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NFL Week 3 panic meter: Chargers have broken the scale
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

NFL Week 3 panic meter: Chargers have broken the scale

By Jack Dougherty  |  Last updated Sep 28, 2026 1:07 PM ET
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We're already through three weeks of the 2026 NFL season, meaning we have a big enough sample size to begin to panic about some underperforming teams and players around the league. Let's rank them on the panic meter, starting with the most disappointing team of all.

Los Angeles Chargers

Panic meter rating: 11/10

No, that isn't a typo. The Chargers have already broken the panic meter three games into the season. Needing a win in Week 3 to avoid a 0-3 start, the Chargers forced five turnovers against the Buffalo Bills and still found a way to lose, 24-16. 

According to Evan Abrams of Action Network, it marked just the third time since 2013 that a team with five forced turnovers and a +4 turnover margin lost the game. Previous teams in that scenario were 81-3-1.

Los Angeles has scored only 44 points through three weeks, and its next six games come against the Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens. This team isn't making the playoffs. 

New England Patriots QB Drake Maye

Panic meter rating: 5.5/10

Maye led the Patriots to the Super Bowl and nearly won the NFL MVP last season, but he's been one of the worst starting quarterbacks in the NFL this year. Through three games, he has only 585 passing yards, six interceptions, two fumbles and only one touchdown. The advanced stats are just as bad.

Among 36 qualified quarterbacks, Maye ranks last in turnover-worthy plays (eight), 29th in big-time throws (one) and 34th in overall PFF grade (40.4), per Pro Football Focus. He also ranks 28th in EPA per play (-0.070), per rbsdm.

We'll wait for A.J. Brown's return before fully pressing the panic button, but it's been ugly for Maye and the Patriots so far. 

Los Angeles Rams

Panic meter rating: 1.5/10

The Rams blew a 16-point lead to the Denver Broncos to fall to 1-2 on the season, but we're not even close to pressing the panic button yet. Los Angeles outgained Denver, 482-257, in the game but gifted the Broncos two turnovers and 13 penalties for 91 yards. 

We have to remember the Rams are missing their best offensive and defensive playmakers in Puka Nacua and Myles Garrett, respectively. Once those All-Pro players return to the field, L.A. will start to look more like the Super Bowl contender it is. 

Houston Texans

Panic meter rating: 8/10

The Texans lost to the Indianapolis Colts, 19-17, to fall to 0-3 on the season. The only reason this isn't a 10/10 on the panic meter is the fact that Houston made the playoffs after starting 0-3 last year, but only seven teams in the history of the NFL have accomplished that feat. It's unlikely that the Texans will do it again. 

Jack Dougherty
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Jack Dougherty has been writing professionally since 2015, contributing to publications such as GoPSUSports. com, Centre Daily Times, Associated Press, and Sportscasting. com

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