CLOSE GAMES, SCORING UP

After three weeks of the season, 51 percent of the games (22 of 43) have been decided by seven points or less, compared to 35 percent (15 of 43) a year ago. Thirty-three percent of games (14 of 43) have been decided by three points or less, compared to 12 percent (5 of 43) in the first three weeks of 1996.

Scoring is up. Games have averaged 40.9 points through Week 3, compared to 38.1 at the same point a year ago. There have been 188 touchdowns, compared to 177 a year ago. The 1,759 points through Week 3 is the second-highest total through the third week of the 1990s (1,822 points in 1994). There have been five more 100-yard rushers (22 to 17), five more 100-yard receivers (20 to 15) and three more 300-yard passers (7 to 4) at this point compared to last season. Also, 21 touchdowns of 50 yards or more have been scored, compared to 16 through Week 3 in ’96.