NFL Week Three Awards

19 games and 21 months later, the Lions win.

They beat the Cleveland Browns, who are so bad 0-16 is a real possibility.

After Week Three, everyone is loving Brett Favre, the Steelers are in a bit of trouble and the Dolphins could be totally screwed.

Chad Henne just isn't ready.

By the way, the Saints have a defense too. That's just not fair.

Offensive MVP: Peyton Manning

24/35 379 yards 4 TDs 1 Int

Manning has started this season as he ended the last:

Hot.

The Colts have won 12 regular season games in a row with Manning playing some of the best football of his career.

Some said his production would drop when Anthony Gonzalez got injured. Teams would blanket Reggie Wayne and leave him with no quality options.

But others have stepped up with the emergence of Pierre Garcon and Dallas Clark back to his best.

Defensive MVP: Terence Newman

Tackles 4
Ints 1(TD)
FF 1

Often criticized for his concentration lapses and average tackling, Newman was the game-winner for the Cowboys Monday night.

His interception, which he returned 27 yards for a touchdown, sealed the game, and he was then backed up by rookie linebacker Victor Butler on the next drive.

If Newman becomes more consistent, he has the potential to be one of the best cover corners in the NFL.

Team of the Week: New York Giants

Giants 24 Buccaneers 0

The perfect template for dominance of one team over another was on show in Tampa on Sunday.

The Giants shut out the Bucs and held them to just 86 offensive yards and five first downs.

Tampa Bay was also 0-9 on third down.

It is the first time since 2005 that the Giants have recorded a shutout. After this performance, there is little wonder to why the Giants are viewed as the most complete team in football.

Upset of the Week: Cincinnati Bengals

Steelers 20 Bengals 23

The Bengals are well and truly back in business.

A victory over Super Bowl Champion Steelersinspired by a 30 yard interception return for a touchdown by cornerback Johnathan Joseph brings the Bengals to 2-1.

Many wrote it off as another bad year after a fluke loss to the Broncos. But they bounced back beautifully with this victory capped off with a four-yard touchdown pass from Carson Palmer to Andre Caldwell.

Worst Team: Cleveland Browns

Browns 3 Ravens 34

Boy it's going to be a long year for the Browns.

The Browns were outgained by 293 yards, and their quarterbacks combined to throw four picks.

Now Mangini, in all his wisdom, has decided to bench the guy who has a chance to learn and improve. They really need someone capable of making a big play. Anywhere.

Story of the Week: Detroit Lions

Redskins 14 Lions 19

Obviously.

The Lions put in a courageous performance for their first win since December 2007 to officially put Jim Zorn in the firing line.

He needs to win two of the next three games to keep his job, with a loss to the Panthers being acceptable.

Back in Detroit, Stafford showed good signs with a great game to record his first win. He was calm, made good decisions and put good zip on his throws.

Is the future bright in Detroit?

Surprise Player: Brett Favre

24/46 301 yards 2 TDs 1 Int

Nobody thought he could do this anymore. An amazing throw to Greg Lewis won the game with two seconds left on the clock.

The Vikings have to be careful though. Even though they were behind, Favre can't throw the ball 46 times.

If he does he will falter towards the end of the year.