Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season delivered several upsets that shook up both the standings and the fantasy leagues. Teams that were underdogs managed to pull off surprising wins, leaving fantasy managers scrambling and fans questioning what they thought they knew about the league’s power structure.
Browns Shock Packers, Blocked Field Goal Seals the Deal
Perhaps the most surprising result of the week was Cleveland’s 13–10 upset of Green Bay. The Browns, although few expected them to win this game, leaned heavily on defense and special teams.
- The Packers had a 10–0 lead entering the fourth quarter, but the Browns responded with two critical plays.
- A Grant Delpit interception flipped momentum.
- The game-winner came via a blocked field goal with mere seconds left.
- Browns’ defense held the Packers to under 230 yards and limited Green Bay’s ground attack.
Cleveland might be a team to watch defensively this season. This win shows they can maintain composure in clutch moments. For Green Bay, it’s a wake-up call: even with a lead, they faltered when it mattered most. The offense sputtered late, and special teams mistakes hurt.
Lions Dominate Ravens in Statement Win
Detroit’s 38–30 win over Baltimore at M&T Bank Stadium surprised plenty of fans and analysts, as the Ravens were slightly favored and expected to rely on home-field advantage and a strong offense to slow the Lions.
- Detroit’s run game gashed Baltimore’s front. David Montgomery had a huge rushing performance, racking up 151 yards and two touchdown
- Jared Goff had a strong game, and the Lions converted on multiple fourth downs, embracing aggressiveness when the moment demanded it.
- Baltimore’s defense allowed long touchdown drives and couldn’t slow Detroit’s momentum.
This result shakes up the perception of this Ravens team. The defense was supposed to be a strength, but Detroit exposed key vulnerabilities. For the Lions, this win could be a turning point. They’ve now beaten a big name on the road and proved they can make plays in all phases.
Bears Overwhelm Cowboys in Unexpected Fashion
Chicago’s 31–14 win over Dallas isn’t always front-of-mind when people talk upsets, but given expectations around the Cowboys, it ranks. Dallas came in with more hype, but the Bears delivered a performance full of big plays.
- Caleb Williams had a strong showing, including multiple touchdown passe and no interceptions.
- The Bears controlled the line of scrimmage and seemed to disrupt Dallas’ rhythm, both offensively and defensively.
Dallas has questions to answer. Their offense was less consistent than expected, and the defense surrendered too many explosive plays. Chicago, by contrast, might not be taken lightly going forward; this result could give them confidence and momentum.
Shaping the Rest of the Season
Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season made it clear. Favorites win less-than half the battle if they don’t stay sharp in all phases. Upsets weren’t just flukes, they were earned by teams showing discipline, seizing momentum, and making the kinds of plays that matter most in tight games.
As we move into Week 4, watch how these underdog wins could shift expectations. Some teams will ride the wave, while others will need to regroup fast. If this week taught us anything, it’s that no lead is safe, and every team can be vulnerable.
Photo Credit: Baltimore Ravens fans (jamielamorthompson/shutterstock)
