The Kansas City Chiefs have re‑emerged as a force, the NFL’s London showcase is back in action, and fans of the Los Angeles Rams can breathe a sigh of relief as the prospect of Puka Nacua returning to the lineup becomes more realistic. I was present at Sky Sports NFL’s weekly production meeting on Wednesday when analyst Jason Bell made a bold claim: Brock Bowers possesses every skill that Jaxon Smith‑Njigba brings to the field, only he executes them from the tight‑end position. Bell’s assessment proved spot‑on. Bowers is a versatile weapon.
He runs every route on the tree, can line up in any spot across the formation, and consistently displays some of the most reliable hands in the game. Rather than relying solely on blazing speed, he creates separation with clever fakes and a nuanced understanding of defensive leverage. He can win one‑on‑one matchups, attack every level of the field, and serve as a focal point for his offense. In the Raiders’ surprising 35‑27 victory over the New Orleans Saints, Bowers recorded ten receptions on thirteen targets for 116 yards and a touchdown, helping Las Vegas improve to a 3‑0 start.
"It’s self‑explanatory – he’s the best in the business," said Raiders pass‑rusher Maxx Crosby. "He’s a complete game‑changer, unguardable.
Having a player like that back in the lineup definitely lifts the team." The Raiders also highlighted that Bowers has become only the third non‑receiver in NFL history to amass at least 1,900 receiving yards in his first 30 career games, joining legends Mike Ditka and Kellen Winslow. Drafted 13th overall in 2024, he has already exceeded the lofty expectations placed on him and embodies the modern tight‑end prototype that once propelled his Kansas City counterpart to stardom. For years, Travis Kelce set the template for a receiver‑type tight end, repeatedly beating press and soft coverage while splitting time between the slot and the outside. At 36, Kelce has postponed retirement and opened the season with a team‑leading 14 catches on 19 targets for 231 yards and two touchdowns, anchoring a revitalized Chiefs passing attack.
Behind the Chiefs’ unbeaten 3‑0 start, Patrick Mahomes appears to be returning to his elite form. The quarterback is once again attacking defenses with swagger and aggression, especially after recovering from last season’s knee injury.
Andy Reid’s renewed emphasis on play‑action has breathed fresh life into his scheme, allowing Mahomes to launch off‑platform throws and deep‑downfield splash passes that had been scarce in recent years. While Mahomes’ early impact is undeniable, the arrival of former Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III has added a critical new dimension to Kansas City’s resurgence. Walker, the Super Bowl MVP from February, now leads the league with 360 rushing yards, averaging 5.5 yards per carry, and has added two rushing touchdowns. He also contributes 11 receptions for 82 yards and two scores, providing a versatile dual‑threat that complements Mahomes’ aerial prowess.
His presence offers the Chiefs a blue‑chip component that helps restore the offense to its former glory. Sunday also promises a continuation of Mahomes’ emerging rivalry with Raiders edge‑rusher Maxx Crosby. The two have faced off numerous times in recent seasons and maintain a mutual respect for each other’s abilities.
"It’s been a long time since we really got to go, and I know we’re both looking forward to it. I respect him.
He knows what it is: it’s war," Crosby said. Mahomes echoed the sentiment, noting that Crosby texted him as soon as both players were cleared to play: "Hey, we’re both back.
Let’s show the world who we are." He added, "There’s a rivalry when we step on that field – we’ll go at it. It makes the league better when great competitors face each other, and it makes a win that much sweeter." The Chiefs’ offense is finally finding the space it needs, thanks in large part to the tandem of Walker and Mahomes. Their ability to stretch the field forces defenses to respect both the run and the deep pass, opening up opportunities for other playmakers.
Returning offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy also deserves credit; his experience with Chicago’s downhill rushing attack in 2025 has translated into more effective scheming at Arrowhead Stadium. The result is a team that now looks like a legitimate contender once again. The NFL’s return to the United Kingdom marks the first of three London games in October, bringing the total of regular‑season matchups played in the city to 45 since 2007.
The Commanders travel to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after an upset win over Super Bowl champions Seattle, with backup quarterback Marcus Mariota stepping in for the injured Jayden Daniels. Daniels is in London with the team, but his status for Sunday remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, the Indianapolis Colts arrive after a narrow 19‑17 victory over the Houston Texans, still leaning heavily on running back Jonathan Taylor as the engine of Shane Steichen’s offense. The Los Angeles Rams face the Philadelphia Eagles in a game that could determine the trajectory of their season. The Rams were touted as a super‑team early on, but a 1‑2 start and injuries to Myles Garrett and star wide receiver Puka Nacua have raised questions.
Nacua is expected to return against the Eagles, and veteran Davante Adams has emerged as a reliable target, posting 332 yards over the past two weeks. The Rams recently squandered a 16‑point lead in a 30‑26 loss to Denver, while the Eagles are still recovering from a 27‑7 defeat at the hands of a Chicago Bears team led by Case Keenum. The Dallas Cowboys showcase a potent offense featuring Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens, but their defense remains a glaring weakness, currently ranked last in yards allowed and EPA per play. Injuries have compounded their struggles, and the team’s inability to stop opponents could undermine their Super Bowl aspirations.
In the Chiefs‑Raiders showdown, Las Vegas’ recent defensive acquisitions, including linebacker Nakobe Dean and rookie Quay Walker, are already making an impact. Dean has logged 27 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles, while the Raiders’ pass rush still relies heavily on blitzing to generate pressure. The Chiefs’ offensive line, however, continues to provide one of the league’s best pass‑protection rates. Other notable matchups include the Denver Broncos versus the San Francisco 49ers, where Sean Payton’s offense is beginning to click and Brock Purdy leads the league with nine touchdowns, a 133.1 passer rating, and only one interception.
The Los Angeles Chargers risk falling to 0‑4 after a turnover‑laden loss to the Buffalo Bills, while the Detroit Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs shines with three touchdowns and 164 yards from scrimmage in a win over the New York Jets, placing him among the most productive young backs in NFL history. Overall, the early weeks of the 2026 NFL season are delivering drama, surprise, and the promise of compelling storylines as teams adjust, injuries heal, and new stars emerge. Fans can follow every moment live on Sky Sports, with comprehensive coverage of the London games, the playoffs, and Super Bowl LXI scheduled for February 14, 2027.