• The Draft
  • Posts
  • 🏈 (Updated 3:40 pm ET) NFL Sunday Week 3 - Panthers vs. Seahawks Kick Off Late Games

🏈 (Updated 3:40 pm ET) NFL Sunday Week 3 - Panthers vs. Seahawks Kick Off Late Games

PLUS: Updated Inactive List, Predictions, Betting Odds and Top Picks

Author

Kevin Draft
September 24, 2023

Game Day Insights
Read Time: 4.1 mins

NFL Week 3 Sunday 4 pm Games are About to Kick Off

SUNDAY, SEPT. 24 - 2nd Half

The NFL readies for another round of action-packed games as we approach the 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff between the Panthers and the Seahawks.

Week 3 is pivotal: some teams aim to solidify their lead, while others seek a turnaround from early setbacks. Keep an eye on seasoned veterans and emerging stars, each striving to make a significant impact.

Stay updated with our thorough analysis and predictions, ensuring you're on top of every game. Get ready for the next wave of NFL excitement.



It’s almost game time. Let’s get it!


  1. The Late Games - Breakdowns, Predictions and Odds

  2. Updated Inactive Lists

  3. Check out our 1 pm Coverage

Panthers at Seahawks
WHERE: Lumen Field (Seattle)
WHEN: 4:05 p.m. ET | CBS
MONEYLINE: Panthers: +228 | Seahawks: -285
SPREAD: Seahawks -6.5 | O/U: 42
Get Panthers 2023 Fan Shop Gear | Get Seahawks 2023 Fan Shop Gear

Things to know:

  1. Geno Smith's Performance: Geno Smith of the Seahawks is off to a strong start, ranking in the top 10 in various performance metrics, such as completion percentage and passer rating.

  2. Panthers' Slow Start: The Carolina Panthers are currently 0-2 for the season, facing challenges, especially in the wide receiver position.

  3. Injury Update: The Panthers' No. 1 overall pick from the 2023 NFL draft, Bryce Young, will not play due to an ankle injury.

  4. Panthers' QB Decision: With Young out, veteran quarterback Andy Dalton will start for the Panthers. Dalton has a record of 3-1 against the Seahawks in his career.

  5. Concerns for Seahawks: Seattle fans have historically seen their team struggle against backup QBs, sparking concerns about facing Dalton.

  6. Seattle's Defensive Improvement: The Seahawks have improved in run defense, moving from ranking No. 26 in 2022 to allowing only 2.9 yards per attempt this year.

  7. Panthers' Offensive Strategy: Despite their track record this season, the Panthers have been sticking to a run-first offense, running the ball in nearly 40% of their offensive snaps.

  8. Historical Matchup: Historically, the Seahawks have an upper hand in the series against the Panthers with a 10-5 record, especially under the Pete Carroll era.

  9. Last Year's Upset: Despite the history, the Panthers managed to upset the Seahawks last season with a 30-24 win.

Our Take

Facing the NFL's fourth-best pass defense, Geno Smith might find it challenging, especially if key players are unavailable. However, Carolina's current standing could decline by Week 3's end. The team seems unprepared to match Seattle's pace regardless of who their quarterback is. The Seahawks are anticipated to perform better at home compared to their initial season game against the Rams.

Cowboys at Cardinals
WHERE: State Farm Stadium (Glendale, Ariz.)
WHEN: 4:25 p.m. ET | FOX
MONEYLINE: Cowboys: -700 | Cardinals: +500
SPREAD: Cowboys -12.5 | O/U: 43
Get Cowboys 2023 Fan Shop Gear | Get Cardinals 2023 Fan Shop Gear

Dallas Cowboys vs. Arizona Cardinals Week 3 Preview

  • Dallas Cowboys' Strong Start:

    • Dominated the first two weeks, with victories of 40-0 against the Giants and 30-10 over the Jets.

    • Their +60 point differential leads the league, almost double that of the second-best 49ers.

    • Notably, they've achieved these results against arguably weaker teams.

  • Arizona Cardinals' Struggles:

    • Lost their initial two games, but both were closely contested.

    • Blew fourth-quarter leads in both matches:

      • Led Washington 16-10 in Week 1, but lost 20-16.

      • Had a 28-7 advantage over the Giants but ended up losing after conceding 24 straight points, finalizing in a 31-28 loss via a last-minute field goal.

  • Betting Odds and Historical Matchups:

    • Dallas is the favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook, with 12.5-point favored odds and a -650 moneyline.

    • In their previous meeting, Arizona narrowly defeated Dallas 25-22.

    • The Cardinals have the upper hand historically, winning six out of the last seven games since 2008.

Our Take

After two weeks, the Cowboys lead in scoring offense and defense, while the Cardinals recently lost a significant lead to a team Dallas dominated in Week 1. Although the NFL is unpredictable, this upcoming game seems fairly certain. However, Dallas' defense suffered a setback with the news of Pro Bowl cornerback Trevon Diggs tearing his ACL in practice.

Bears at Chiefs
WHERE: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, Mo.)
WHEN: 4:25 p.m. ET | FOX
MONEYLINE: Bears: +550 | Chiefs: -800
SPREAD: Chiefs -13 | O/U: 48
Get Bears 2023 Fan Shop Gear | Get Chiefs 2023 Fan Shop Gear

Chicago Bears vs. Kansas City Chiefs Matchup Preview

  • Initial Expectations:

    • The matchup was anticipated as a challenge for the rising Chicago Bears against the seasoned playoff regulars, the Kansas City Chiefs.

    • Chicago had the NFL's worst record, contrasting with the Chiefs' recent Super Bowl victory.

    • However, the Bears' promising offseason moves and the anticipated growth of Justin Fields had sparked optimism among their fans.

  • Reality Check for the Bears:

    • Chicago has had a disappointing start to the season.

    • A series of upheavals at Halas Hall and a franchise record 12-game losing streak have dampened fan morale.

    • There's a growing apprehension among supporters about the potential for a lopsided defeat in Kansas City.

Our Take

Chicago sports fans are pointing fingers over the team's disappointing start and young QB Justin Fields' challenges. Facing the Super Bowl champions, the Chiefs might seem daunting, but it could be an opportune moment for the Bears and Fields. With low expectations, Fields might play more relaxed and without apprehension. While an overnight transformation is unlikely, especially against top-tier opposition, the match might be closer than anticipated due to Fields adopting a fearless approach.

Steelers at Raiders
Where: Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas)
When: 8:20 p.m. ET | NBC, NFL+, Universo
Moneyline: Steelers: +126 | Raiders: -150
Spread: Raiders -2.5 | O/U: 43
Get Steelers 2023 Fan Shop Gear | Get Raiders 2023 Fan Shop Gear

Things to know:

  • Historic rivals clash: Las Vegas (1-1) vs. Pittsburgh (1-1).

  • Las Vegas aims to recover from a 38-10 loss to the Bills.

  • Pittsburgh's offense is keen to dominate after underperforming in the first two weeks.

Pittsburgh's Game Plan:

  • Kenny Pickett, the Steelers' QB, has faced criticism and is expected to enhance his gameplay, potentially playing faster and looking downfield.

  • Increased targets for George Pickens, but Pickett will also aim to distribute to other skill players.

  • Expect a boost in Steelers' running game against the Raiders' 27th ranked run defense.

Las Vegas' Strategy:

  • Jimmy Garoppolo to focus on quick passes, challenging the Steelers' secondary which has shown vulnerability.

Our Take

During their recent win against Cleveland, the Steelers scored both their initial and final points from outside linebacker plays. However, repeating such a performance in consecutive weeks is unlikely. Given their top receiver's injury and an inconsistent offense, Pittsburgh's scoring source this Sunday is uncertain. In contrast, trusting Josh Jacobs to exploit Pittsburgh's weak run defense in the Raiders' home opener seems more plausible than Kenny Pickett finding success against Las Vegas' vulnerable secondary.

Updated: 3;40 pm ET

Panthers

  • Bryce Young (QB)

  • Sam Webb (CB)

  • DJ Johnson (EDGE)

  • Jammie Robinson (S)

  • Raheem Blackshear (RB)

Seahawks

  • Will Dissly (TE)

  • Coby Bryant (CB)

  • Riq Woolen (CB)

  • Jamal Adams (S)

Bears

  • Eddie Jackson (S)

  • Daniel Hardy (LB)

  • A.J. Thomas (S)

  • D'Onta Foreman (RB)

  • Equanimeous St. Brown (WR)

  • Tyson Bagent (QB)

Chiefs

  • Nick Bolton (LB)

  • Richie James Jr. (WR)

  • Keondre Coburn (DT)

  • Nic Jones (CB)

  • BJ Thompson (DE)

Cowboys

  • Trevon Diggs (CB)

  • Viliami Fehoko Jr. (DT)

  • Trey Lance (QB)

  • Jalen Brooks (WR)

  • Eric Scott Jr. (CB)

  • Israel Mukuamu (CB)

Cardinals

  • Josh Woods (LB)

  • Carlos Watkins (DT)

  • Starling Thomas V (CB)

  • Elijah Higgins (TE)

Steelers

  • Gunner Olszewski (WR)

Raiders

  • n/a