The Buffalo Bills will wear their controversial Nickel City gray set for the first time against the Los Angeles Chargers, while the Indianapolis Colts roll out the new Anvil Strike Rivalries uniform against the Texans. Week 3 also features bold looks from Denver, Jacksonville and Baltimore.
Week 3 of the 2026 NFL season has become the league’s loudest uniform week, highlighted by two brand‑new alternate sets. The Buffalo Bills are set to debut the gray “Nickel City” uniform against the Los Angeles Chargers, and the Indianapolis Colts will wear the anthracite “Anvil Strike” Rivalries kit in their matchup with the Houston Texans (Source 2).
Nickel City and Anvil Strike debuts
Buffalo took the practice field in the Nickel City uniform for the first time on Wednesday, a day before the Chargers game. The gray jersey and pants are paired with a royal‑blue helmet dubbed “The Charge,” featuring a metallic flake finish and a single red stripe (Source 1). The look is tied to the Bills’ Huddle for Hunger and Hispanic Heritage game, and quarterback Josh Allen was among the first to wear it during an open practice earlier in the offseason. Wide receiver DJ Moore appeared in a red non‑contact jersey as he recovers from a shoulder injury sustained in Week 2 (Source 1). The Bills enter the contest 2‑0, while the Chargers sit 0‑2.
Across the country, the Colts will unveil the Anvil Strike uniform, an anthracite jersey and pants with royal‑blue numbers and a horseshoe‑inspired shoulder stripe. The helmet is a high‑gloss metallic royal‑blue piece accented with a silver horseshoe (Source 2). The design marks the first appearance of the NFL × Nike Rivalries line for Indianapolis and will be worn in a home game against the Texans.
Other notable Week 3 looks include Denver’s midnight‑navy set for Sunday Night Football, Jacksonville’s teal “Prowler” throwback, and Baltimore’s purple uniform for a game in Rio de Janeiro against Dallas (Source 2). Each team’s choice adds to a vibrant visual landscape that has fans and commentators buzzing.
As the league rolls out these bold alternatives, reactions are mixed. While some praise the Bills’ helmet design, others remain skeptical of the gray base. The Colts’ metallic accents have drawn early admiration. Regardless of opinion, the Week 3 uniform showcase underscores the NFL’s continued push to blend tradition with fresh branding for a new generation of fans.