The Chiefs wore Free 4 shirts for Rashee Rice before the home opener vs. Philadelphia, a gesture Andy Reid labeled as affection for a teammate, not a political statement about the NFL. Rice sits out six games due to a personal conduct policy violation from a 2024 Dallas crash. He had 79 catches as a rookie in 2023, and despite an injury-shortened 2024, he posted postseason numbers. He can return October 19 against the Raiders.

Kansas City’s 0-2 start jolts the Mahomes era with uncharted territory after a Super Bowl run. Historical odds since 1990 place playoff probability around 12% for 0-2 teams, a figure not improved by the 2020 14-team expansion. KC’s path hinges on rediscovering balance: Mahomes with a thinner receiving corps, notably Rashee Rice suspended six games and Xavier Worthy sidelined, must lean on Travis Kelce while the defense tightens. The schedule lightens in the second half, but wins must come soon, starting with the Giants and a stretch that tests the Chiefs’ resilience and rotation depth.

Kept afloat by a favorable home slate against Ravens, Lions and Commanders, Kansas City still needs three wins in four against Ravens, Lions, Commanders, and Bills to keep realistic playoff odds. The week-to-week calculus matters more than ever, as KC navigates back from a rough early phase with a tighter offense and a hopeful return of top pass catchers. The long runway remains daunting, but the door isn’t closed yet.

DraftKings rolls out a big NFL Sunday Ticket promo: new users bet $5 and receive $200 in bonus bets, plus over $200 off NFL Sunday Ticket. Eight $25 bonus slips arrive within 72 hours and expire after seven days. No promo code is required; eligibility hinges on being a new user in a sponsoring state. The offer pairs with a Week 3 slate headlined by the 0-2 Chiefs vs Giants on Sunday Night Football, plus Bears, Cowboys, Rams, and Eagles providing fantasy and betting angles.

Buffalo Bills host the Miami Dolphins in Thursday Night Football as Week 3 opens, with Buffalo riding a 2-0 start and Miami slumping 0-2. Bills are the heavy -13.5 favorite, and the slate features two undefeateds in Philly vs Los Angeles and Arizona vs San Francisco. Giants vs Chiefs caps Sunday Night, while Lions visit Ravens on Monday Night Football. The full card lists every Week 3 game with lines, totals, and FPI odds to guide fantasy lineups and bold bets.

Fantasy emphasis centers on exploiting high-scoring expectancies and favorable game scripts. Track line moves and totals for starts like top offenses and potential shootouts, while identifying mid-range sleepers in games with clear target volume or pace advantages. Use the odds and projections to balance upside with risk as Week 3 decisions tighten.