Three weeks into the season, the Merry Men, Dragons and Refugees remain unbeaten. But while the defending champions and NFC favorites spent Week 3 flexing their muscles, the Refugees discovered how quickly a promising season can become more complicated.
The Champs Take Control
The Merry Men delivered the week’s highest total in a 72–41 victory over the Eaters, completing a sweep of their first trip through the AFC West. Brock Purdy accounted for four touchdowns and 24 points, continuing the production that carried the franchise to its second straight championship last December. Bijan Robinson added 20 behind 194 rushing yards, while Brock Bowers contributed 10.
After three wins by at least 15 points, the Merry Men already have some breathing room. The Eaters and Buddies sit at 1–1–1, leaving the defending champions firmly in control of a division they were expected to dominate. The pursuit of the league’s first three-peat is off to a convincing start.
Dragons Stand Alone
The Dragons also finished their opening divisional stretch unbeaten, handing the Mallards their first loss in a 68–39 victory. After escaping with just 32 points in Week 2, the Dragons again showed the depth that made their opening-week explosion so impressive. Trevor Lawrence scored 18, Kenneth Walker III and Harrison Mevis added 14 apiece, and rookie Jeremiyah Love chipped in 10.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba continued his strong start with 16 points for the Mallards, giving him 50 through three games. But with Justin Herbert contributing just six and David Montgomery held scoreless, the Mallards could not keep pace. The Dragons now stand alone atop the NFC East.
A Costly Win for the Refugees
For the Refugees, staying perfect required a much narrower escape. After consecutive 70-point performances, they edged the Poop 49–47 despite being outscored 24–12 at quarterback by Tyler Shough. Josh Allen’s supporting cast made the difference, with Luther Burden III, Travis Kelce and Deebo Samuel each scoring eight points and Evan McPherson adding nine.
The bigger concern came afterward: De’Von Achane will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL. The Refugees still lead the YFFL with 194 points, two ahead of the Merry Men, but replacing Achane presents their first major test. Allen has 72 points toward a seventh straight 200-point season; the demands on him may only grow.
Trouble for the Huskers
In the NFC West, the Huskers’ encouraging opening win is becoming a distant memory. With Jaxson Dart facing season-ending knee surgery, last year’s runners-up turned to Bryce Young but fell 58–33 to the Chickens. George Kittle and Juwan Johnson combined for four touchdowns and 28 points, lifting the Chickens to 2–1 alongside the Brothers, who beat the Beans 51–38. The Huskers have now lost two straight.
Around the League
The Orangutangs stayed one game behind the Refugees with a 46–32 win over the Llamas, powered by Jahmyr Gibbs’ 24 points. The Buddies earned their first victory by edging the Thugs 44–43, while the Boys beat the White Guys 31–24. The Thugs, White Guys and Poop remain winless.
The opening divisional games have given the contenders an early chance to separate themselves. Three teams took full advantage. Keeping that separation, especially as injuries mount, will be the next challenge.