The Kansas City Chiefs and New York Giants are both staring at the same uncomfortable reality: 0-2 starts to the 2025 NFL season. On Sunday night at MetLife Stadium, one of them will finally get a win on the board, or plunge into the dangerous 0-3 hole that has historically spelled doom for playoff hopes.
The Giants arrive home after two very different defeats. In NFL Week 1, they struggled offensively in a 21-6 loss to Washington, but just a week later, they pushed the Dallas Cowboys to the brink in a 40-37 overtime shootout.
Russell Wilson has shown flashes of leadership in his new setting, and rookie wideout Malik Nabers looks primed for a breakout. Still, the Giants have been undone by inconsistency, costly penalties, and a nonexistent run game.
For Kansas City, the story is equally troubling but with much higher expectations attached. The Chiefs lost a 27-21 battle with the Chargers in their NFL opener, then fell 20-17 to the Eagles in a Super Bowl rematch that once again exposed their struggles in key moments.
Patrick Mahomes has shouldered almost everything offensively, leading the team in both passing and rushing through two games. However, even his brilliance hasn’t been enough to mask the lack of efficiency in the red zone and a defense that’s struggled to get off the field on third down.
Recent history leans heavily toward Kansas City. The Chiefs have won four of the last five NFL meetings against New York, including a comfortable 28-10 victory last season. But this matchup feels less about history and more about urgency.
Andy Reid’s side has reached three straight Super Bowls, yet now finds itself trying to avoid a 0-3 start for the first time since 2014. Meanwhile, Brian Daboll’s Giants are searching for traction in a tough NFC East, hoping that an energized Wilson-Nabers connection can breathe life into their season.
The most important battles in this matchup will happen on both sides of the ball. For Kansas City, it starts with Patrick Mahomes testing the Giants’ secondary, a group that has been shaky at times and will need its best performance to keep him in check. On the other side, the Giants must do a better job establishing their run game and, just as importantly, protect Russell Wilson from Steve Spagnuolo’s relentless blitz packages.
And then there’s Travis Kelce: if New York can’t find a way to slow him down across the middle, Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense could take control of the game early.
The stakes are simple: desperation football in NFL Week 3. For the Chiefs, a loss would raise uncomfortable questions about whether their Super Bowl window is finally creaking. For the Giants, another setback could derail any hopes of staying competitive in the NFC East.
Kickoff is set for 8:20 p.m. ET (1:20 a.m. BST) on Sunday, September 21, under the bright lights at MetLife Stadium. Both teams know what’s on the line, and neither can afford to walk away empty-handed.
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Where to Watch Kansas City Chiefs vs. New York Giants NFL Week 3 Game
Fans can catch the Chiefs-Giants action live on NBC or stream it on Peacock, with the familiar Sunday Night Football crew of Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Cris Collinsworth (analyst), and Melissa Stark (sideline) calling the game. Former NFL referee Terry McAulay will also provide real-time rules analysis.
Pregame coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET with Football Night in America, setting the stage for what’s shaping up to be a pivotal contest.
For those on the go, NFL+ will provide mobile streaming access to the game, including replays and additional coverage.
Fans in Kansas City can tune into the Chiefs Radio Network (96.5 The Fan), where Mitch Holthus will be on the call alongside analyst Danan Hughes and sideline reporter Josh Klingler. Spanish-language radio coverage will be available via Tico Sports (Audacy app).
The Chiefs will also offer live pregame and postgame shows on their official YouTube channel, with coverage starting at 5:30 p.m. CT and a recap show following the final whistle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the current record for the Kansas City Chiefs and the New York Giants ahead of their game?
Both teams enter NFL Week 3 with 0-2 records. This makes the matchup crucial as they look to avoid a daunting 0-3 start.
Who are the key players to watch in this game?
For the Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce remain the offensive focal points. For the Giants, quarterback Russell Wilson and rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers will be central to their chances of success.
How have the Chiefs and Giants performed against each other historically?
The Chiefs have had the upper hand in recent years, winning four of the last five matchups against the Giants. Their most recent meeting ended in a convincing 28-10 Kansas City victory, underlining the gap between the two teams.
What time does the game start, and where is it being played?
Kickoff is set for 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday, September 21, with the action taking place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The primetime slot adds even more spotlight to what is already a high-stakes showdown for both 0-2 teams.
How can fans watch or listen to the game?
The game will air on NBC and stream on Peacock, with radio coverage available via the Chiefs Radio Network and Tico Sports for Spanish-language listeners. NFL+ will also provide mobile streaming and replays.