NFL 2024 Week 3 Winners and Losers: Vikings are legit while Chargers and Dolphins suffer heavy losses

Another week of NFL football is almost over, and Sunday was full of drama. The New Orleans Saints suffered their first loss in front of a roaring crowd at the Superdome. The Green Bay Packers won their second straight game without Jordan Love. And the Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers remained undefeated, continuing to defy preseason expectations built on once-daunting quarterback situations.

Who are the absolute biggest winners and losers of week three? Here's a summary:

Winner: Vic Fangio’s Defense

Six days after Kirk Cousins ​​embarrassed the Philadelphia Eagles with a flawless fourth-quarter drive that gave them the win, Fangio had his unit in such good control that it was able to outlast the equally physical New Orleans Saints. Derek Carr and Co. entered Sunday's game as the NFL's most potent offense, but they accomplished next to nothing on the ground and/or in the red zone. Without the Eagles defense, Philly might be 1-2 right now.

Loser: The health of the Chargers

Los Angeles looked to start 3-0 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but lost the game and many big names, from quarterback Justin Herbert and tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt to pass rusher Joey Bosa, were injured. Jim Harbaugh can add physicality to this team, but you don't get far when your star talent isn't available.

Winner: The Call of the Vikings

It was impossible not to highlight Minnesota's surprisingly solid start after the first two weeks, but now Sam Darnold and Co. have reeled off two straight home wins against serious contenders — first the San Francisco 49ers, now the Houston Texans. Darnold has exuded truly elite leadership in an impressively strong lineup, and Brian Flores' defense may be the most versatile and physical in the entire NFL.

Loser: Mike McDaniels Attack

It was hard for the Miami Dolphins coach not to get hung up after Tua Tagovailoa's recent injury exit, and Skylar Thompson getting hurt against the Seattle Seahawks didn't help matters. But the entire unit had no answer against Mike Macdonald, resulting in another devastating loss for a once-promising team and squad. At least Tyler Huntley is still in the starting blocks at center?

Most agree that Bryce Young was done a disservice after the Carolina Panthers drafted him with the No. 1 pick in 2023. But coach Dave Canales seems justified in benching Young in favor of aging backup Andy Dalton after he somehow became the first NFL quarterback to rush for over 300 yards and three touchdowns this season. The most important stat of all: Dalton led the Panthers to a win over the Las Vegas Raiders.

Loser: Will Levis' job security

Tennessee Titans coach Brian Callahan said after the club's loss to the Green Bay Packers that he would not bench Levis despite another turnover-ridden game. But that doesn't mean the 2023 second-round pick won't lose his claim to the top job. Callahan needs to prove his players are progressing, and Levis, while talented, now has five picks in three winless games despite improved weapons.

Winner: Mike Tomlin

Even the coach's all-time best defensive linemen probably wouldn't have expected the Pittsburgh Steelers to be 3-0 after a decisive win over the Chargers with Justin Fields still playing quarterback. Fields has done a good enough job so far, letting Tomlin's defense call the shots. And Russell Wilson is still waiting to be a veteran quarterback for a team that wants to compete in the playoffs once again.