell short. The 49ers are gaining popularity in losing the notion of being a mediocre team at best, especially when the Browns come to San Francisco. 

Cowboys 31, Dolphins 6

The Dolphins were a 22.5-point pregame underdog, making the Josh Rosen-led Dolphins one of the biggest underdogs of all time, the Cowboys clobbered the opponent at home. The Cowboys produced an offensive shootout with quarterback Dak Prescott tossing for 246 yards and three total touchdowns, while running backs Ezekiel Elliot and Tony Pollard combined for 228 yards and a score. In creating the distinction, the Cowboys continued their perfect record and making themselves clear contenders for the NFC championship early, as they moved to the top 5 in NFL Power Rankings. The Dolphins, on the other hand, are now making themselves clear contenders for the worst team in the NFL as they seem to be setting up a favorable draft position at the end of this year. 

Giants 32, Buccaneers 31

In a heartbreak loss for the Bucs and a key win for the Giants, Daniel Jones won his first career start, replacing Eli Manning. Responsible for 364 total yards and four touchdowns, Jones made a statement win on the road; however, the Bucs truly deserved the victory. In a last-minute drive following what seemed to be a game-winning touchdown for Jones, quarterback Jameis Winston, who ended the day with 380 yards and 3 touchdowns, led the Bucs to a 38-yard field goal attempt. Kicker Matt Gay, who was 4/4 on the day even with a 52 yard field goal, missed the kick to lose the game for the Bucs. The Giants win, even with star running back Saquon Barkley’s high ankle sprain, was impressive and Eli Manning will have some strong competition to win his quarterback position back. 

Packers 27, Broncos 16

The Packers extended their winning streak to three games with an expected home win against the winless Broncos. Through a mediocre offensive day, quarterback Aaron Rodgers put up 235 yards and a touchdown and running back Aaron Jones added two scores. The Broncos are consistently looking like an unimpressive team as they attained their continued winless streak, while the Packers will take on a competitive matchup at home against the Philadelphia Eagles.