The Denver Broncos erased a 16-point first-half deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Rams 30-26 on Sunday in Denver, closing out a dramatic Week 3 slate.
Safety Talanoa Hufanga ignited the comeback with a 66-yard interception return for a touchdown, then sealed the win by picking off Rams quarterback Matt Stafford in the end zone with two seconds remaining.
Los Angeles controlled the opening two quarters, building a 16-0 halftime lead while limiting Denver to five first downs and forcing two three-and-outs and a missed field goal.
The Broncos answered in the third quarter with consecutive touchdown drives and two successful two-point conversions to tie the score, setting up three lead changes in the final five minutes.
After Hufanga's pick-six, Stafford connected with Konata Mumpfield on a 48-yard touchdown pass, but Broncos quarterback Bo Nix responded with an end-zone rushing score following a sustained drive.
Stafford moved the Rams to Denver's 19-yard line in the final minute before Hufanga's second interception ended the threat.
Payton Praises Grit but Flags Slow Starts
Denver head coach Sean Payton acknowledged mixed feelings about his team's tendency to fall behind early.
"I'm comfortable with the grit of a team that can play well in the fourth quarter," Payton said.
He added that relying on late comebacks poses a long-term challenge.
"I'm uncomfortable with how we play at the start of games, if that's a fair answer," Payton said.
Payton stressed that while tight games are expected, slow starts need immediate correction.
"I'm comfortable with, this is a team that can -- because our games, you're going to be in tight games, but as the head coach, you can't possibly be comfortable with the way the first half unfolds," he said.
The victory mirrored Denver's earlier win against Jacksonville, where the team rallied from a 13-3 deficit.
"I'm pleased with how we responded, but it'll cost us in bigger games," Payton said.
He warned that early deficits will become costly later in the season against stronger opponents.
"I just believe that against teams that are playing better later in the season and I'm talking about ourselves, whoever it is, it'll be something we'll be frustrated about later if we can't clean it up," Payton said.
Elsewhere in Week 3, the Washington Commanders defeated the defending champion Seattle Seahawks 33-31, ending Seattle's 12-game winning streak.
Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota threw three touchdown passes, while linebacker Kain Medrano returned an interception 50 yards for a score.
In Rio de Janeiro, the Baltimore Ravens edged the Dallas Cowboys 34-31 on a 56-yard field goal by Tyler Loop as time expired at the Maracana stadium, the NFL's first game at the venue.
The Cleveland Browns secured a 21-18 win over the Carolina Panthers, led by quarterback Deshaun Watson, who threw a game-winning 14-yard touchdown pass to tight end Harold Fannin Jr.
"The past is the past," Watson said. He noted the team is focused on forward momentum after back-to-back victories.
"I know we've been through some ups and downs," Watson said. He added that building on the current momentum could produce a meaningful season for the city.
"But if we look forward, build off this win, come back Thursday night and get another big one, we can make something special for this city," Watson said.
Unbeaten teams through Week 3 include the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings, and Las Vegas Raiders.
