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10 NFL Players Under Most Pressure to Perform in Week 3

SportsSep 23, 2026
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Week 3 of the NFL season is closing in, and fans and analysts are set to get a clearer picture of the league’s hierarchy.

Several players need spectacular performances to stave off rumors about where they and their teams will be situated come November.

Here are 10 players under the most pressure to perform in Week 3:

#1 Justin Herbert

Justin Herbert has made a bad start to 2026 - Source: ImagnJustin Herbert has made a bad start to 2026 - Source: Imagn
Justin Herbert has made a bad start to 2026 – Source: Imagn

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Justin Herbert is no stranger to poor starts. In his debut season in 2020, the Chargers won on opening week, then lost four straight games before their bye.

This season, however, feels different. Mike McDaniel’s speed-based, pass-centric system has not worked, leading to the first 0-2 start of Jim Harbaugh’s career. It won’t get easier for him, as he will have to contend with the Buffalo Bills and their revamped defense, which features formidable pass rusher Bradley Chubb.

#2 Baker Mayfield

Baker Mayfield is 0-2 for the first time since joining the Buccaneers - Source: ImagnBaker Mayfield is 0-2 for the first time since joining the Buccaneers - Source: Imagn
Baker Mayfield is 0-2 for the first time since joining the Buccaneers – Source: Imagn

Baker Mayfield was supposed to have a chip on his shoulder after the Buccaneers initially declined to extend him for 2027 and beyond before acquiescing. Instead, he has looked nothing like the man who seamlessly stepped into Tom Brady’s shoes three years ago.

Like Herbert, he will have a tough task ahead of him: the Minnesota Vikings and their reconstituted defense that includes edge rushers Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner.

#3 Marvin Harrison Jr.

Is Marvin Harrison Jr. proving to be a draft bust? - Source: ImagnIs Marvin Harrison Jr. proving to be a draft bust? - Source: Imagn
Is Marvin Harrison Jr. proving to be a draft bust? – Source: Imagn

Marvin Harrison Jr. was supposed to be among the leaders of the Arizona Cardinals’ renaissance. Instead, he has looked nothing like the man who inherited his Hall-of-Fame father’s name.

He was a passenger against the Seattle Seahawks and failed to catch a single pass. Now he faces the 49ers, whose defensive backs aren’t elite but can still be a problem.

#4 Michael Penix Jr.

Michael Penix will start for the first time in over a year - Source: ImagnMichael Penix will start for the first time in over a year - Source: Imagn
Michael Penix will start for the first time in over a year – Source: Imagn

The Atlanta Falcons have the NFL’s worst quarterback situation.

Tua Tagovailoa is still out with an oblique injury. Cooper Rush was so poor last time out that his career may be over. It’s now Michael Penix’s turn as he returns from an ACL injury.

The No. 8 pick of the 2024 draft has struggled to prove himself, so a strong showing at Lambeau Field is imperative.

#5 Courtland Sutton

Courtland Sutton has been slow to regain his 1000-yard form - Source: ImagnCourtland Sutton has been slow to regain his 1000-yard form - Source: Imagn
Courtland Sutton has been slow to regain his 1000-yard form – Source: Imagn

Courtland Sutton is supposed to be the Denver Broncos’ WR1, but he has not played like that to start the 2026 season.

Week 1 against the Kansas City Chiefs saw him post a measly 11 yards. He fared better with 25 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but Jaylen Waddle had a dominant 183. If he wants to remain WR1, he needs to torch the Los Angeles Rams’ secondary on Sunday Night Football.

#6 C.J. Stroud

C.J. Stroud wants to be the NFL's first $70 million man - Source: ImagnC.J. Stroud wants to be the NFL's first $70 million man - Source: Imagn
C.J. Stroud wants to be the NFL’s first $70 million man – Source: Imagn

C.J. Stroud has expressed his desire for a historic $70 million-per-year contract, but he needs to do at least two things for that to come to fruition.

He needs to win a game and he needs to look good doing so. That is achievable against the Indianapolis Colts, who are themselves mired in a 0-2 start.

#7 Ashton Jeanty

Ashton Jeanty regressed in Week 2 - Source: ImagnAshton Jeanty regressed in Week 2 - Source: Imagn
Ashton Jeanty regressed in Week 2 – Source: Imagn

In Week 1, Ashton Jeanty showed why he was the No. 6 pick in 2025, rushing for 102 yards against the Miami Dolphins. However, he disappeared the following week against the Los Angeles Chargers, notching just 48 yards.

Klint Kubiak is known as an offensive wizard who gets the most out of his players, and he will hope to do the same with his future star RB.

#8 Derrick Henry

Derrick Henry had a steep decline in Week 2 - NFL 2026 - Source: ImagnDerrick Henry had a steep decline in Week 2 - NFL 2026 - Source: Imagn
Derrick Henry had a steep decline in Week 2 – NFL 2026 – Source: Imagn

Derrick Henry had quite the falloff in Week 2, going from destroying the Colts in the Ravens’ opener to being a non-factor against the Saints.

Now, he heads into a pivotal matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. “America’s Team” has one of the weaker linebacking corps on paper, but that will be a non-factor if Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams can get to Henry first.

#9 Jerry Jeudy

Has Jerry Jeudy ceased to be the Browns' WR1? - Source: ImagnHas Jerry Jeudy ceased to be the Browns' WR1? - Source: Imagn
Has Jerry Jeudy ceased to be the Browns’ WR1? – Source: Imagn

Two seasons ago, Jerry Jeudy had an unexpected breakthrough as the WR1 on a subpar Cleveland Browns squad, notching a franchise-record 90 receptions for 1,229 yards en route to a Pro Bowl appearance. Since then, however, it has been nothing but regression.

As it stands, he has been outgained by two rookies over two weeks. If he wants to remain with the team beyond November, he needs to start producing, but it will not be easy against the Carolina Panthers and their all-star secondary.

#10 DK Metcalf

DK Metcalf risks not reaching at least 800 yards for the first time in his career - Source: ImagnDK Metcalf risks not reaching at least 800 yards for the first time in his career - Source: Imagn
DK Metcalf risks not reaching at least 800 yards for the first time in his career – Source: Imagn

DK Metcalf has consistently generated yards throughout his career. However, that hasn’t been the case in the first two games of the season.

So far, he has only 67 yards and no touchdowns. The Cincinnati Bengals do not have the best cornerbacks in the NFL, but their safety duo of Bryan Cook and Jordan Battle could pose a significant threat to Metcalf in Week 3.