The NFL Draft always brings chaos, but this year it feels even crazier than usual.

Double-digit teams are trying to move up in the first round as franchise quarterbacks and game-changing wide receivers headline this year's class.

While on Thursday one NFC West team, the Los Angeles Rams, was reported to be looking to advance to the first round, The Athletic's Diana Russini now reported that a second team in that league is interested in advancing – and that is the case They're taking calls on two of their best players.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 11: Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers line up during an NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers…
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 11: Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers face off during an NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 11 at Levi's Stadium on , 2022 in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers are reportedly fielding calls on Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk to move up in the draft.
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Russini reports that the San Francisco 49ers are interested in moving up in the first round and have had discussions with teams around All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel and the dominant Brandon Aiyuk.

According to sources, the 49ers have had discussions with teams, including a pick in the top 10, about trading their prized wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel to move up in the first round.

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) April 25, 2024

Aiyuk has been in the headlines all season, long after a trade request was reported. However, 49ers general manager John Lynch revealed that the team would like to keep him in San Francisco for the remainder of his career.

Aiyuk is having the best year of his young career in 2023. The former first-round pick caught 75 passes for a career-high 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns last season. This was followed by a 2022 season in which he set career highs with 78 catches and eight touchdowns and 1,015 yards.

However, Aiyuk is seeking a long-term deal, which is why he has made his name in trade talks this offseason.

As for Samuel, he has already received his long-term contract, although only after his own offseason full of drama and trade requests in 2022. He did, however, secure his big deal, a three-year, $71.5 million contract that runs through the next Season is underway.

If the 49ers were to trade Samuel on Thursday, they would pocket over $21 million in dead money, according to Over The Cap. As for Aiyuk, he's entering the final year of his rookie contract, which will pay him just over $14 million, but he wants a long-term deal.

This year's class is full of wide receivers. So if the 49ers wanted to add one on a rookie deal, they would have their options.

The best receiver in this year's class is probably Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr., but not far behind are LSU's Malik Nabers and Washington's Rome Odunze. Those are the “big three” and all would require the team to move up, probably to the top 10. After that, there are other great options like Texas' Adonai Mitchell, LSU's Brian Thomas Jr., Oregon's Troy Franklin and Florida's Keon Coleman from the State.

The 49ers currently have the No. 31 pick in the first round. But it sounds like they're aiming for a promotion, similar to what they did in 2020 when they got Aiyuk. In this draft, they moved up to No. 25 from the same No. 31.

Unusual knowledge

Newsweek strives to challenge conventional wisdom and find connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek strives to challenge conventional wisdom and find connections in the search for common ground.

The post San Francisco 49ers Reportedly Speaking Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk Trades in Try and Transfer Up in NFL Draft appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Field Level Media

The NFL landscape has rarely been so uncertain as the season nears its halfway point, and the Tuesday afternoon trade deadline did little to help.

The injury-ravaged Buffalo Bills defense found some help in defensive back Rasul Douglas via trade with Green Bay. The Washington Commanders dealt the heart of their defense, sending Montez Sweat to the Chicago Bears and Chase Young to the San Francisco 49ers, and the Detroit Lions boosted their receiving talent by acquiring Donovan Peoples-Jones from the Cleveland Browns.

The Bears could finish the season owning the first two picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. They have their own as well as the Carolina Panthers’ first-rounder.

But Young is perhaps the biggest catch among contenders, giving San Francisco another massive boost on defense.

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The defending champion Kansas City Chiefs put in a pedestrian performance last Sunday in a loss to the Denver Broncos, the Philadelphia Eagles have shown vulnerabilities while winning seven of their eight games, and the 49ers have seen the wheels come off over the past three weeks in losses to Cleveland, Minnesota and Cincinnati.

Top 15 NFL teams per BetMGM

San Francisco did itself a huge favor, dealing a third-round pick for Young. This Niners’ front is going to be a problem in December and January.

In the wake of the deal, the 49ers rate as a strong value pick among the top three — that is, if quarterback Brock Purdy solves his recent troubles in a timely manner.

Speaking of a monstrous defensive presence, the Eagles figure to improve as the weather cools. A bet on Philadelphia, which holds the inside track in the race for home-field advantage, could be considered high value at the current number.

The NFC is not overly strong, and the Eagles are a proven postseason commodity.

The Chiefs’ betting attractiveness would be more secure if sports-betting fans knew whether Taylor Swift will be in attendance during the last weeks of the season. (Check Travis Kelce’s “with Tay-Tay” and “without Tay-Tay” stats if you think we’re joking.)

The Bills have to remain under consideration for a play at +1200, if only for their ability to outscore opponents.

Buffalo dumped Miami 48-20 earlier this season.

Douglas, 28, heads to an AFC contender that lacked cornerback depth after Tre’Davious White sustained a torn Achilles and was lost for the season.

Douglas had one interception, one fumble recovery and 32 tackles in seven starts for the Packers (2-5) this season.

The Lions, a similar value to Buffalo at +1300, appear to have a nice path toward winning the NFC North title and picked up offensive depth by acquiring Peoples-Jones.

With Amon-Ra St. Brown and rookie standout tight end Sam LaPorta, Lions quarterback Jared Goff has a wealth of targets — not to mention the tough one-two punch from running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.

Peoples-Jones, 24, has eight catches for 97 yards in seven games this season for the Browns, who selected him in the sixth round of the 2020 draft. He hails from Detroit and played his college football at Michigan.

“We feel like he fits our style,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “He’s smart and he can play multiple positions. … We just felt like he’d be a good fit for the team and the room.”

In four seasons with Cleveland, Peoples-Jones amassed 117 catches for 1,837 yards and eight touchdowns. His best season was 2022, when he finished with 61 catches for 839 yards and three touchdowns.

The Cincinnati Bengals, now +1600, showed last Sunday that they might be ready to announce their presence once again. A convincing win at San Francisco was more in line with the dangerous team that dominated last season’s second half and reached the AFC title game.

Get the Bengals while they’re still at a high-value number.

The Seahawks are in first place in the NFC West, a half-game ahead of the 49ers. And they’re still +3000 to win it all.

Seattle is tucked away in the Northwest, away from a ton of national scrutiny, but is certainly a stealth contender.

The Seahawks stated their intention by acquiring New York Giants defensive lineman Leonard Williams, a real boost for the run-stopping prowess needed to win as the season winds down.

So, +3000? That’s quite a gap between the Seahawks and the +600 49ers.

Jump on the Bengals and Bills as a nice counter to heavy AFC favorite Kansas City. Catch the price while it still carries value.

The post NFL odds after commerce deadline: Bengals, Payments provide worth appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

The homestretch of the NFL season is upon us, and the Power Rankings are in an optimistic mood. That means that this week we’ll look at the best-case scenario for all 32 teams the remainder of the season.

For some, it’s a Super Bowl ring, for some, it’s a postseason appearance and for some, it’s a new head coach under the Christmas tree.

(Last week: 1)

Sunday: Beat Buffalo Bills 37-34 in overtime

Best case: Super Bowl ring

Three coaches in NFL history have started 10-1 in back-to-back seasons, according to Elias Sports. They are Don Shula, Tony Dungy and … Nick Sirianni. The Eagles, who played without offensive tackle Lane Johnson (groin), have beaten the Cowboys, Chiefs and Bills in consecutive games, and their next three are against the 49ers, Cowboys and Seahawks. Jalen Hurts, who had five touchdowns Sunday, is second in the NFL in rushing touchdowns (11) and has 18 passing touchdowns. This team can erase the bad taste of last year’s Super Bowl loss.

Up next: vs. San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

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(Last week: 4)

Sunday: Beat Los Angeles Chargers 20-10

Best case: Super Bowl ring

The Ravens are the most balanced team in the AFC. They are second in scoring defense (15.6) and defensive success rate (62.9 percent). Offensively, they lead the league in rushing (158.6 per game) and are seventh in yards overall (366.1 ypg). Linebackers Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen each have more than 100 tackles, and Jadeveon Clowney has 7 1/2 sacks. Baltimore hasn’t advanced past the divisional round since its 2012 Super Bowl win. That looks like it’ll change.

Up next: Bye

3. Kansas City Chiefs (8-3)

(Last week: 2)

Sunday: Beat Las Vegas Raiders 31-17

Best case: Super Bowl ring

It would be the second in a row for the Chiefs. Any worries about the state of Kansas City’s wide receiving corps should be offset by the fact that this team won its last Super Bowl with the same group plus JuJu Smith-Schuster, who has 24 catches this season for 159 yards for the Patriots. Rashee Rice was a bright spot Sunday, catching eight passes for 107 yards. With Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, the best case is a ring. On Sunday, Reid became the first coach in NFL history to become the winningest coach for two franchises.

Up next: at Green Bay Packers, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

4. San Francisco 49ers (8-3)

(Last week: 5)

Thursday: Beat Seattle Seahawks 31-13

Best case: Super Bowl ring

Since acquiring defensive end Chase Young at the trade deadline, the 49ers are second in the league with 15 sacks. They have at least four sacks in each game since then, and they got Geno Smith six times on Thanksgiving Day. Plus, they still have Brock Purdy and that offense. San Francisco has played one other contender this season. It beat the Cowboys 42-10 in that game. This team could finally get Kyle Shanahan his championship.

Up next: at Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

5. Dallas Cowboys (8-3)

(Last week: 7)

Thursday: Beat Washington Commanders 45-10

Best case: Super Bowl ring

Dallas hasn’t been able to do better than regular-season rings for a while now, so there’s some understandable skepticism about this team, but the Cowboys are a very real threat. They lead the NFL in scoring margin (162). They are second in offensive EPA, third in defensive EPA and 10th in special teams EPA. Dak Prescott received PFF’s highest game grade (97) of any quarterback since 2007 for his Thursday performance. He has topped 300 yards passing and a 115 passer rating four times in the last five games.

Up next: vs. Seattle Seahawks, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

Tyreek Hill and the Dolphins’ explosive offense gives coach Mike McDaniel’s team a chance against everyone. (Mike Stobe / Getty Images)

(Last week: 6)

Friday: Beat New York Jets 34-13

Best case: Super Bowl

The Dolphins are second in the league in scoring (30.82 ppg) despite having 19 turnovers (the sixth most in the league). If Miami’s offense plays cleanly, this team can beat anyone. However, a defense that ranks 22nd in points allowed (22.82 per game) and lost Jaelan Phillips to an Achilles injury Friday combined with the fact that the Dolphins didn’t top 20 points against the Bills, Eagles or Chiefs makes it hard to think this group can beat three really good teams in a row.

Up next: at Washington Commanders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 3)

Thursday: Lost to Green Bay Packers 29-22

Best case: Super Bowl ring

Even Jared Goff’s most ardent fans get nervous this time of year, and Goff wasn’t great Thursday against the Packers. Still, in an off game, he produced 332 yards, two touchdowns and a 103.6 passer rating. The Lions play the Saints, Bears, Broncos and Vikings (twice) down the stretch. If Detroit can get home-field advantage, it can make a run with this offense, which ranks second in the league in yardage (405.5).

Up next: at New Orleans Saints, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

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(Last week: 9)

Sunday: Beat Houston Texans 24-21

Best case: Two playoff games

Jacksonville’s stars are getting hot at the right time. Linebacker Josh Allen had 2 1/2 sacks Sunday and now is second in franchise history with 38 for his career. On the offensive side, Calvin Ridley has 192 receiving yards and three touchdowns in the last two weeks. Jacksonville has won seven of its last eight with the only loss coming to San Francisco.

Up next: vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

9. Buffalo Bills (6-6)

(Last week: 12)

Sunday: Lost to Philadelphia Eagles 37-34 in overtime

Best case: Super Bowl

We’re having a hard time giving up on the Bills even though they lost for the third time in four games Sunday. The reason? That very game. Buffalo gained 505 yards and went toe-to-toe with the defending NFC champions in Philadelphia. The Bills are fifth in scoring (27.33 per game) and fourth in scoring margin (101). It’s not going to be easy to claw back into the picture with the Chiefs, Cowboys and Dolphins still on the schedule, but if they do …

Up next: Bye

(Last week: 10)

Sunday: Lost to Jacksonville Jaguars 24-21

Best case: Two playoff games

This team will be dangerous in the playoffs, if it makes it, because of C.J. Stroud. The rookie topped 300 yards passing for the fourth consecutive game (an NFL rookie record) and sixth time this season Sunday and also led Houston in rushing with 47 yards. The Texans are one spot outside the playoff picture but still play the Titans twice and the Jets once down the stretch.

Up next: vs. Denver Broncos, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 15)

Sunday: Beat Cincinnati Bengals 16-10

Best case: Two playoff games

Firing Matt Canada seems to have served its purpose. After failing to top 400 yards in 44 games with Canada as the offensive coordinator, the Steelers gained 421 the week after firing him. Pairing an actual offense with a defense that ranks fifth in points allowed (18.6 ppg) is a winning formula, but it’s hard to imagine Kenny Pickett (31st in EPA per attempt, minus-.05) making much of a playoff run.

Up next: vs. Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

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12. Seattle Seahawks (6-5)

(Last week: 11)

Thursday: Lost to San Francisco 49ers 31-13

Best case: Playoffs

There was a time not long ago when the Seahawks looked like a threat to San Francisco in the NFC West. That thought died Thursday when Seattle had three first downs compared with San Francisco’s 16 in the first half. It was the Seahawks’ third loss in the last four games, but they are holding onto the sixth seed in the NFC right now. Still, a defense that ranks 22nd in points allowed (22.6) puts a ceiling on this team.

Up next: at Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

13. Denver Broncos (6-5)

(Last week: 16)

Sunday: Beat Cleveland Browns 29-12

Best case: Playoffs

Denver won its fifth straight Sunday, giving it the longest active winning streak in the league. In that stretch, the Broncos are third in the league in scoring defense (16.8 ppg allowed). Prior to the winning streak, Denver was giving up 33.3 points per game, which ranked last in the league. Russell Wilson threw for only 134 yards Sunday, but he’s fifth in the league in passer rating (103.4). The Broncos only play two more teams with a winning record — the Lions and Texans. They are a very real playoff contender, but it’s hard to forecast much more considering all the energy it will take to get there.

Up next: at Houston Texans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 8)

Sunday: Lost to Denver Broncos 29-12

Best case: Playoffs

The Browns would be the No. 6 seed in the AFC if the playoffs started today. Now, they just have to see if they can hold on to that spot. Rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson was knocked out of Sunday’s game with a head injury and was replaced by P.J. Walker, who completed 6 of 13 passes for 56 yards. That puts more pressure on a defense that ranks first in the league in success rate (67.6 percent) and sack percentage (10.6) and seventh in points allowed (19 per game).

Up next: at Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

With running back Jonathan Taylor hitting his stride, the Colts could be dangerous down the stretch. (Lauren Leigh Bacho / Getty Images)

(Last week: 20)

Sunday: Beat Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-20

Best case: Playoffs

The Colts are the seventh seed at the moment and play only two more teams with a winning record — the Steelers and Texans. And this is with Gardner Minshew at quarterback. Jonathan Taylor had his second 90-plus-yard rushing game of the season (91 on 15 carries), and Indianapolis is 11th in the league in scoring (23.3). Shane Steichen has entered the Coach of the Year conversation.

Up next: at Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

16. Green Bay Packers (5-6)

(Last week: 23)

Thursday: Beat Detroit Lions 29-22

Best case: Playoffs

After upsetting the Lions on Thanksgiving, the Packers are only one spot out of the playoff picture. The reason is the improvement of Jordan Love, who is fourth in the league in EPA per attempt (.32) and passing yards (1,193) in November. He threw three touchdowns versus no interceptions on Thanksgiving against the Lions. After throwing eight interceptions in the first seven games, he has only two in the last four games.

Up next: vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, 8:20 p.m.

(Last week: 24)

Sunday: Beat New Orleans Saints 24-15

Best case: Playoffs

The Falcons are in first place in the NFC South despite winning for the first time since Oct. 22 on Sunday. The run game produced a season-high 228 yards against New Orleans. Combining more of that with a defense that ranks sixth in the league in success percentage (61 percent) might be enough to keep the Falcons in front in this division. The best part of the weekend for Atlanta was the team’s celebration of 50 years of hip-hop music at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Ludacris even came out of the ceiling.

Up next: at New York Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

18. Minnesota Vikings (6-6)

(Last week: 14)

Monday: Lost to Chicago Bears 12-10

Best case: Playoffs

Despite Josh Dobbs throwing four interceptions and despite losing to the Chicago Bears, the Vikings are still in the playoffs as the No. 7 seed for the moment. The problem is they still have to play the Lions twice. The Dobbs story was fun for a while, but the Vikings should have started working on a new deal for Kirk Cousins at some point in the second half Monday night.

Up next: Bye

(Last week: 25)

Sunday: Beat Arizona Cardinals 37-14

Best case: Playoffs

The Rams are in the ninth spot in the NFC after their second consecutive win. Kyren Williams had 143 yards on 16 carries and led the team with six catches (for 61 yards) in his first game since Week 6. Williams has topped 100 rushing yards in three of the last four games he has played, and Los Angeles looks like a different team with him in the lineup. “That was a big deal getting him back,” coach Sean McVay said.

Up next: vs. Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

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(Last week: 13)

Sunday: Lost to Pittsburgh Steelers 16-10

Best case: Marvin Harrison Jr.

They’ve probably already won too many games to get into the top three of the draft, but we are talking about the best-case scenario after all. The Joe Burrow-less Bengals have the second-toughest remaining schedule in the league. They aren’t going to the playoffs, so why not solve their Tee Higgins problem in the best possible way? Lose out. Root for the Patriots, Bears, Commanders and Giants to stumble into a few wins, let Higgins walk and put Harrison, the Ohio State star, with Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase.

Up next: at Jacksonville Jaguars, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

21. New Orleans Saints (5-6)

(Last week: 17)

Sunday: Lost to Atlanta Falcons 24-15

Best case: Playoffs

Three of the four teams in the NFC South remain in the playoff hunt simply because the division stinks. The Saints had 444 yards of offense but failed to get into the end zone against Atlanta on Sunday. The performance dropped them to 24th in the league in scoring (18.17 ppg). That’s even with Chris Olave having seven catches for 114 yards before leaving with a concussion in the third quarter.

Up next: vs. Detroit Lions, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 22)

Sunday: Lost to Indianapolis Colts 27-20

Best case: Playoffs

The Buccaneers have lost six of their last seven. We should be able to count them out of the playoff race, but they’re only one game back in the win column for first place in the NFC South. Mike Evans is second in the NFL with nine receiving touchdowns after two more Sunday, but Tampa Bay is 23rd in the league in scoring (19.27 ppg). The rest of the Buccaneers have only 13 touchdowns combined.

Up next: vs. Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m.

(Last week: 19)

Sunday: Lost to Kansas City Chiefs 31-17

Best case: Jim Harbaugh

The Antonio Pierce interim coach bump appears to be over. Las Vegas went up 14-0 on Kansas City on Sunday but was outscored 31-3 in the final 37 minutes and has now dropped two in a row. They trail the Broncos in the division and have four teams between them and sniffing a playoff spot. Harbaugh is the type of big name the Raiders love to hire. He’s 49-22-1 all-time in the NFL. And there are reasons to believe his time at Michigan is short.

Up next: Bye

24. Los Angeles Chargers (4-7)

(Last week: 18)

Sunday: Lost to Baltimore Ravens 20-10

Best case: Ben Johnson

The Chargers were flagged for having 12 men on the field on their first defensive snap Sunday night, which may be their only hope defensively. Los Angeles is last in the league in defense (390.6 ypg allowed), and Justin Herbert’s talents are being wasted. Herbert is fifth in the league in EPA per attempt (.19) and ninth in passing yards (2,826). Herbert needs an offensive-minded head coach, and the Lions’ offensive coordinator looks like the perfect match. The problem is the Panthers might outspend the Chargers for Johnson.

Up next: at New England Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

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25. New York Giants (4-8)

(Last week: 29)

Sunday: Beat New England Patriots 10-7

Best case: Stop winning

Tommy DeVito has more passing touchdowns (seven) than Zach Wilson and Kenny Pickett (six each) this season. DeVito, the undrafted free agent who is living with his parents, has started the last three games, and New York has won two of them. The problem is that has cost them valuable draft positioning. They now sit sixth in the order. The good news is they still have to play the Eagles twice.

Up next: Bye

(Last week: 21)

Thursday: Lost to Dallas Cowboys 45-10

Best case: Dan Quinn

Washington fired defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio and defensive backs coach Brent Vieselmeyer on Friday. Head coach Ron Rivera is almost certainly next. Quinn, the former Falcons head coach and current Cowboys defensive coordinator, would bring the kind of energy and confidence-building style this organization desperately needs. Quinn might even be able to keep pass-happy offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy on board.

Up next: vs. Miami Dolphins, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

27. Chicago Bears (4-8)

(Last week: 27)

Monday: Beat Minnesota Vikings 12-10

Best case: Brian Johnson

Jalen Hurts is a powerful, athletic, strong-armed quarterback. Justin Fields is a powerful, athletic, strong-armed quarterback (who is faster than Hurts). In Brian Johnson’s three seasons with the Eagles — two as quarterbacks coach and this one as offensive coordinator — Hurts has gone from a question mark at the position to an MVP candidate. It’s folly to assume Fields could follow the same path, but at least Johnson knows what the path looks like. Or, they could just draft Caleb Williams.

Up next: Bye

28. Tennessee Titans (4-7)

(Last week: 28)

Sunday: Beat Carolina Panthers 17-10

Best case: Losing out

Right now, Tennessee would have the No. 9 pick in the 2024 draft, but it can do better than that. Its five remaining opponents all have winning records, and it’s not inconceivable that Sunday’s win could be the Titans’ last. That would leave them picking in the top five, where they could nab one of the top tackles available — Olu Fashanu of Penn State or Amarius Mims of Georgia.

Up next: vs. Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

29. New York Jets (4-7)

(Last week: 26)

Friday: Lost to Miami Dolphins 34-13

Best case: A media blackout

No one needs to see the rest of this season, for their sake or for the Jets’. Having Robert Saleh do a television interview moments after New York gave up a 99-yard interception return for a touchdown on a Hail Mary attempt to end the first half against Miami felt cruel. Of course, the Jets bring a lot of this on themselves by doing things like starting Tim Boyle over Trevor Siemian (or a long list of other quarterbacks who could have been acquired during the season).

Up next: vs. Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 30)

Sunday: Lost to Los Angeles Rams 37-14

Best case: A beneficial Kyler Murray trade

The Cardinals got a Murray bump in his first game back from a torn ACL, but they have returned to form now. Murray had an 83.2 passer rating, rushed for only 2 yards and was sacked four times Sunday. The Cardinals are in position to draft either Caleb Williams or Drake Maye, and Murray is dynamic enough that he can bring them a good return on the trade market.

Up next: at Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

31. New England Patriots (2-9)

(Last week: 31)

Sunday: Lost to New York Giants 10-7

Best case: An amicable parting

The Patriots are 4-14 in their last 18 games. Their best quarterback options are Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe. Both played Sunday, and neither topped 100 passing yards. Bill Belichick spoke for four minutes in his postgame news conference before he walked out. Owner Robert Kraft has been quiet about Belichick’s job status, but it’s hard to imagine him coaching in New England next year.

Up next: vs. Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

32. Carolina Panthers (1-10)

(Last week: 32)

Sunday: Lost to Tennessee Titans 17-10

Best case: Ben Johnson

In what may be the weirdest stat in the league right now, Carolina has seen its point total stay level or decrease in each of the last six games — 24, 21, 15, 13, 13, 10. That’s the kind of thing that gets a head coach fired, and it did Monday as the Panthers dismissed Frank Reich. Rookie quarterback Bryce Young could use a dose of Johnson’s offense. Carolina won’t be the most attractive job this offseason, but Panthers owner David Tepper can afford to pay to lure Johnson, and now he has a head start on the competition.

Up next: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

(Top photo of DaRon Bland, left, and Dak Prescott: Kevin Sabitus / Getty Images)

“The Football 100,” the definitive ranking of the NFL’s best 100 players of all time, is on sale now. Order it here.

The post NFL Energy Rankings Week 13: Cowboys, Steelers transferring up, plus best-case situations appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

By ROB MAADDI
Associated Press

The best team in the NFC already added an All-Pro to the secondary.

More moves are coming around the NFL.

Teams looking to bolster their rosters for the second half have until Tuesday’s trade deadline at 4 p.m. EDT.

Several established veterans could end up switching uniforms. There were a slew of trades at this time last season.

The Philadelphia Eagles couldn’t wait to upgrade at safety, acquiring two-time All-Pro Kevin Byard from the Tennessee Titans earlier this week. Byard is a significant addition at a position that was depleted by injury and the departure of C.J. Gardner-Johnson in free agency.

“Obviously, I feel like I’m a great player, but at the end of the day, it’s not really about that,” Byard said Wednesday. “It’s about what I do now that I’m here. I had a great career in Tennessee, but I’m a Philadelphia Eagle now and that’s what it’s more about — moving forward, making plays and winning games.

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“This is my eighth season and I’m feeling really good, coming off a bye week, too. I’m definitely feeling fresh right now. This team has a great culture and I’m just looking to add to that. It feels good to wake up 6-1.”

Here are five players who could end up finding new homes:

DERRICK HENRY

The Titans (2-4) already traded one star on defense so dealing their best offensive player wouldn’t be a surprise. Henry’s production is down on a struggling offense. He’s run for 425 yards, a 4.3-yard average and three touchdowns. The 29-year-old Henry can be a free agent after the season so he should be considered a half-season rental.

The Ravens (5-2) and Buccaneers (3-3) are potential leading suitors for Henry. Baltimore lost running back J.K. Dobbins in Week 1. Lamar Jackson is their leading rusher followed by Gus Edwards.

The Buccaneers have the fourth-worst rushing offense in the league and only one team is averaging fewer yards per carry. Henry makes sense for Tampa Bay even though the team wants to build around younger players. The NFC South is wide open and the two-time reigning division champs are in the mix.

Don’t discount the Cowboys (4-2) despite Jerry Jones’ declaration that Dallas isn’t making calls. For the right price, the Eagles (6-1) could pull off yet another deal with the Titans. Getting wide receiver A.J. Brown from Tennessee in 2022 helped elevate Jalen Hurts into an MVP runner-up.

Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young (99) celebrates his sack of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts on Oct. 1.

AP FILE PHOTO

CHASE YOUNG

The No. 2 overall pick in 2020 could be on the way out in Washington. The Commanders (3-4) already declined to pick up Young’s fifth-year option. He has five sacks in six games, but Washington has already given a big contract to defensive tackle Daron Payne and has defensive lineman Montez Sweat also due for a new deal.

The Dolphins (5-2), Lions (5-2) and Jaguars (5-2) are among the top possibilities if the Commanders deal Young.

BRIAN BURNS

A two-time Pro Bowl edge rusher, Burns is in the final year of his contract and the winless Carolina Panthers (0-6) need to accumulate more draft capital after trading a slew of picks to move up to No. 1 to take Bryce Young this season.

Burns has four sacks this season and would be a significant addition for teams such as Miami, Detroit, Buffalo (4-3), Jacksonville (5-2) and even San Francisco (5-2). The Panthers had an opportunity to move Burns last year before the deadline but they held on and aren’t winning with him.

JUSTIN SIMMONS

The three-time, second-team All-Pro safety is among several Broncos (2-5) who could be on the move. Denver is headed nowhere and trading veterans for draft capital makes sense.

Simmons is not only a solid, do-it-all player but he’s a strong leader in the locker room and would fit nicely with contending teams. The Seahawks (4-2), Bengals (3-3) and Steelers (4-2) could have interest.

MARQUISE BROWN

“Hollywood” Brown already was traded once from Baltimore to Arizona last year. He hasn’t matched the production he had with the Ravens in 2021, but only had 11 games with Kyler Murray last season.

Brown has 32 catches for 383 yards and three TDs this season and would be a big boost for an offense that needs a speedy receiver to complement its group. The Chiefs (6-1) seem to be the best fit, but the Chargers (2-4) and even Panthers could be among many suitors.

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1. Philadelphia Eagles (9-1): The Eagles held on to defeat the Chiefs in Kansas City, 21-17. Quarterback Jalen Hurts only threw for 150 yards and had an interception, but the Eagles continue to find a way to come through with unimpressive wins. Next: -3 vs Buffalo Bills – Sun, Nov. 26 – O/U: 48.5 (ATS: 6-2-2 – O/U: 5-5)

2. Detroit Lions (8-2): The Lions trailed 26-14 with three minutes remaining in the game but found a way to score 17 points in the final three minutes to stun the Bears, 31-26 in Detroit. The Lions lead the NFC North division and the second place Vikings by 2.5 games, three in the lost column. Next: -7.5 vs Green Bay Packers – Thu, Nov. 23 – O/U: 46.5 (ATS: 7-3 – O/U: 6-4)

3. Miami Dolphins (7-3): The Dolphins beat the Raiders as expected and are all alone in first place in the AFC East. The Dolphins lead the NFL in scoring at 30.5 points per game and total offensive yardage per game at 434 yards per game. Next: -9.5 at New York Jets – Fri, Nov. 24 – O/U: 41 (ATS: 6-4 – O/U: 5-5)

4. Dallas Cowboys (7-3): The Cowboys easily defeated the Panthers 33-10 on the road. Cornerback DaRon Bland tied an NFL record with his fourth pick-6 of the season in the rout. Bland was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Week for Week 11 of the 2023 NFL season. Next: -12.5 vs Washington Commanders – Thu, Nov. 23 – O/U: 48.5 (ATS: 7-3 – O/U: 6-4)

5. San Francisco 49ers (7-3): The 49ers defeated the Buccaneers to improve their record to 7-3, tying them with the Cowboys for the third best record in the NFC. They beat the Cowboys head-to-head, 42-7, in Week 5. But following three consecutive losses the Niners slid behind the Cowboys two weeks ago. There’s a reason why they call them the whining Niner fans. Tsk, tsk. Next: -7 at Seattle Seahawks – Thu, Nov. 23 – O/U: 43.5 (ATS: 5-5 – O/U: 5-5)

6. Baltimore Ravens (7-3): The Ravens beat the Bengals and have the best record in the AFC, but they lost three-time Pro Bowl tight end Mark Andrews for the season after he suffered a cracked fibula and an ankle ligament injury. Next: -3.5 at Los Angeles Chargers – Sun, Nov. 26 – O/U 47.5 (ATS: 7-4 – O/U: 5-6)

7. Kansas City Chiefs (7-3): The Chiefs suffered a loss at home to the Eagles but might have won the game if their receivers could simply stop dropping passes. The quality of wide receivers with the Chiefs needs to get better next season. Next: -8.5 vs Las Vegas Raiders – Sun, Nov. 26 – O/U: 43 (ATS: 6-4 – O/U: 2-8)

8. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-3): Quarterback Trevor Lawrence was named the AFC Offensive Player of Week 11 in leading the Jaguars to an easy 34-14 win over the Titans. Lawrence threw for two touchdowns and ran for two touchdowns in the rout. Next: -1.5 at Houston Texans – Sun, Nov. 26 – O/U: 48.5 (ATS: 7-3 – O/U: 5-5)

9. Cleveland Browns (7-3): Former UCLA star quarterback Dorian-Thompson-Robinson drove the Browns to a game-winning field goal in his first victory as a rookie starter in the NFL, a 13-10 win over the Steelers. The Browns have the best defense in the NFL and that should help DTR. Next: +1.5 at Denver Broncos – Sun, Nov. 26 – O/U: 35.5 (ATS: 6-3-1 – O/U: 5-5)

10. Seattle Seahawks (6-4): The Seahawks blew a 16-7 lead in the fourth quarter and lost to the Rams, 17-16. The Rams swept the Seahawks this season. Former UCLA star running back Zach Charbonnet will likely get his first start in the NFL this week with an injury to Kenneth Walker III. Charbonnet was a second-round pick of the Seahawks in the 2023 NFL Draft. Next: +7 vs San Francisco 49ers – Thu, Nov. 23 – O/U: 43.5 (ATS: 5-4-1 – O/U: 4-6)

11. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4): The Steelers struggled again on offense in their 13-10 loss to the Browns and decided that the solution to their offensive problems might be solved by firing offensive coordinator Matt Canada. They need an offensive coordinator that can block. Next: -1.5 at Cincinnati Bengals – Sun, Nov. 26 – O/U: 35.5 (ATS: 6-4 – O/U: 2-8)

12. Houston Texans (6-4): Rookie Quarterback C.J. Stroud came down to earth a bit, throwing three interceptions in the Texans 21-16 victory over the Cardinals. Stroud did throw for 336 yards and two touchdowns and running back Devin Singletary rushed for 112 yards and a touchdown in the win. Next: +1.5 vs Jacksonville Jaguars – Sun, Nov. 26 – O/U 48.5 (ATS: 5-5 – O/U: 4-6)

13. Denver Broncos (5-5): The Broncos won their third straight game, beating the Vikings, 21-20. The Broncos have beaten the Chiefs, Bills, and Vikings in consecutive weeks, a good sign for the team under head coach Sean Payton. Next: -1.5 vs Cleveland Browns – Sun, Nov. 26 – O/U: 35.5 (ATS: 3-6-1 – O/U: 4-6)

14. Buffalo Bills (6-5): The Bills got their offense going this week in a 32-6 win over the Jets. Quarterback Josh Allen threw for three touchdowns, one an 81-yard touchdown to wide receiver Khalil Shakir, the former Vista Murrieta high school star. Next: -3 at Philadelphia Eagles – Sun, Nov. 26 – O/U: 48.5 (ATS: 4-7 – O/U: 3-8)

15. Minnesota Vikings (6-5): Quarterback Joshua Dobbs became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw a touchdown and run for a touchdown in each of his first three games with a team. Unfortunately, Dobbs could not lead the Viking to victory, as the Vikings lost to the Broncos, 21-20. Next: -3.5 vs Chicago Bears – Mon, Nov. 27 – O/U: 43.5 (ATS: 7-3-1 – O/U: 3-8)

16. Cincinnati Bengals (5-5): Quarterback Joe Burrow is done for the season and so are the Bengals. Burrow suffered a torn ligament in his right wrist in the loss to the Ravens. Jake Browning, the former Washington Huskies star, will become the starting quarterback for the Bengals. Next: +1.5 vs Pittsburgh Steelers – Sun, Nov. 26 – O/U 35.5 (ATS: 4-5-1 – O/U: 5-5)

17. Indianapolis Colts (5-5): The Colts are coming off their bye week and decided to make a roster move, cutting three-time All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard, a surprising move to many people, including Leonard, who is coming off two back surgeries. Next: -2.5 vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Sun, Nov. 26 – O/U: 43.5 (ATS: 6-4 – O/U: 6-4)

18. New Orleans Saints (5-5): The Saints are coming off their bye week and remain all alone in first place in the NFC South with a 5-5 record, the only non-losing record in the NFC South. The Saint only have one team with a winning record in their final seven games. They should win the NFC South. Next: +1.5 at Atlanta Falcons – Sun, Nov. 26 – O/U: 42.5 (ATS: 2-7-1 – O/U: 3-7)

19. Las Vegas Raiders (5-6): The Raiders battled the Dolphins in Miami, but fell short, losing 20-13. The Raiders will find out just how good they are in the next four weeks, with a pair of games against the Chiefs, starting this weekend. Next: -8.5 vs Kansas City Chiefs – Sun, Nov. 26 – O/U: 43 (ATS: 6-5 – O/U: 2-9)

20. Green Bay Packers (4-6): Quarterback Jordan Love had a career best day on Sunday, throwing for 322 yards and two touchdowns in beating the Chargers, 23-20. The porous Chargers defense allowed 397 yards in offense to the previously struggling Packer offense. Next: +7.5 at Detroit Lions – Thu, Nov. 23 – O/U: 46.5 (ATS: 5-5 – O/U: 4-6)

21. Los Angeles Chargers (4-6): In what has become a familiar weekly issue, the Chargers wasted another terrific performance by quarterback Justin Herbert in a 23-20 loss to the Packers. Herbert threw for 260 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 73 yards. Pro Football Focus gave Herbert a grade of 92.7 for the week. Herbert had six drops in the game by receivers. Next: +3.5 vs Baltimore Ravens – Sun, Nov. 26 – O/U: 47.5 (ATS: 4-6 – O/U: 3-7)

22. Los Angeles Rams (4-6): The Rams only scored 17 points against the Seahawks, but that was that was needed in the 17-16 victory over the Seahawks. Defensive tackle Aaron Donald had just one tackle in the game, but it was his hit on quarterback Geno Smith that knocked him out of the game and led to the Rams victory, ending a three-game losing streak. Next: -1.5 at Arizona Cardinals – Sun, Nov. 26 – O/U: 44.5 (ATS: 4-5-1 – O/U: 3-7)

23. New York Jets (4-6): The offensively challenged Jets managed to score six points in a 32-6 loss to the Bills. The Jets decided to bench and demote quarterback Zach Wilson and promote Tim Doyle to the starting quarterback position. Wilson has been demoted to the 3rd string quarterback, or for use in emergency purposes only. Next: +9.5 vs Miami Dolphins – Fri, Nov. 24 – O/U: 41 (ATS: 4-5-1 – O/U: 3-7)

24. Atlanta Falcons (4-6): The Falcons are coming off their bye week and have decided to return to Desmond Ritter as their starting quarterback in Week 12. The Falcons need a starting quarterback to have any chance of improving offensively next season. Next: -1.5 vs New Orleans Saints – Sun, Nov. 26 – O/U: 42.5 (ATS: 2-8 – O/U: 4-6)

25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6): The Buccaneers lost to the 49ers, as expected and they fell to 4-6 for the season. The Bucs simply cannot run the football. They are last in the NFL in rushing yardage per game at 76.9 yards per game and last in the NFL in rushing yardage per carry at 3.1 yards per carry. That means Baker Mayfield has to win games with his arm. Good luck with that. Next: +2.5 at Indianapolis Colts – Sun, Nov. 26 – O/U: 43.5 (ATS: 7-3 – O/U: 2-8)

26. Tennessee Titans (3-7): The fading Titans got blown out on the road by the Jaguars, 34-14. The Titans have lost three in a row and five of their last six games and are headed for an interesting offseason with the changes that will be coming in Nashville. Next: -4 vs Carolina Panthers – Sun, Nov. 26 – O/U: 37 (ATS: 4-6 – O/U: 3-7)

27. Chicago Bears (3-8): The Bears managed to blow a 26-14 lead in the final three minutes of the game with the Lions, losing 31-26. Bears head coach Matt Eberflus is 6-22 as a head coach and is on the hottest of coaching seats and the loss to the Lions may serve as his signature loss. Next: +3.5 at Minnesota Vikings – Mon, Nov. 27 – O/U: 43.5 (ATS: 4-5-2 – O/U: 7-4)

28. New York Giants (3-8): Quarterback Tommy DeVito, despite being sacked nine times, found a way to lead the Giants to a 31-19 win over the Commanders. DeVito threw for 246 yards and three touchdowns in the victory, only the second victory for the Giants since September 17th. Both wins are over the Commanders. Next: +3.5 vs New England Patriots – Sun, Nov. 26 – O/U: 34.5 (ATS: 3-7-1 – O/U: 3-8)

29. Washington Commanders (4-7): The Commanders sacked Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito nine times yet somehow managed to lose on Sunday, 31-19. The Commanders also somehow managed to get swept by the Giants. Things got worse after the game when there was no hot water in the stadium to shower with. Unfortunately for head coach Ron Rivera, he will not avoid the hot water. Next: +12.5 at Dallas Cowboys – Thu, Nov. 23 – O/U: 48.5 (ATS: 5-5-1 – O/U: 6-5)

30. Arizona Cardinals (2-9): Quarterback Kyler Murray, a two-time pro bowl selection, is back in action, and despite the loss at Houston on Sunday, looked good. Murray threw for 214 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 51 yards and a touchdown in his second game back from injury. The Cardinals have two 1st round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft and could get better around Murray. Next: +1.5 vs Los Angeles Rams – Sun, Nov. 26 – O/U: 44.5 (ATS: 6-5 – O/U: 6-5)

Mike Nowak

Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen celebrates touchdown against Packers on Sunday at Lambeau Field

31. New England Patriots (2-8): The Patriots avoided losing last week due to a bye. The Patriots are in a good position to finish with a top five pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Pats roster has so many holes that just drafting a top quarterback prospect will not solve their problems. Next: -3.5 at New York Giants – Sun, Nov. 26 – O/U: 34.5 (ATS: 2-8 – O/U: 3-7)

32. Carolina Panthers (1-9): It will be interesting to find out what rookie quarterback Bryce Young is learning from this first season with the Panthers about NFL football. Young has thrown for an average of 187 yards per game, with nine touchdowns and eight interceptions in nine games. He has been sacked 36 times. Young has rushed for 138 yards, which is not particularly impressive given the many times he has had to run for safety. Young might have been better off staying at Alabama another season. Next: +4 at Tennessee Titans – Sun, Nov. 26 – O/U: 37 (ATS: 1-7-2 – O/U: 3-7)

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The trusty quarterback trending arrow points up for Dak Prescott and down for Josh Allen.

Plus, Brock Purdy is back, people! (Even though he never really went anywhere.) So is Russell Wilson, I think?

And who wouldn’t be excited for some Patrick Mahomes–Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson–Joe Burrow matchups in Week 11?

Here’s my weekly look at how quarterbacks stand using traditional statistics like passer rating, along with advanced metrics like Expected Points Added per dropback, via TruMedia, to provide a number-based outlook of the state of the position.

I’ll also give a sneak peek at the upcoming matchups using EPA per dropback for the quarterbacks and the defenses they will face in Week 11. A warning that there are plenty of unexpected names and question marks throughout that chart.

GO DEEPER

NFL midseason QB EPA rankings: Joe Burrow trending up, Brock Purdy trending down

Nos. 1-8

The San Francisco 49ers passer pulled off the best passer rating of his career in the team’s Week 10 thrashing of the Jacksonville Jaguars. That’s saying something since it’s the third time Purdy produced a passer rating north of 140.0 in 17 NFL starts. Maybe it helped to have Deebo Samuel and Trent Williams back in the lineup.

Prescott is having one of the better stretches in his career. The Dallas Cowboys quarterback led the league in EPA rate (0.33) and passer rating (125.1) during Weeks 6-10 (four games, Dallas had a bye in Week 7). Oddly, he’s done it while being the fourth-most-sacked quarterback in the span (13).

A weird couple of weeks for the Los Angeles Chargers’ Justin Herbert. In Week 9, he yielded the second-worst passer rating (65.4) and fifth-worst EPA rate (-0.20) of his career against the New York Jets. The Chargers won that game. In Week 10, he put up outstanding numbers against the Detroit Lions. Los Angeles lost that one. Herbert’s Week 10 EPA rate was the highest for a losing quarterback this season.

I promise I’m not trying to downplay the success of C.J. Stroud. He’s helping the Houston Texans become a playoff contender. Take Week 9’s awesome performance away for a second. Stroud’s last four games outside of that, Stroud compiled a 0.04 EPA rate and 85.6 passer rating. The most encouraging aspect of that is how those numbers seem to be his floor.

Things are spiraling for the Buffalo Bills’ Allen, and now there’s a new offensive coordinator in Buffalo after Ken Dorsey was ousted this week. Allen’s Week 10 EPA rate in the loss to the Denver Broncos was his worst since Week 14 in 2019. Allen produced consecutive negative EPA rates for the first time in the regular season since Weeks 1-2 in 2021. The swoon dropped him from third to seventh in this season’s overall EPA rankings.

Nos. 9-16

Lions running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for nearly 200 yards and three touchdowns and Jared Goff amassed his best EPA rate of the season in the win over the Chargers. A nice bounce-back outing for Goff after the bye. He struggled a bit in Weeks 7-8 with a -0.15 EPA rate and 76.9 passer rating.

Baker Mayfield has left that Week 6-8 stretch behind (-0.11 EPA rate, 77.1 passer rating). In the last two games, Mayfield tallied a 0.29 EPA rate and 111.1 passer rating. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB is easily having his best season since 2020 when he went to the playoffs with the Browns.

Geno Smith rebounded from the worst EPA rate and passer rating of his Seattle Seahawks career in Week 9 to propel the team to a last-second win over the Washington Commanders in Week 10. It was his third 100.0-plus-passer rating performance of this season.

In the last five Green Bay Packers losses, Jordan Love has yielded a -0.10 EPA rate and 67.8 passer rating. Love also possesses the league’s lowest completion percentage at 58.7 percent. All that said, Love has produced a 0.10 EPA rate or better in three of his last four games.

Coincidence that an AFC North foe was the last team to slow down the Baltimore Ravens’ Jackson this season? The numbers from Jackson’s Week 10 outing in a loss to the Cleveland Browns resembled his performance in a Week 5 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers (-0.31 EPA rate, 65.2 passer rating). His 56.5 completion percentage in Week 10 stands as a season low.

I’ve been pretty harsh on Wilson for his empty stats and a career-worst game (in terms of EPA) during this season. Wilson’s EPA rate probably should’ve been higher given how often the Broncos began possessions inside Bills territory in Week 10. But … Wilson looked the part again in a thrilling win. During the Broncos’ current three-game winning streak, Wilson has amassed a 0.05 EPA rate and 115. passer rating.

Nos. 17-24

Plenty of teams could use a Sam Howell-type quarterback right now. Too bad the Commanders squandered very good outings for Howell in Week 8 and 10 losses to the Philadelphia Eagles and Seahawks, respectively. Howell totaled a 0.18 EPA rate and 111.8 passer rating in those two games.

You might not know this, but Josh Dobbs ranked ninth in EPA rate (0.12) and 10th in passer rating (99.4) during the first four weeks of the season while starting for the Arizona Cardinals. So I’m not totally stunned by the success he’s having in Minnesota. It’s more about how quickly he’s acclimated himself with the Vikings.

Burrow and Derek Carr possess very similar overall numbers, and I wouldn’t have imagined that to be the case more than halfway through the season. It feels so much better for the Cincinnati Bengals’ signal caller, though. despite the setback in Week 10 against the Texans. The Carr seemed too unsettled in Week 10 — and sustained a concussion and right shoulder re-injury — despite coming off a 0.22 EPA rate and 119.6 passer rating in Weeks 8-9.

The Indianapolis Colts’ Gardner Minshew made it the ninth time this season in which a quarterback guided a team to a win this season with a passer rating south of 70.0.

The Las Vegas Raiders are 2-0 since Aidan O’Connell took over as the starter in Week 9. O’Connell didn’t set the world on fire in the team’s Week 10 win over the New York Jets with a -0.27 EPA rate and 72.0 passer rating. O’Connell had more success against the New York Giants in Week 9 (0.25 EPA rate, 90.3 passer rating).

Justin Fields is expected to start this week for the Chicago Bears after missing the last month with a right thumb injury. Rookie Tyson Bagent kept the Bears viable with a 2-2 mark as a starter despite posting lackluster rates.

Nos. 25-33

We’re only two weeks removed from the Tennessee Titans’ Will Levis yielding a 0.13 EPA rate and 130.5 passer rating in his first start in a win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8. Last two weeks for Levis: -0.16 EPA rate, 59.8 passer rating.

Current Falcons starter Taylor Heinicke isn’t passer-rating qualified yet so he’s not listed in the rankings. In three appearances, Heinicke has produced a 0.02 EPA rate and 84.2 passer rating. His Week 10 numbers in a loss to the Cardinals: -0.25 EPA rate, 84.0 passer rating.

No hyperbole here with the Jags’ Trevor Lawrence. He compiled the worst EPA rate and third-worst passer rating of his career in the blowout loss to the 49ers. Quite the way to halt consistency. During Jacksonville’s five-game winning streak, Lawrence tallied a 0.04 EPA rate and 100.2 passer rating.

The Browns and Steelers both stand at 6-3 and are very much in the thick of the AFC playoff race. This despite their respective quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Kenny Pickett continuously near (or in) the basement of these rankings. Watson picked up his biggest win as Browns QB in Week 11 against the Ravens, but now he’s out for the year with a right shoulder injury. As for Pickett, he hasn’t thrown a pick since Oct. 1.

Mac Jones’ time as the New England Patriots’ starter may be nearing an end with Bailey Zappe replacing Jones on the final drive in the Week 10 loss to the Colts.

Would you have ever thought this statistic would exist? So far, undrafted rookie Bagent has pushed the Bears to more wins in four starts this season than 2023 No. 1 pick Bryce Young has for the Carolina Panthers.

I see little point in examining the New York quarterbacks, but since the Giants’ Tommy DeVito doesn’t qualify for overall rankings, here you go: -0.30 EPA rate, 67.8 passer rating vs. Cowboys in Week 10.

(The Cardinals’ Kyler Murray will be ranked once he’s passer-rating qualified. Murray returned from his knee injury with a -0.12 EPA rate and 71.0 passer rating in the team’s Week 10 win over the Falcons.)

Week 11 defense vs. QB EPA matchups

*Injury uncertainty heading into Week 11

(Photo of Dak Prescott; Cooper Neill / Getty Images)

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Nearly to the midseason mark in the regular season, we’re gearing up to maintain momentum after last week’s Eagles and Falcons betting victories.

This time, it’s the Battle for New Jersey between a pair of “New York” teams, the Jets and Giants.

This is also an “eye test” game, with several factors to compare as these squads’ respective seasons continue to circle the drain.

As a betting experience, this matchup provides plenty of intrigue because, by and large, you just can’t trust one of these options.

We have our pick and a couple of bonus options ready to roll.

(Odds per BetMGM.com)

THE HEADLINER

Jets at Giants, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

The line: Jets -3, total 36.5.

The lead running backs, Breece Hall of the Jets and Saquon Barkley of the Giants, are ranked No. 12 and 11, respectively, in yards per game.

Barkley has had the advantage of facing the Buffalo Bills, Washington Commanders and Arizona Cardinals over his past three games, while Hall has shown flashes of elite talent. Metrics also credit Barkley with more than 40 percent more yards gained over expected.

Both defenses will aim to slow the ground game, and that’s where the pass rush comes in.

The Jets have one and the Giants suffer in pass protection. This isn’t good news for backup Tyrod Taylor, who is set to start in place of Daniel Jones again Sunday.

A quick nugget from Action Network:

“The Jets have played the toughest schedule of QBs in the entire NFL – Jalen Hurts, Patrick Mahomes, Dak Prescott and Josh Allen. Despite this tough schedule, the Jets are 10th in success rate and 12th in EPA per play allowed.”

The Jets are dialed in after a week off – which followed their upset of the Philadelphia Eagles – and if they are able to stuff the run, their pass defense could have a big day.

With a top-five defensive secondary in terms of coverage stats, the Jets aren’t likely to allow much from a very average Giants receiving group.

The Jets’ eight interceptions have come off the Bills’ Josh Allen (three), Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes (two) and Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts (two).

The pick: Jets -3.

THEY SAID IT

“I say they have a really good front four. Call it more than a front four with the amount of times they rotate in there. Two good cover corners (Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed). … This is a challenging defense to get ready for, and it shows.”

– Giants coach Brian Daboll on Sunday’s opponent, the Jets

BONUS COMBO

Who doesn’t like a good story? Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent may be the exciting blend of good story and serviceable player.

Bears at Chargers, 8:20 p.m. ET Sunday

The line: Chargers -8.5.

You didn’t think you needed to watch the “Sunday Night Football” game? With undrafted Bagent starting at quarterback for the Chicago Bears, you almost have to tune in with the World Series on a travel day.

The Bears are looking to go back-to-back after Bagent’s impressive debut last week.

Bagent, a product of Division II Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, W.Va., started in place of Justin Fields (right thumb) and completed 21 of 29 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown in Chicago’s 30-12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.

With receiver DJ Moore clicking, the Bears offense could do some business against a leaky Chargers defense.

And the Chargers don’t look like a team capable of covering this wide margin. Should be fun – for a while anyway.

The pick: Bears +8.5.

PROP CORNER

The good fortune Kirk Cousins found in leading the Minnesota Vikings past the San Francisco 49ers can’t continue.

In this road contest against the Green Bay Packers, the Vikings figure to begin more conservatively as the Packers employ lessons from last Monday night’s game tape (Cousins throwing everywhere – successfully).

The number is too high for a team that relied on a stolen 60-yard TD pass last week and remains without Justin Jefferson.

Prop play: Vikings’ Cousins under 250.5 passing yards (BetMGM).

–Field Level Media

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Ravens 27, Bengals 24: In Cincinnati, Lamar Jackson tossed two touchdown passes, Gus Edwards ran for another score and Baltimore held off slow-starting Cincinnati on Sunday.

The AFC North champion Bengals fell to 0-2 for the second consecutive season. The Ravens (2-0), their division rival, certainly looked like the better team.

Jackson was 24 for 33 for 237 yards. He ran for 54 more, and Edwards – with more chances because of a season-ending Achilles tendon injury to J.K. Dobbins – picked up 62 yards on 10 carries.

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, looking as if he might still be suffering the effects of a calf injury in training camp, finished 27-for-41 for 222 yards and two TDs after passing for just 86 last week in the season-opening loss to Cleveland.

Burrow hooked up with Tee Higgins for a 4-yard touchdown on third-and-goal to cut the deficit to three with 3:28 left in the game.

But the Bengals couldn’t stop Jackson and the Ravens’ offense, which moved the chains twice after the ensuing kickoff to run out the clock.

Jackson completed all five passes he threw on a 70-yard opening drive that ate up nearly eight minutes, and Edwards bulled in from 1 yard out to finish it.

The Bengals tied it early in the second quarter on an electrifying 81-yard punt return for a touchdown by rookie Charlie Jones. It was Jones’ first NFL score and the first punt returned for a TD by a Cincinnati player since 2012.

The Bengals didn’t shake off their lingering offensive malaise until well into the second quarter. They didn’t record a first down until more than 10 minutes into the second, and that came on a defensive pass interference penalty.

But the drive stalled at the Ravens 9 when cornerback Rock Ya-Sin knocked away a pass into the end zone intended for Ja’Marr Chase. The Bengals had to settle for 27-yard field goal from Evan McPherson.

In the second half, Burrow engineered a drive that went to the Ravens 17, but he was picked off near the goal line by Geno Stone. Baltimore’s ensuing drive ended with a 3-yard TD pass from Jackson to Mark Andrews and a 20-10 Ravens lead.

The Bengals pulled within 20-17 while putting together their best drive of the season, with Burrow going 8 for 10 and tossing a 3-yard TD pass to Tee Higgins.

Baltimore pushed the lead back to 10 in the fourth quarter when Jackson connected with Nelson Agholor from 17 yards out.

Commanders 35, Broncos 33: In Denver, Sam Howell threw for two touchdowns and Washington rallied from an 18-point deficit to beat Denver, holding on after Russell Wilson connected with Brandon Johnson on a 50-yard Hail Mary, but failed to complete the tying two-point try.

Washington cornerback Benjamin St-Juste broke up Wilson’s pass to Courtland Sutton on the 2-point conversion attempt. St-Juste appeared to get away with pass interference, but no flag was thrown and the Commanders celebrated the franchise’s first 2-0 start since 2011 while Sutton and his teammates argued vehemently for a foul.

Howell threw for 299 yards on on 27-of-39 passing in his first road start and led Washington to the second-biggest comeback in franchise history. Washington overcame a 21-point deficit to beat Detroit on Nov. 4, 1990.

The Commanders trailed 21-3 in the second quarter. Brian Robinson Jr. ran for two scores during a 32-6 scoring outburst before the Broncos made it interesting at the very end.

With 2 seconds left and the Broncos trailing 35-27, Wilson heaved a pass toward the end zone that was deflected by a scrum of players before Johnson snared it for the score.

The Broncos (0-2) have lost back-to-back home games for the first time, not the kind of history coach Sean Payton was hoping to make in his return to the sideline after a year in the broadcast studio following a highly successful 15-year stint in New Orleans, especially after he criticized predecessor Nathaniel Hackett for doing one of the worst coaching jobs in NFL history last year.

The Broncos jumped out to their big lead by scoring touchdowns on their first three possessions for the first time since Nov. 14, 2010, against Kansas City, a game they went on to win 49-29.

Payton got the ball into his young speedsters’ hands early on, and it paid off with undrafted rookie Jaleel McLaughlin scoring on a 5-yard pitch, rookie receiver Marvin Mims Jr. hauling in a 60-yard touchdown pass and second-year wideout Johnson hauling in a 16-yard score.

None of the three touched the ball again until Mims got a handoff midway through the third quarter with the score tied at 21.

Mims had two caches for 113 yards on two targets but wasn’t targeted again and spent much of the rest of the game on the sideline.

Robinson’s 2-yard TD run with 13:25 left gave Washington its first lead at 28-24 and his second score, from 15 yards out, made it 35-24 with 7:11 remaining.

The game turned when Howell threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Logan Thomas on fourth-and-goal and safety Kareem Jackson was ejected for launching himself at the tight end, who suffered a concussion on the play and didn’t return. Jackson also drew a 15-yard flag in the opener for a hit he put on Raiders receiver Jakobi Meyers.

With the flag moving the conversion try to the 1, Washington went for 2 and pulled within 21-11 when Robinson got the ball past the plane. Joey Slye’s 46-yard field goal as the first half expired made it 21-14.

The Commanders tied it on Terry McLaurin’s 30-yard TD grab on their first drive after halftime.

Giants 31, Cardinals 28: In Glendale, Arizona, Daniel Jones threw for 321 yards and two touchdowns, Graham Gano connected on a 34-yard field goal with 19 seconds remaining and New York rallied from a 21-point third-quarter deficit to stun Arizona.

It was the biggest comeback win for the Giants since a 21-point rally in 1949 – also against the Cardinals. Arizona blew its biggest lead since 2011.

The Giants (1-1) lost 40-0 in Week 1 against the Cowboys and didn’t look much better against the Cardinals during the first half, falling into a 20-0 hole at halftime. They trailed 28-7 in the third quarter but cut the margin to 28-14 on Saquon Barkley’s 1-yard touchdown run.

New York kept the pressure on in the fourth, pulling within 28-21 with 8:51 left on a 9-yard touchdown pass from Jones to Barkley. They tied the game on Jones’ perfectly placed 11-yard touchdown pass to a diving Isaiah Hodgins.

The Giants forced a three-and-out, then drove 56 yards in eight plays to set up Gano’s go-ahead kick.

Jones was 26 of 37 passing. He also ran for 59 yards and a 14-yard touchdown. Barkley ran for 63 yards and a touchdown, but hobbled off the field late in the fourth quarter with an apparent right ankle injury.

James Conner ran for 106 yards and a touchdown for the Cardinals.

Arizona (0-2) has lost six straight games at home dating to last October. The Giants denied quarterback Joshua Dobbs his first win as an NFL starter and coach Jonathan Gannon his first NFL victory.

Dobbs – making his second start with the Cardinals after being acquired in a trade with the Browns last month – pushed the Cardinals ahead 14-0 early in the second quarter on a 23-yard touchdown run, bowling through Giants safety Xavier McKinney on the way to the end zone.

Dobbs fell to 0-4 as a starter. He lost twice with Tennessee last season. He was 21 of 31 passing for 228 yards and a touchdown.

Arizona went ahead 7-0 midway through the first quarter after an impressive nine-play, 86-yard drive that ended with Conner’s 4-yard touchdown run.

Things got worse for the Giants late in the second quarter when Jones’ pass to Barkley bounced off the running back and into the arms of Arizona safety Jalen Thompson, who ran it back 35 yards to the New York 34. The Cardinals capitalized with Matt Prater’s 44-yard field goal.

49ers 30, Rams 23: In Inglewood, California, Brock Purdy passed for 206 yards and ran for an early touchdown, Deebo Samuel rushed for an 11-yard TD with 11:28 left and San Francisco hung on its ninth consecutive regular-season victory over Los Angeles.

Christian McCaffrey rushed for 116 yards and a score for the 49ers (2-0), whose only loss to the Rams since December 2018 was in the NFC championship game in January 2022.

Isaiah Oliver and Deommodore Lenoir intercepted passes by Matthew Stafford in the second half, finally allowing the 49ers to pull in front of their longtime rivals.

The 49ers’ defense overcame a record-setting performance by rookie Puka Nacua, who caught 15 passes for 147 yards for Los Angeles (1-1). The fifth-round pick broke the NFL’s single-game record for receptions by a rookie, and he set a new overall league mark with 25 catches in the first two games of his career.

Purdy went 17 for 25 with a handful of glaring mistakes in his first career game against the rebuilding Rams (1-1), who followed up their surprise season-opening win at Seattle by remaining competitive with their powerhouse opponent throughout the afternoon at SoFi Stadium. Purdy came through on fourth down at the Rams 1 on the final play before halftime, sneaking over the goal line to even the score 17-17.

Stafford passed for 307 yards and threw a TD pass to Kyren Williams for Los Angeles. Williams also rushed for a touchdown and had 100 combined offensive yards in his first NFL start, but he caused a key interception when a pass ricocheted off his hands in the third quarter, leading to Jake Moody’s go-ahead, 57-yard field goal.

Along with Nacua’s second spectacular game, Tutu Atwell added seven catches for 77 yards for Los Angeles as both receivers stepped up again in Cooper Kupp’s absence.

The 49ers are unbeaten after back-to-back road games to open the season, but they were tested in Inglewood. Los Angeles’ undertalented defense made several timely stops and forced San Francisco to settle for three field goals, including after both of the 49ers’ takeaways.

McCaffrey made a 14-yard touchdown run to cap San Francisco’s opening drive. McCaffrey then made a 50-yard run on the final play of the first quarter, but the Rams kept it even with a responding drive ending in Williams’ first TD.

Los Angeles went ahead 1:45 before halftime with an 88-yard drive ending in Williams’ TD run, but the Niners went 75 yards for Purdy’s fourth-down sneak for a 1-yard TD at the halftime gun.

Purdy missed receivers on long throws at least three times, keeping the game close and frustrating the 49ers fans in attendance. But Williams gifted an interception to Oliver in the third quarter when Stafford’s pass hit the running back in the hands and popped high in the air.

After kicking a field goal, the Niners went 74 yards for a score on their next drive, ending in Samuel’s sprint through two missed tackles.

The Rams got the ball back with 5:29 left, but Stafford’s third-down throw into traffic was picked off by Lenoir.

Falcons 25, Packers 24: In Atlanta, Younghoe Koo booted a 25-yard field goal with 57 seconds remaining and rookie Bijan Robinson turned in another dynamic performance Sunday, rallying Atlanta to victory over Jordan Love and Green Bay.

Robinson rushed for 124 yards on 19 carries and hauled in four catches for another 48 yards, showing why the Falcons (2-0) selected him No. 8 pick in the draft even though running backs aren’t supposed to go that high anymore.

The Packers (1-1) squandered a 24-12 lead and three more touchdown passes from Love, who now has a half-dozen scoring throws in his first two games as Aaron Rodgers’ replacement in Titletown.

Atlanta’s young quarterback, Desmond Ridder, bootlegged for a 6-yard touchdown on fourth-and-4 with just under 12 minutes remaining.

Then it was Ridder and Robinson teaming up for two more drives that set up field goals by Koo, including a 39-yarder with 8:13 remaining.

Robinson had 56 yards rushing and 27 yards receiving in his NFL debut, a 24-10 victory over the Panthers.

He was even better against the Packers.

Love wasn’t too shabby, either, especially considering the injury-depleted offense that was around him. He completed 14 of 25 passes for 151 yards and hooked up with a pair of rookies on his three TDs.

But the Packers offense dried up in the final quarter, allowing the Falcons to move to 2-0 for only the 11th time in franchise history.

Love went to second-round pick Jayden Reed for touchdowns of 10 and 9 yards – the first scores of the receiver’s young career.

Love also connected with Dontayvion Wicks on a 32-yard touchdown that gave the fifth-round pick his first TD as a pro.

The Packers were missing three injured starters on offense and lost another during the game, leaving Love to play behind a patched-together line.

Koo kicked four field goals to offset a missed extra point that left the Falcons down 10-9 at halftime.

Seahawks 37, Lions 31 (OT): In Detroit, Geno Smith threw a second touchdown pass to Tyler Lockett on the opening drive of overtime, lifting Seattle to a win over Detroit.

The Seahawks (1-1) earned the victory after the Lions (1-1) rallied from a 10-point deficit late in the fourth quarter, extending the game with Riley Patterson’s 38-yard field goal as regulation expired.

Smith threw a go-ahead, 3-yard touchdown pass to Lockett early in the fourth and Tre Brown returned a Jared Goff interception for a score on the ensuring drive to give Seattle a 31-21 lead.

Goff showed his resilience after throwing his first interception in 383 attempts – 30 shy of the NFL record – by throwing a 4-yard touchdown pass to Josh Reynolds to cap a drive that started with linebacker Darrell Taylor getting flagged for roughing the passer.

Detroit forced Seattle to punt on the ensuing possession on fourth-and-35, sacking Smith for the first – and only time – when Alex Anzalone tracked him down at his 3.

The Seahawks bounced back from a lopsided loss at home to the Los Angeles Rams with an impressive win against a suddenly relevant team.

The Lions failed to give their fired-up fans a reason to cheer after opening the season with a win on the road against the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.

Seattle started strong, going 75 yards on 12 plays in nearly 8 minutes with Walker scoring on a 1-yard run.

The Lions answered quickly on Goff’s 22-yard touchdown throw to Josh Reynolds. They took a 14-7 lead late in the second quarter when rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon was fooled on a flea flicker in his NFL debut, allowing Kalif Raymond to get behind him to catch Goff’s 36-yard pass.

On Detroit’s first snap of the second half, David Montgomery fumbled at the Lions 22 and Seattle took advantage with Walker’s 3-yard touchdown run to pull into a tie. As the Lions did early in the game, they responded with a touchdown drive that ended with Montgomery’s 4-yard tiebreaking score.

The Seahawks’ second 12-play possession ended with Jason Myers, who missed a pair of field goals in the first half, making a 25-yard field goal late in the third quarter.

Titans 27, Chargers 24 (OT): In Nashville, Tennessee, Nick Folk kicked a 41-yard field goal in overtime in a sudden downpour and Tennessee snapped an eight-game skid by beating Los Angeles.

The Titans (1-1) won for the first time since Nov. 17 in Green Bay last season. They had to rally from an 11-3 deficit at a point where the Chargers had more points than Tennessee had yards (eight).

Ryan Tannehill rebounded from the worst game of his career in the opener by throwing for 246 yards and put Tennessee up 24-21 with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. He also ran for a touchdown and started the game-winning drive with a 49-yard toss to Chris Moore.

Derrick Henry had 80 yards and also ran for a touchdown.

The Chargers (0-2) now are mired in their first winless start since 2017 when they lost their first four games in both their first season in Los Angeles and first with then-coach Anthony Lynn.

Justin Herbert threw for 305 yards and two touchdowns to Keenan Allen. With the ball and 2:22 left in regulation, he was sacked by Harold Landry forcing the Chargers to settle for Cameron Dicker’s third field goal of the game to force overtime.

The Chargers won the coin toss. But Herbert threw three straight incompletions as Tennessee forced just its third three-and-out of the game.

Both teams played without key starters because of injuries. For the Chargers, running back Austin Ekeler (ankle) and linebacker Eric Kendricks, their biggest offseason addition, was sidelined by a sore hamstring.

Los Angeles at least had linebacker Joey Bosa active after he had been questionable with an injured hamstring. He had two of the Chargers’ five sacks.

The Titans already declared out two starters in their secondary with safety Amani Hooker in the concussion protocol and cornerback Kristian Fulton’s hamstring an issue again. Rookie left guard Peter Skoronski, the No. 11 pick overall out of Northwestern in April, was declared out Saturday with an illness.

Tennessee started Xavier Newman, a second-year undrafted free agent out of Baylor at left guard. That didn’t last as the Chargers ended back-to-back drives with sacks getting to Tannehill untouched. Dillon Radunz, who tore an ACL last December, took over to start the second quarter.

Tennessee finally showed signs of life on offense. Tannehill hit Treylon Burks with a perfectly thrown 70-yard pass, and Henry capped the quick drive with 1-yard TD – Tennessee’s first TD of the season.

Folk kicked a 33-yard field goal as the half ended to pull Tennessee within 14-10. Tannehill capped a 75-yard drive to open the third with a 12-yard TD run, a drive kept alive by the Chargers’ first two penalties of the game both on third down.

Herbert capped an 80-yard drive with a 12-yard TD pass to Allen within the first minute of the fourth quarter.

The Titans tried to answer but went three-and-out on consecutive drives, the second ended by the Chargers’ fifth sack.

Colts 31, Texans 20: In Houston, Anthony Richardson rushed for two touchdowns before leaving with a concussion and Gardner Minshew threw for 171 yards and a TD as the Indianapolis Colts held off the Houston Texans for a 31-20 win on Sunday.

It was the first win for coach Shane Steichen, who was hired in February after spending the last two seasons as Philadelphia’s offensive coordinator.

The Colts led by 18 at halftime and managed only a field goal in the second half. But their dominant start was enough to snap an eight-game skid dating to last season. It was their first win since Nov. 13 at Las Vegas.

Richardson gave the Colts (1-1) an early lead when he dashed 18 yards untouched on their first drive.

C.J. Stroud fumbled when he was sacked by Samson Ebukam, and it was recovered by Indianapolis at the 15. Richardson made it 14-0 when he ran 15 yards for the score on the next play.

The rookie quarterback, who was selected by Indy with the No. 4 pick in the NFL draft, hit the back of his head when he was pushed down at the end of the score, but he popped right up to celebrate. He remained in the game for two more possessions before going to the medical tent and then to the locker room.

Stroud, the second overall pick in the draft, threw for 384 yards and two touchdowns . But he was sacked six times and hit nine other times playing behind a line filled with backups. The Texans (0-2) lost four starters on the line during camp and were also without star left tackle Laremy Tunsil on Sunday because of a knee injury.

The Texans closed to 31-20 on a 23-yard touchdown reception by rookie Tank Dell with about 10 minutes to go. It was the first career touchdown for the third-round pick from the University of Houston.

Houston got a stop after that, but wouldn’t get any closer after missing a long field goal on the next possession.

Stroud threw his first career touchdown pass when he connected with Nico Collins for a 12-yard score that cut the lead to 14-7 with about three minutes left in the first quarter. Collins finished with seven receptions for a career-high 146 yards.

Minshew took over for Richardson in the second quarter and orchestrated a 76-yard drive capped by an 11-yard scoring run by Zack Moss that made it 21-7.

The Colts pushed it to 28-10 when Kylen Granson scored on a 4-yard pass just before halftime.

Richardson is the third QB in NFL history with three rushing touchdowns in his first two games, joining Daunte Culpepper and Jack Thompson. Richardson, who is 21 years and 118 days old, is also the youngest quarterback with two rushing touchdowns in a game.

Josh Jones filled in for Tunsil and had a holding penalty in the fourth quarter that negated a touchdown by Dell. The Texans settled for a field goal on that drive to cut the lead to 31-13.

Chiefs 17, Jaguars 9: In Jacksonville, Florida, Patrick Mahomes threw two touchdown passes, including one to returning star Travis Kelce, and Kansas City overcame three early turnovers to beat Jacksonville for its third victory against the Jaguars in 10 months.

The Chiefs (1-1) won their eighth straight in the series and avoided becoming the first Super Bowl champions to start 0-2 since Denver in 1999.

The Jaguars (1-1), who insisted all week they owed the Chiefs because of a loss in the divisional round of the AFC playoffs in January, pretty much no-showed in their home opener.

Coach Doug Pederson’s team had another slow start, failed to capitalize on two of three turnovers and struggled to protect quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

Lawrence threw incomplete on a fourth-and-12 play with 4:16 remaining in an eight-point game, and Kansas City didn’t let the Jaguars get the ball back.

Chiefs All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones, making his season debut after ending his holdout and signing a one-year contract, dominated his one-on-one matchups. Jones manhandled rookie right tackle Anton Harrison and was equally effective against the rest of Jacksonville’s line. He finished with two sacks on five QB pressures.

With extra time to prepare following a loss to Detroit 10 days earlier in the NFL opener, the Chiefs had hoped to look a lot more like their normally dynamic selves on offense. But Richie James muffed a punt, Justin Watson fumbled and Mahomes threw an interception. Kadarius Toney, who dropped three passes in the opener, fumbled late in the third but was able to scoop up the loose ball and avoid another turnover.

Mahomes completed 29 of 41 passes for 305 yards. He found Kelce all alone in the end zone to extend KC’s lead to 14-6. CBS play-by-play announcer Ian Eagle slipped in a song reference to reports linking Kelce to pop superstar Taylor Swift by saying “Kelce finds a blank space for the score.” One of Swift’s many hits is “Blank Space.”

Kelce, who missed the opener because of a hyperextended knee, punted the ball into the end zone to celebrate. He finished with four catches on nine targets for 26 yards.

The Chiefs converted twice on fourth down and outgained Jacksonville 399 to 271 in total yards. The Jaguars had several chances but settled for field goals in two trips into the red zone, and they averaged a measly 4.2 yards per play.

Buccaneers 27, Bears 17: In Tampa, Florida, Baker Mayfield passed for 317 yards and a touchdown Sunday, adding to his strong debut with Tampa Bay with a victory over struggling Chicago.

With Mayfield playing turnover-free ball for the second straight week and Mike Evans catching six balls for 171 yards and a TD, the Bucs improved to 2-0 while handing the Bears a franchise-record 12th consecutive loss.

Mayfield completed 26 of 34 passes, looking quite comfortable in another new home. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft is playing with his fourth team in just over two years.

He set up Rachaad White’s 1-yard TD run with a 70-yard completion to Evans in the first quarter. He also finished an 89-yard drive with a 32-yard scoring pass to Tampa Bay’s all-time leading receiver early in the second half.

Tampa Bay’s defense did its job, too, after yielding a 75-yard TD drive on Chicago’s first possession of the game. The Buccaneers sacked Justin Fields six times and picked him off twice.

The Bears (0-2) closed to 20-17 on Chase Claypool’s 20-yard TD catch, but saw any hope for a comeback fade when Fields – throwing out of his own end zone – tossed an interception that Bucs linebacker Shaquil Barrett returned 4 yards for a clinching TD.

Mayfield, who spent his first four seasons with Cleveland before splitting 2022 between Carolina and the Los Angeles Rams, shrugged off a slow start to throw for 173 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover to beat Minnesota 20-17 on the road in the season opener.

The Bucs started more smoothly against the Bears, driving 77 yards in 12 plays to take an early 3-0 lead on Chase McLaughlin’s 26 -yard field goal. Mayfield drove his team to another field goal in the closing seconds of the second quarter for a 13-10 halftime lead.

Fields completed 16 of 29 passes for 211 yards. DJ Moore, acquired in the offseason in a bid to put more playmakers around Chicago’s young quarterback, had six receptions for 104 yards, but the Bears were limited to just 67 yards rushing.

Cowboys 30, Jets 10: In Arlington, Texas, Dak Prescott threw for two touchdowns, Zach Wilson had three interceptions in his first start after Aaron Rodgers’ season-ending Achilles tendon injury, and Dallas beat New York.

CeeDee Lamb had 143 receiving yards and Brandon Aubrey kicked five field goals in the 28-year-old rookie’s second game as the Cowboys (2-0) finished a season-opening sweep of the New York. Dallas routed the Giants 40-0 in the opener.

Wilson threw a 68-yard touchdown pass to Garrett Wilson to get the Jets (1-1) within three points in the second quarter and ran for 36 yards on a drive to a field goal for an eight-point halftime deficit.

But New York had just 147 yards outside the long TD, and four second-half turnovers left little doubt for Dallas.

Wilson, who was sacked three times a week after Dallas dropped the Giants’ Daniel Jones seven times, was picked off by Jayron Kearse, Malik Hooker and Trevon Diggs.

Dalvin Cook lost a fumble when Micah Parsons, who had two sacks, ripped the ball out of his arms just before Cook was tackled. Parsons got up and ran to the end zone, but was ruled down on review.

Prescott’s TD tosses were to tight ends, including rookie Luke Schoonmaker’s first career score on a 1-yarder after Brandin Echols was called for pass interference in the end zone. Jake Ferguson had the first score from 4 yards.

With new sidekick Brandin Cooks sidelined by a knee injury a week after his Dallas debut, Lamb didn’t look like he needed much help while tying a career high with 11 catches.

Lamb helped set up both Dallas touchdowns. The first was a 25-yard catch followed by a 20-yarder after Garrett Wilson’s TD when he hung on despite landing on a shoulder after getting upended by Tony Adams.

Prescott targeted Lamb so much – 13 times, two shy of his career high – it was almost one too many. Sauce Gardner stepped in front of one of the throws and would have had a pick-6 to put the Jets in front before halftime but the ball slipped through his hands.

Prescott was 31 of 38 for 255 yards and Tony Pollard had 72 rushing yards. Wilson finished 12 of 27 for 170 yards.

Bills 38, Raiders 10: In Orchard Park, New York, Josh Allen rebounded from a four-turnover, season-opening dud by throwing three touchdown passes and leading Buffalo to a rout of Las Vegas.

Linebackers Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard each intercepted Jimmy Garoppolo, and the Bills eased the lingering frustrations following a 22-16 overtime loss at the New York Jets on Monday and a week full of off-field distractions.

Coach Sean McDermott had to address his leadership group after team owner Terry Pegula was accused of making racially insensitive comments in a lawsuit filed by a former NFL Media reporter. Pegula denied the allegations.

On Wednesday, a Bills media reporter was overheard on an open microphone questioning receiver Stefon Diggs’ character. Diggs went to social media a day later by calling the comments “hurtful” and “insulting.”

It was an especially uplifting performance from Allen, who enjoyed his 21st three-or-more touchdown outing after spending much of last week facing questions about his sloppy performance, which he fully acknowledged cost the Bills a victory.

Allen completed his first 13 attempts for 94 yards, and finished 31 of 37 for 274 yards passing and no turnovers. His 13 consecutive completions to start a game set an individual record and matched his best run at any point of an outing. He improved to 13-4 in games following a loss, and 23-4 in games he doesn’t commit a turnover.

Dawson Knox scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 2-yard catch to put Buffalo up 14-7 three minutes into the second quarter, and Khalil Shakir padded the lead with an 11-yard touchdown reception in the final seconds of the first half.

Allen sealed the victory by opening the second half overseeing a 15-play, 75-yard drive that ate up 9:01 of the clock. He went 7 of 8 for 37 yards, and capped the drive by throwing across his body to hit Gabe Davis in double-coverage in the end zone to convert fourth-and-goal from the 2.

Whatever chance the Raiders had to get back into the game ended four plays from scrimmage later, when Milano jumped in front of Josh Jacobs to intercept Garoppolo’s pass at midfield.

The Raiders dropped to 1-1, following a season-opening 17-16 win at Denver, and blew an opportunity to open a season with back-to-back road wins for the first time since 1982.

Garoppolo finished 16 of 24 for 185 yards, with a 16-yard touchdown pass to Davante Adams. The touchdown was the 88th of Adams’ career to move him ahead of Larry Fitzgerald for the fifth-most by a player in his first 10 NFL seasons. The Raiders tweeted after the game that Adams was being evaluated for a concussion.

The Raiders running attack continues to be grounded with Jacobs finishing with minus-2 yards on nine carries. Though Jacobs had five catches for 51 yards, the NFL’s leading rusher last season now has combined for 46 yards rushing through two games.

Bills and former University of Pittsburgh safety Damar Hamlin was a healthy inactive for the second straight week. The third-year player has not appeared in an NFL regular-season game since going into cardiac arrest and needing to be resuscitated on the field at Cincinnati on Jan. 2.

Dolphins 24, Patriots 17: In Foxborough, Massachusetts, Raheem Mostert had a pair of TD runs, including a 43-yard romp in the fourth quarter, and Tua Tagovailoa added a 2-yard touchdown pass to Tyreek Hill to help Miami hold off New England on Sunday night.

Mostert carried 18 times for 121 yards and Tagovailoa completed 21 of 30 passes for 249 yards and an interception. After opening with two road wins, the Dolphins will try for their second straight 3-0 start under coach Mike McDaniel when they host Denver next weekend.

New England dropped to 0-2 for the first time since 2001, which was Bill Belichick’s second season as coach.

Trailing 24-17, the Patriots appeared to keep their hopes alive by converting a miraculous fourth-and-4 on the Dolphins 33. Mac Jones completed a pass to Mike Gesicki short of the first down marker, but the veteran tight end spun and flipped the ball to left guard Cole Strange, who lunged forward.

It was originally called a first down, but a review showed Strange was short of the needed yardage, turning the ball over on downs. Miami then ran the clock out.

Jones finished 31 of 42 for 231 yards, a touchdown and interception.

The Patriots played short-handed in the secondary after starting cornerback Jonathan Jones was ruled out prior to kickoff with an ankle injury. They took another hit in the second quarter when Marcus Jones left with a shoulder issue.

The Dolphins took advantage as Tagovailoa spread the ball around to eight different receivers, including nine completions to Hill and Waddle.

Defensively, Miami recovered a first-quarter fumble by rookie Demario Douglas, leading to Mostert’s first score. Then, leading 17-3 in the third quarter, Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard grabbed an underthrown pass from Mac Jones that was intended for DeVante Parker inside the 5.

Miami punted the ball back and New England found some traction, using an 18-yard run by Jones and a holding penalty on Howard to help set up a 6-yard TD pass from Jones to Hunter Henry.

New England got the ball right back when Tagovailoa had a deep pass intended for Hill intercepted by Christian Gonzalez. But backed up, the Patriots went three-and-out.

Then, on the first play after the changeover, Mostert took a handoff, found a seam in the middle of the Patriots defense and sprinted for his 43-yard TD.

New England marched right down the field and closed to 24-17 on Rhamondre Stevenson’s 2-yard touchdown run, capping a nine-play, 75-yard drive.

Miami had the ball on its own 30 when Tagovailoa missed on a pass to Jaylen Waddle. But Marte Mapu was called for unnecessary roughness, giving the Dolphins a first down near midfield.

The Dolphins had a chance to extend their lead with a 55-yard field goal attempt by Jason Sanders, but it missed wide left.

The post NFL roundup | 2-0 Ravens fend off 0-2 Bengals in AFC North battle | Sports activities appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

• Biggest riser: Indianapolis Colts (up four spots since Week 5)

• Biggest faller: New York Giants (down nine spots since Week 5)

• Dig into the numbers for yourself: PFF’s Premium Stats is the most in-depth collection of NFL and NCAA player performance data. Subscribe today to get full access!

Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes

You can find a statistical review of Week 5 here.

NFL Week 6 Power Rankings

1. San Francisco 49ers (No change)
2. Kansas City Chiefs (No change)
3. Philadelphia Eagles (up 3)
4. Buffalo Bills (down 1)
5. Miami Dolphins (down 1)
6. Dallas Cowboys (down 1)
7. Detroit Lions (up 1)
8. Jacksonville Jaguars (up 1)
9. Baltimore Ravens (down 2)
10. Los Angeles Chargers (no change)
11. Cleveland Browns (no change)
12. Cincinnati Bengals (no change)
13. Seattle Seahawks (no change)
14. Minnesota Vikings (no change)
15. New York Jets (up 1)
16. New Orleans Saints (up 3)
17. Green Bay Packers (down 2)
18. Washington Commanders (down 1)
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (down 1)
20. Indianapolis Colts (up 4)
21. Los Angeles Rams (up 1)
22. Atlanta Falcons (up 1)
23. Tennessee Titans (down 2)
24. Pittsburgh Steelers (up 3)
25. Denver Broncos (up 1)
26. Houston Texans (up 2)
27. Las Vegas Raiders (up 2)
28. Arizona Cardinals (up 2)
29. New York Giants (down 9)
30. New England Patriots (down 5)
31. Carolina Panthers (no change)
32. Chicago Bears (no change)

The Patriots are struggling. They earned just a 52.3 team passing grade and generated the fewest expected points added (EPA) per play (-0.72) on offense in Week 5. They were successful on only 17.6% of their plays, the lowest rate in the league.

The Bears generated a league-leading 0.27 EPA per play on offense in Week 5, with the offense also ranking first in receiving yards after the catch per reception (10.4). Wide receiver D.J. Moore put up a 92.8 receiving grade, the best mark of his season, thanks to a massive three-touchdown and 230-yard game.

The Commanders called 55 consecutive pass plays from early in the second quarter until the end of the game — a PFF record — racking up a league-high 378 passing yards in the process. However, it still wasn’t enough to save themselves from falling to the Bears at home. 

We’re also reaching the part of the season when injuries start to pile up. Players such as Justin Jefferson, De’Von Achane  and Travis Kelce are now dealing with injuries, so we hope these players and their teams bounce back quickly.

Biggest Riser: Indianapolis Colts

Despite losing quarterback Anthony Richardson mid-game again, the Colts got another win to improve to 3-2. The offensive line looks much improved, with all starters ranking in the top 25% at their respective positions in PFF grade.

While the injury to Richardson certainly hurts, Gardner Minshew is one of the game’s better backups and has posted PFF grades near the 70s in his limited time paired with now-head coach Shane Steichen.

Biggest Faller: New York Giants

It has been tough sledding for the Giants, who are riding a three-game losing streak heading into Week 6. The offensive line has been a train wreck — no lineman has graded above 52.0, and the starting tackles currently rank second- and third-worst at the position. 

The result is that Daniel Jones has been sacked 31 times, and the Giants are generating the second-fewest EPA per play on offense. Entering Week 6, they have a 10% chance of picking first overall in the 2024 NFL Draft and a 48% chance of picking in the top five. 

WAR Lost to Injuries

Note: At the time this graphic was created, De’Von Achane and Tyreek Hill were listed as active.

 Von Miller played only 20 snaps against the Jaguars, but he is back from injury nonetheless. Miller has graded above 85.0 in nine of his 11 seasons as a pro and is quite easily one of the best pass-rushers in modern NFL history. Look for him to make an impact with Matt Milano and DaQuan Jones likely out for the rest of the season.

As if Minnesota’s season couldn’t get any worse, Justin Jefferson suffered a hamstring injury in Week 5 and has since been placed on the injured reserve. The team now needs rookie Jordan Addison (65.1 PFF grade), K.J. Osborn (51.6) and Brandon Powell (70.0 on 28 snaps) to step up in a big way.

The Vikings face the 49ers in two weeks, a tough matchup even with the star pass-catcher in the lineup. According to PFF Greenline, they have had the fourth-hardest schedule to date, but they have the 15th-hardest schedule the rest of the way.

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Dolphins offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn (-0.05 WAR) suffered a neck injury against the Giants in Week 5. While he has not performed well this season, grading negatively on more than 28% of his snaps, the Dolphins are thin along the offensive line. On top of that, Miami also lost De’Von Achane to a knee injury. His backups, Raheem Mostert and Salvon Ahmed, should be able to carry his workload in a scheme that is extraordinarily favorable to the position.

The Cardinals’ leading rusher, James Conner, left last week’s game with a knee injury. The team’s backups have not done much so far this season, with quarterback Joshua Dobbs coming behind Conner in rushing yards.

Click here to see player usage and performance for all 32 teams ahead of Week 6.

Late-Down Decision-Making

The graphic above shows how teams have fared in terms of EPA per play when they go for it on fourth downs. Ironically, the Buccaneers have gone for it the least of any team but have been incredibly successful when they have gone for it. 

The Vikings were aggressive on fourth downs in Week 5, going for it five times. On the year, they’re third in the league in EPA per play on fourth downs at 1.52. 

The Raiders’ win against the Packers was not due to their aggressiveness on fourth down. They punted four times and kicked three field goals, two of which were unsuccessful.

Game Finishers

Note: This graphic includes overtime.

It’s been difficult for teams to stop the 49ers and the Eagles at any time in the game, as you can see above. On top of that, the Eagles defense does not allow their opponents to score often. Through five weeks, 68.6% of their opponents’ drives have ended in no points.

The Patriots offense is reaching a decades-long low point. Belichick’s squad ranks last in the league in EPA per play in both the first and second half. 

This week, the Colts led the league in second-half EPA per play (0.35) against the Titans. As they continue to increase RB Jonathan Taylor’s reps, look for him to make a significant impact. Indy hasn’t been very successful at converting drives, but last week, the team finished sixth in successful drive rate at 50%.

The Trenches

The Saints move up in this metric after an excellent performance against the Patriots on both sides of the ball. Center Erik McCoy was the highest-graded offensive lineman this week (94.4), while the Saints defensive line finished top-five in pressures (16), pressure rate (39.4%) and pass-rush grade (79.6).

Although the Cowboys offensive line usually protects the quarterback well, they struggled this week, allowing pressure on 56.7% of their passing snaps. They posted the worst pass-blocking grade of their season as a result (28.3).

Defensive Success

The Dolphins defense has not been otherwordly this season, but it was successful against the Giants in Week 5. They allowed -0.113 EPA per play, the seventh-best mark in the league. Defensive tackle Christian Wilkins earned a season-best 92.0 pass-rush grade and won one-third of his reps. 

Aidan Hutchinson continues to perform at a high level and earned a career-best 94.1 overall grade in Week 5. The rest of the Lions pass rush as a whole is fairly average, however, as the unit ranks 19th in pass-rush grade through Week 5.

Although the Broncos defense has struggled this season, they have a few bright spots. Alex Singleton posted a 79.9 run-defense grade this week, fifth among linebackers. Defensive end Zach Allen earned an 80.8 pass-rush grade that ranked sixth.

Perfectly Covering Plays

Kyle Shanahan’s offense is moving further away from the pack when it comes to forcing broken coverage on offense.

After a hot start, Mike McDaniel’s offense has cooled down a little bit, but he is still one of the best play-callers in terms of scheming open players, and it helps to have the dynamic duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

On the other end of the spectrum, Matt Canada and Eric Bienemy’s offenses haven’t been that good at forcing coverage mistakes, with both ranking at the bottom of the league in this metric.

Sustaining Drives on Offense

The Rams took the throne from the Bills as the top team at avoiding three-and-outs so far this season. They were able to get past that first series pretty consistently against the Eagles but stalled after that due to bad pass protection from the offensive line.

The Cardinals also fell closer to the league average this week after finishing in second place in this metric in Week 4.

The post NFL Week 6 Energy Rankings: San Francisco 49ers stay on high, Philadelphia Eagles crack the highest 3 | NFL Information, Rankings and Statistics appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

The NFL is about to wrap the first month of its 2023 season. The Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers kicked off Week 4 on Thursday night, and the trade deadline is just over a month away.

It’s safe to say things haven’t gone according to plan for several franchises. The Minnesota Vikings are one loss away from matching their 2022 total, while the Cincinnati Bengals are off to their second 1-2 start in as many seasons.

It’s still early enough in the season, though, that adjustments can be made, be it to game plans, schemes, depth charts or rosters themselves. Even the league’s three undefeated teams could stand to improve in one area or another moving forward.

Below, you’ll find one thing that every franchise needs to change entering October.

Cardinals WR Rondale Moore Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The Arizona Cardinals sit at 1-2, but they’ve been surprisingly competitive and just pulled off, arguably, the year’s biggest upset against the Dallas Cowboys.

Wide receiver Rondale Moore played a big role in the Week 3 win with a spectacular 45-yard touchdown run.

“When he put his foot in the ground and kind of took off, you could feel his speed and his power as he got through the hole,” offensive coordinator Drew Petzing told reporters.

This season, Moore has carried the ball five times for 66 yards and caught eight passes for 55. If the Cardinals want to continue winning, they should try mixing the 23-year-old into the backfield rotation even more.

Arizona lacks playmakers in the passing game, and while quarterback Joshua Dobbs has been mostly fine, the strength of the offense is in the running game.

Giving opposing defenses different looks with Moore as a runner would help open things up a bit while taking some of the load from James Conner, who ranked third in the NFL with 51 carries through Week 3.

Falcons WR Drake London Todd Kirkland/Getty Images

The Atlanta Falcons want to win with consistent defense and a strong running game. However, the best teams tend to exercise some semblance of balance, and it would behoove Atlanta to open up the passing attack more.

Specifically, the Falcons need to find a way to get more out of second-year receiver Drake London. He was the first receiver taken in last year’s draft and flashed promise as a rookie, finishing with 72 receptions for 866 yards and four touchdowns.

Through three games, he has only eight receptions for 98 yards and one touchdown. Good things tend to happen when quarterback Desmond Ridder is able to find the USC product—half of his receptions have gone for first downs, and he’s provided a 96.0 passer rating when targeted—but Atlanta isn’t getting him the ball enough.

Offensive coordinator Dave Ragone should try using more stack and bunch formations to get London one-on-one in space, or perhaps scheme up some easy completions with bubble screens and slants—something to build chemistry between Ridder and London and make the receiver a more prevalent piece of the passing game.

The 22-year-old has been targeted just 15 times in 176 offensive snaps, which is an extremely low rate for a receiver who is supposed to be Atlanta’s top perimeter target.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh Andy Lyons/Getty Images

The Baltimore Ravens had a chance to move to 3-0 last Sunday but fell to the Indianapolis Colts in overtime instead.

Head coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Todd Monken should take the blame for the loss for mismanaging things late in overtime.

The Ravens took over with more than four minutes remaining at their own 46-yard line. After averaging five yards per carry all game, Monken called three straight passes that set up 3rd-and-3 and then 4th-and-3.

Baltimore hired Monken to help bring balance to the offense, but in that scenario, he should have leaned on what the Ravens do best and ran the ball. And with more than three minutes remaining, Harbaugh never should have gone for it on 4th down from just across midfield. Pinning the Colts deep and forcing a long drive would have been the smart decision.

Instead, Lamar Jackson’s pass fell incomplete, and the Colts moved into field-goal range after four runs of their own. The Ravens are now in a three-way tie atop the talented AFC North, and if they hope to win the division, they cannot afford to mismanage critical situations as they did against Indianapolis.

Bills QB Josh Allen Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images

Like the Ravens, the Buffalo Bills should probably be 3-0. They had the rival New York Jets down 13-3 at halftime in Week 1 but scored just three points after intermission. Part of the problem was a series of careless mistakes from Josh Allen.

Too often in Week 1, the quarterback tried to go for the home run ball instead of taking the easy, smart play. He ended up turning the ball over four times in the game, and the Jets went on to win in overtime.

“Trying to force the ball,” Allen said after the loss.

Allen really hasn’t cost his team since Week 1, as Buffalo has rattled off consecutive blowout wins. However, head coach Sean McDermott, or someone else with a level of authority, needs to keep reminding him that he doesn’t have to win every game on a single play.

When the 27-year-old presses too hard, he can become mistake-prone. In 21 games (including playoffs) dating back to the start of last season, he has thrown 21 interceptions and lost seven fumbles.

Creating big plays is part of Allen’s game, so the Bills can’t rein him in too much. Yet, if they can’t convince him to take a breath and live for the next play now and again, he’s likely to cost Buffalo another close game in the future.

Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard David Jensen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Carolina Panthers’ 2023 season is all about developing No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young, who missed Week 3 with an ankle injury.

Supporting Young with a strong running game would be logical, but the Panthers have largely leaned on the pass in the early goings. Carolina has attempted 129 passes and only 65 runs.

To be fair, the Panthers line hasn’t exactly been blowing open holes for lead back Miles Sanders, who is averaging just 3.4 yards per carry. Getting backup Chuba Hubbard more involved could help boost the ground game.

Hubbard has been a nice change of pace, averaging 6.5 yards, albeit on only 12 carries. Using him more could help bring a little balance to the offense, while lightening the load for Sanders, who has a team-high 41 carries.

It probably wouldn’t hurt for Carolina to scour the free-agent and trade markets for another back either. Offensive coordinator Thomas Brown has used Laviska Shenault Jr. as a gadget runner, but no other running backs have touched the ball this season.

Sanders has been able to handle the heavy workload, but he hasn’t been as efficient as he was behind the Philadelphia Eagles’ powerful line last season.

Bears QB Justin Fields David Eulitt/Getty Images

Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields hasn’t made the desired strides as a passer this season, despite being surrounded by a better supporting cast.

The 24-year-old showed he can be an elite scrambler last season, and it seems offensive coordinator Luke Getsy is trying to force him to be more of a pocket passer this year.

Fields told reporters that he feels like he isn’t being himself on the field.

“That’s when I play my best, when I’m just out there playing free and being myself,” the quarterback said.

Assuming Chicago still believes in Fields and wants to win with him this season, Getsy and head coach Matt Eberflus should try simplifying things a bit and allow him to lean on his natural ability.

The Bears should be able to work on the little things—like developing a rapport between Fields and new No. 1 receiver D.J. Moore—without forcing him to overanalyze every play. The signal-caller is thinking too much and holding the ball too long, which has resulted in an alarming 13 sacks.

If Chicago has lost confidence in Fields, it should change nothing, embrace the tank and hope to land a top 2024 QB prospect with one of its two first-round picks (its own and one from the Panthers).

Bengals RB Joe Mixon Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is still battling a calf injury and not yet looking like himself.

Cincinnati has done a nice job of protecting the 26-year-old, who has only been sacked five times, but it has done so by using the short-passing game.

Burrow has averaged a career-low 6.5 intended yards per pass attempt and a career-low 2.1 seconds per pass this season. It’s allowed him to avoid sacks—though he’s still been hit 13 times—but has taken the explosive element out of Cincinnati’s offense.

The Bengals should try slowing opposing pass rushes by utilizing the run more. Joe Mixon hasn’t been especially consistent, averaging 4.0 yards per carry, but the offense has been extremely unbalanced. Cincinnati has thrown it 122 times and run the ball only 58.

The Bengals fared well as a pass-heavy team a year ago, but Burrow’s mobility wasn’t limited. Until he’s back to 100 percent, they must strive for more balance. Until they do, opponents will continue to focus almost exclusively on slowing and pressuring the LSU product.

if Mixon continues to be merely average, the Bengals might want to give a few more opportunities to rookie fifth-round pick Chase Brown.

Browns OT Jedrick Wills Jr. Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Cleveland Browns will struggle to replace star running back Nick Chubb, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2. While that’s an issue that can’t quickly be solved, the Browns must address their other big offensive problem, the play of left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr.

Wills has only been responsible for two sacks and one penalty, per Pro Football Focus. However, his lack of technique and effort leaps off of the game tape.

On the sack-fumble-touchdown that proved to be the difference-making score in Cleveland’s Week 2 loss, Wills failed to even slow Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith.

On an otherwise solid Cleveland offensive line, Wills is the lone liability. Unfortunately, there isn’t an easy fix. Short of trading for a tackle—like, perhaps, disgruntled Denver Bronco Garett Bolles—before the trade deadline, an upgrade won’t simply materialize.

However, Cleveland can look to give Wills some help. Regularly putting a tight end on the left side of the line or chipping with a running back should help him be a little more consistent in pass protection.

Something needs to be done because with Chubb out, the Browns will have to lean on Deshaun Watson and the passing game this season.

Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy Christian Petersen/Getty Images

When the Cowboys lost offensive coordinator Kellen Moore in the offseason, everyone wondered if the offense would be as efficient with head coach Mike McCarthy calling the plays.

Dallas’ offense, which is averaging 28.6 points per game, has been better than most. However, the Cowboys have been incredibly inefficient in one key area: the red zone.

Under Moore, Dallas scored touchdowns on 71.4 percent of its red-zone trips. This year, the conversion rate has dipped to 40 percent. Only three teams have converted at a lower rate through three full weeks.

Dallas parted with Ezekiel Elliott and Dalton Schultz and has dealt with some injuries along the offensive line. However, this dramatic of a decline suggests a coaching problem. What McCarthy is calling inside the 20 simply isn’t working often enough.

Something has to give for the Cowboys to be legitimate title contenders. If McCarthy cannot script better plays for the red zone, he should consider hiring an assistant for that purpose.

Dallas is 2-1 but has yet to face a top-tier team this season. If it cannot figure out its red-zone woes, it’s going to struggle when teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles start popping up on the schedule.

Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph Andy Cross/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images

Most Denver Broncos fans probably want defensive coordinator Vance Joseph fired after last Sunday’s dismal performance against the Miami Dolphins.

The Dolphins racked up 726 yards and 70 points in their blowout win, leaving Denver looking firmly like a non-contender.

The fans’ reaction is not of the knee-jerk variety. Joseph inherited the bulk of a unit that ranked seventh in yards allowed and 14th in points allowed last season. His defense has been awful all season.

Denver couldn’t hold off the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1, blew a big lead to the Washington Commanders in Week 2 and laid an egg against the Dolphins. Joseph’s unit ranked dead-last in both yards and points allowed after three weeks.

If the Broncos aren’t going to replace Joseph, they need him to drastically alter how he is planning for games and adjusting within them.

The Broncos were expected to be better under head coach Sean Payton than they were under Nathaniel Hackett last season. Russell Wilson has played better under Payton, but it’s hard to see Denver improving on last year’s 5-12 record with the defense being this big of a liability.

Lions QB Jared Goff Stacy Revere/Getty Images

The Lions looked like a legitimate Super Bowl contender during Thursday night’s blowout win over the rival Packers. It’s hard to find fault with a smartly coached unit that is playing well on both sides of the ball and has proved it can win big games on the road.

If there’s one thing for the Lions to work on moving forward, it’s ball security.

Detroit turned it over three times in the Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. One of those was a fourth-quarter Jared Goff interception that was returned for a touchdown.

Goff opened Thursday’s game with an ill-advised pass into coverage that was picked off and returned to the red zone. Green Bay only recorded a field goal as a result, and it ultimately became a footnote, but in closer games, turnovers can cost the Lions—as they did against Seattle.

Detroit has turned it over at least once in every game and six times in total. Dan Campbell and the coaching staff need to point to the Week 2 loss, how the team should be 4-0 and why the Lions can’t afford to get careless.

If the Lions can start playing mistake-free football, they’ll be ready for a postseason run.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images

After falling to 2-2 on Thursday night, it’s clear that the Green Bay Packers are a flawed team, and some of their issues cannot be solved quickly.

Green Bay has battled numerous injuries, and Jordan Love is a young quarterback who will occasionally make young-quarterback mistakes. What Green Bay can address, though, is its penchant for avoidable mistakes.

Coming into Week 4, the Packers had been penalized 27 times, second-most in the NFL. They were flagged only four times against the Detroit Lions, but one of them was effectively a game-ender.

The Packers got a red-zone stop midway through the fourth quarter when a field goal would have kept it a two-score game. However, a leaping penalty on Quay Walker gave Detroit a fresh set of downs. The Lions bled more time off the clock, scored a touchdown and put the game out of reach.

Green Bay was also flagged seven times in its Week 2 loss to Atlanta.

Head coach Matt LaFleur needs to get his team to cut back on the penalties. While Green Bay does have a solid roster, it has too many other issues to give away yards and first downs and expect to win consistently.

Texans QB C.J. Stroud John Rivera/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Houston Texans were never expected to be a playoff team in 2023, but they’re seeing surprisingly fast progress from rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud and could emerge as a contender in the AFC South.

Stroud has completed 64.5 percent of his passes, thrown four touchdowns with no interceptions and posted a 98.0 quarterback rating. The Texans are only 1-2, but they’re fresh off a decisive win over the rival Jacksonville Jaguars.

If Houston wants to push for a playoff spot this season, it needs to figure out how to be more efficient in the red zone. The Texans have converted a league-worst 27.3 percent of their red-zone trips into touchdowns.

As is the case in Dallas, this appears to be a coaching issue. Houston’s players have moved the ball well enough between the 20s—the Texans are averaging 341 yards per game—but things are stalling in scoring range.

It’s a surprising trend, considering only three teams converted third downs at a higher clip (48.1 percent) than the Texans over the first three weeks.

First-time offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik needs to dig a little deeper into his playbook and uncover something that helps turn scoring opportunities into touchdowns.

Colts RB Jonathan Taylor Cooper Neill/Getty Images

The Colts moved to 2-1 on the season with their Week 3 win over the Baltimore Ravens. They’re a well-coached team, and they’re winning both with and without rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, who suffered a concussion in Week 2 and missed the win over Baltimore.

Indianapolis hasn’t had star running back Jonathan Taylor, who remains on the PUP list. In his absence, it has gotten solid production out of replacement back Zack Moss (210 rushing yards, 4.4 yards per carry).

It’s time for Indianapolis to change its stance on Taylor, whom the club gave an August 29 deadline for a trade. Taylor is set to be a free agent in 2024, and he still doesn’t want to play in Indy.

“From what I understand, he still doesn’t want to play for the Colts, and they still don’t want to give him a long-term contract,” ESPN’s Dan Graziano wrote Wednesday.

With running back injuries already prevalent in 2023, the Colts could expect a reasonable return by making Taylor available. It could include future draft capital and/or another pass-catcher to aid Richardson or a defender to boost the Colts’ 25th-ranked defense.

Sticking with the decision not to trade Taylor won’t help the Colts now, and it certainly won’t help them in the future. They need to make him available as soon as he’s eligible to return from the PUP list on Tuesday.

Jaguars offensive coordinator Press Taylor James Gilbert/Getty Images

The Jaguars were supposed to be a rising playoff contender in 2023, and they still might be. However, things haven’t gone well over the past few weeks, especially on offense. Jacksonville couldn’t muster a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2, and it was thoroughly humbled by Houston last Sunday.

With a star quarterback in Trevor Lawrence, the Jaguars should have outpaced the Texans and rookie C.J. Stroud at home. Third-down efficiency was a big deciding factor in Jacksonville’s defeat.

While the Texans have been great at converting third downs, the Jaguars have been awful. With a middling 29.7 percent conversion rate, only three teams have been worse through three full weeks.

That’s a drastic dip from 2022, when the Jags converted 41.9 percent of their third-down attempts.

Jacksonville has faced a good Chiefs defense and two familiar foes, but that doesn’t guarantee that the issue will self-correct.

Dropped passes (eight of them) haven’t helped. However, offensive coordinator Press Taylor and the Jaguars still need to do a better job of getting into favorable down-and-distance situations and calling plays that actually work on money downs.

Going back and examining what worked in 2022 would be a great way to start.

Chiefs WR Kadarius Toney Cooper Neill/Getty Images

The Kansas City offense finally got rolling in Week 3, but that doesn’t mean that all is well. The Chiefs faced a laughable Chicago Bears offense and did a lot of their damage with running backs Isiah Pacheco, Jerick McKinnon and Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

One game doesn’t mean that Kansas City’s vaunted passing attack is back.

Tight end Travis Kelce serves as the Chiefs’ de facto No. 1 receiver, but Patrick Mahomes has had some difficulty connecting with everyone else. A Kadarius Toney drop led to a pick-six in Kansas City’s one-point Week 1 loss to the Detroit Lions, and that continues to be a problem.

The Chiefs are tied for the league lead with 11 drops in three games. They’re on pace to nearly double the 34 drops they had last season.

It’s time for Kansas City to consider adding to its patchwork receiving corps The free-agent pool is limited to the likes of Sammy Watkins, Jarvis Landry and Kenny Golladay, but the Chiefs could potentially look to swing a trade before the deadline, as they did last year when they acquired Toney.

If the Chiefs can’t find a way to improve their receiving corps—or at least its reliability—they’re going to end up losing another game they should probably win.

Raiders WR Hunter Renfrow Chris Unger/Getty Images

The Las Vegas Raiders have gotten plenty going with wide receivers Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers, who have been targeted a combined 59 times in three games. Running back Josh Jacobs is the only other Raiders player with double-digit targets.

Hunter Renfrow, a 2021 Pro Bowler, has been targeted a mere three times thus far. However, he’s avoided criticizing his role.

“For me, it’s more so just controlling what I can every single day because I don’t make decisions, right?” Renfrow said, per The Athletic’s Tashan Reed. “I could have a great day or a bad day, but it still doesn’t (change anything). I don’t get to call the plays.”

Josh McDaniels and the Raiders need to involve Renfrow more in the offensive game plan. Garoppolo has thrown for 709 yards but has also tossed six interceptions. Jacobs is struggling on the ground, and Las Vegas is averaging only 15 points per game, the fourth-worst mark leaguewide.

There’s no guarantee that targeting Renfrow will open up the offense or limit Garoppolo’s mistakes, but the Raiders owe it to themselves to try. He has caught all three passes sent his way while providing a 118.7 passer rating when targeted.

If the Raiders aren’t going to use Renfrow, they should make him available to teams that will.

Chargers CB Asante Samuel Jr. Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

The Los Angeles Chargers failed to protect a 27-0 lead in last year’s Wild Card Round. Poor defense could keep them out of the playoffs entirely this season.

While the run defense looks slightly better than it did a year ago, the Chargers rank 30th in yards per pass attempt allowed and 32nd in passing yards allowed. None of Los Angeles’ perimeter cornerbacks have played particularly well, either.

J.C. Jackson was held out of Week 3 due to a “coach’s decision,” Asante Samuel Jr. is allowing an opposing passer rating above 95.0 for the third straight year, and Michael Davis has allowed a near-perfect 150.6 opposing passer rating thus far.

If the Chargers hope to be more than just an exciting offensive team, they need to find cornerback help.

While the free-agent market isn’t deep, proven starters like Bradley Roby and former Charger Casey Heyward are available. Head coach Brandon Staley should already be kicking the tires on available veterans. With only five on the active roster, he doesn’t have a lot of internal options.

If L.A. can’t improve its cornerback play, it’s going to have a difficult time hanging with the best teams in the AFC.

Rams RB Kyren Williams Kevin Reece/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay clearly had no interest in continuing a partnership with running back Cam Akers. The Rams sent Akers and a conditional 2026 seventh-round draft pick to the Minnesota Vikings for a conditional 2026 sixth-round pick.

However, moving Akers off the roster doesn’t mean that Los Angeles has found a dependable starter in Kyren Williams.

Williams has not rushed for more than 52 yards in a game this season and is averaging only 3.6 yards per carry. He and Akers are the only running backs who have a carry for Los Angeles, although 2022 undrafted free agent Ronnie Rivers has caught one pass.

The Rams desperately need to bolster their backfield, because a one-dimensional offense will be problematic for 35-year-old quarterback Matthew Stafford and a shaky offensive line. Stafford was sacked six times in a three-point loss to the Cincinnati Bengals last Monday night.

If McVay doesn’t trust Rivers to spell Williams, he needs to consider free agents like Leonard Fournette and Dontrell Hilliard. Williams hasn’t been effective enough on the ground, and the Rams aren’t winning anything of note—and could struggle to keep Stafford healthy—without a rushing attack that actually threatens opposing defenses.

Dolphins defensive coordinator Vic Fangio AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee

One could argue that the Miami Dolphins don’t need to change a whole lot. They’re 3-0, have the league’s No. 1 offense and have outscored opponents by 59 points.

However, they do have room for improvement on defense. The Dolphins are allowing just under 24 points per game and have been inconsistent against the run (4.6 yards per carry allowed, which ranks 25th leaguewide).

Strong run defense isn’t exactly a hallmark of a Vic Fangio scheme, which typically utilizes light boxes and disguised coverages to limit the pass. However, it would behoove Fangio to put a little more emphasis on limiting opposing ground games.

Opposing teams can and will try to keep Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami offense off the field by leaning on the ground game. The Dolphins didn’t see it over the last two weeks because they got up early. However, the Los Angeles Chargers ran 40 times against Miami in Week 1 and might have escaped with a win if not some terrible pass defense in the final four minutes.

Whether it’s stacking the box more often or blitzing the quarterback a little less—Fangio is blitzing 30.3 percent of the time—Miami has to become more effective against the run. Otherwise, it will eventually find its match against a team that can play stout defense and move the ball on the ground.

Vikings QB Kirk Cousins Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Minnesota Vikings were 11-0 in one-score games last season and finished with a 13-4 record. This year, the Vikings are winless and have lost every game by six points or fewer.

The Vikings can get back to their winning ways by stressing the importance of ball security. They’ve already turned the ball over a league-high nine times in three games.

Justin Jefferson caused a potential 10-point swing against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2 when he reached for the pylon with one hand, only to fumble the ball into the end zone. Instead of the Vikings going up 14-10, the Eagles promptly drove down the field and kicked a 61-yard field goal as time expired to go up 13-7 heading into halftime.

In last week’s loss to the Chargers, quarterback Kirk Cousins threw directly into traffic on 1st-and-goal. Instead of a throwaway and second down, he tossed a game-ending interception.

Minnesota has plenty of other issues. It has struggled to run the ball, and its defense is only marginally better than it was last season. If the Vikings can stop giving the ball away, though, they should take a huge step toward resuscitating their playoff hopes.

Patriots WR JuJu Smith-Schuster Elsa/Getty Images

According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the New England Patriots signed wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster in the offseason despite knowing that the knee issues he battled in the 2022 postseason could be problematic.

“Smith-Schuster is a guy that you’re going to be relying on as your slot receiver, and you’re not sure what you’re going to get from him from a health standpoint with his knee,” Breer told NBC Sports Boston’s Sports Sunday in August.

The Patriots took a risk with Smith-Schuster, but it’s not paying off. New England’s presumed big-play threat has averaged only 6.6 yards on 10 catches. Rookie Demario Douglas leads all Patriots wideouts with an average of just 10.6 yards per catch.

New England’s lack of a big-play receiver is holding back the offense and quarterback Mac Jones, who is performing better under new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien than he did last season. The Patriots need to find a receiver who can stretch the field, but they’re unlikely to find one on their own roster.

The Patriots should see whether a struggling team like the Chicago Bears or Denver Broncos is willing to part ways with a receiver who can create separation down the field. The Patriots have no hope of keeping pace with the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins in the AFC East with their offense in its current state.

Saints WR Rashid Shaheed Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

The New Orleans Saints could become a legitimate contender in the NFC once quarterback Derek Carr recovers from his AC joint sprain. They’re getting running back Alvin Kamara back from suspension this week and have allowed only 16.7 points per game.

To be a title contender, though, the Saints need to get their passing game going. They exited Week 3 ranked 20th in yards per pass attempt, 20th in total yards and 25th in scoring.

Featuring second-year wideout Rashid Shaheed more in the passing game could help. Shaheed leads the team with an average of 16.9 yards per catch. He’s caught one or New Orleans’ two touchdown passes and is always a threat to break a big play.

When targeted, Shaheed has provided a passer rating of 144.4. However, he’s only been targeted an average of four times per game and has nine receptions on the season.

While Shaheed scored on a 76-yard punt return in the Saints’ Week 3 loss to Green Bay, he was targeted only twice and finished without a catch.

The Saints need to generate more explosive plays. Getting the ball into Shaheed’s hands more would be a great start.

Giants defensive coordinator Don Martindale Steph Chambers/Getty Images

New York Giants defensive coordinator Don Martindale has developed a reputation for fielding aggressive defenses. He did it with the Baltimore Ravens, and his attacking style has been on full display in New York as well.

Entering Week 4, the Giants defense blitzed 53.1 percent of the time, the second-highest rate in the league. The problem is that Martindale’s approach isn’t getting the desired result.

New York has generated 15 quarterback hits—tied for eighth-fewest in the league—and only two sacks. The Giants have recorded no takeaways thus far in 2023, so they aren’t exactly pressuring quarterbacks into mistakes, either.

With the front seven selling out to pressure the quarterback, New York has struggled against the run (138 yards per game allowed). That’s a problem against teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks (their Week 4 opponent), and the Giants know it.

“We’ve got to obviously put a point of emphasis on that [stopping the run],” head coach Brian Daboll told reporters Thursday.

The Giants need to play more base defense, trust their front four to generate pressure and stop leaving the second level vulnerable to the run.

Jets QB Zach Wilson Elsa/Getty Images

New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson has been a liability dating back to his rookie season. He hasn’t been any better in his two starts this season, completing less than 50 percent of his passes with three interceptions.

The Jets, who otherwise have a playoff-caliber roster, need to replace Wilson. Again.

They tried to replace Wilson when they traded for Aaron Rodgers just before the draft. Unfortunately, Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles four plays into the season, so they had to go right back to Wilson under center.

The Jets cannot stick with Wilson and expect a deep postseason run this season. He isn’t careful enough with the ball, doesn’t see the field well enough and lacks the pocket presence required to be a playoff quarterback.

Whether New York turns to backup Tim Boyle, tries the recently signed Trevor Siemian or turns to the free-agent or trade market, it needs to go in a different direction at the game’s most important position.

Rodgers isn’t coming back this season. Sticking with Wilson will likely leave the Jets trapped in the AFC East basement.

Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada Joe Sargent/Getty Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers finally had a bit of an offensive breakthrough in Week 3, which might quiet the calls to fire offensive coordinator Matt Canada. However, a 23-point performance against the Las Vegas Raiders doesn’t mean that Pittsburgh’s offense is OK.

Pittsburgh entered Week 4 ranked 29th in yards per carry, 21st in yards per pass attempt and 27th in total offense. Despite getting two touchdowns from their defense against the Cleveland Browns in Week 2, the Steelers ranked 22nd in scoring.

A big part of the issue has been the simplistic offensive game plans installed by Canada. It seems as though he’s hoping to give quarterback Kenny Pickett a gradual learning curve, The problem is that Pickett is developing, has playmakers in George Pickens and Calvin Austin III, and is saddled with basic concepts in both the running and passing games.

“We look sooooo ……… predictable,” former Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, during the Raiders game.

Indeed, the Steelers offense does appear predictable. According to NESN’s Warren Sharp and SportsGrid’s Scottie Ferrell, Pittsburgh has run at least 85 percent of the time when Pickett is under center and thrown at least 85 percent of the time when he’s in shotgun.

To have real offensive improvement this season, Canada needs to add some creativity and a few trend-breaking plays to the offense.

Eagles QB Jalen Hurts Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

It’s hard to find flaws with the 3-0 Philadelphia Eagles now that things are coming together for new offensive coordinator Brian Johnson and new defensive coordinator Sean Desai.

Johnson has decided to lean more heavily on the run over the past two weeks, while Desai’s unit is getting healthier and performing at a high level. Philadelphia remains undefeated and is ranked seventh in scoring and ninth in points allowed through the first three weeks.

However, it would behoove head coach Nick Sirianni to preach the importance of avoiding turnovers, specifically to quarterback Jalen Hurts.

The Eagles have turned the ball over at least once in every game, and Hurts has been responsible for all of them after he committed only eight turnovers all of last season. His mistakes haven’t cost Philadelphia yet, but they could in a close game against a top-tier opponent.

Philadelphia is still winning the turnover battle because its defense has recorded an impressive eight takeaways, but it can’t count on forcing multiple turnovers every week. The Eagles need Hurts to be more careful with the football moving forward.

49ers RB Elijah Mitchell Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

The San Francisco 49ers have looked and played like the NFL’s best team over the first three weeks. They’re playing tremendously on defense, might have the league’s best collection of skill-position players, and have a steady second-year signal-caller in Brock Purdy.

The only real change the 49ers should make is getting backup running back Elijah Mitchell a little more playing time.

Star tailback Christian McCaffrey is special, but he’s also battled his fair share of injuries. He appeared in only 10 games between the 2020 and 2021 seasons with the Carolina Panthers, yet the 27-year-old already has 71 touches in three games this year.

Mitchell has tallied only 19 touches thus far. He should take on more of the rushing workload so San Francisco can preserve McCaffrey for the stretch run and the postseason.

“Yeah, we definitely got to get Elijah in there more and do better with our rotation than we did yesterday,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said after the Niners’ Week 2 win over the Los Angeles Rams, per Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area. “That wasn’t the plan going in. It just ended up that way. I got to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

San Francisco must be willing to utilize Mitchell frequently, and not only in games that are firmly in hand.

Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll Steph Chambers/Getty Images

The Seattle Seahawks flopped against the rival Los Angeles Rams in Week 1, but they have played well since. They notched an exciting overtime victory over the Detroit Lions in Week 2 and recorded a decisive win over the Carolina Panthers last Sunday.

While the Seahawks’ pass defense leaves something to be desired, their new-look front has done a nice job of clamping down on the run (2.9 yards per carry allowed). Seattle is surging and could become a real player in the NFC race.

To continue rolling and leave Week 1 as a proverbial blip on the radar, the Seahawks need to cut down on self-imposed mistakes.

The Seahawks have been penalized 24 times through three weeks, which is tied for the sixth-most leaguewide. They’ve had at least seven penalties in every game thus far.

Head coach Pete Carroll and his staff need to get the Seahawks to play a more disciplined brand of football. Repeated miscues can derail even the best of teams, and Seattle hasn’t quite proven that it’s one of those yet.

Buccaneers RB Rachaad White Perry Knotts/Getty Images

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers sit at 2-1 thanks to a stout defense and some respectable play from quarterback Baker Mayfield (96.0 rating). However, they’re still plagued by an issue that hindered them with Tom Brady last season.

The Buccaneers just can’t run the ball consistently.

After ranking last in yards per carry last season, Tampa holds the same spot after three weeks this year. Rachaad White has taken the bulk of the carries but has been ineffective, averaging only 3.1 yards per attempt.

Chase Edmonds is the only Buccaneers running back who has averaged more than 4.0 yards per carry, but he’s had only four carries and is now on injured reserve.

New offensive coordinator Dave Canales needs to boost the run game to make the Buccaneers a legitimate contender in the NFC South. Mayfield has been mostly good, but he isn’t able to read the field, deliver the ball quickly and help mask a lagging ground game the same way that Brady did last season.

If Tampa can’t spark White or undrafted rookie Sean Tucker—who is averaging just 1.5 yards per carry but averaged 5.1 yards per carry at Syracuse last season—it will have to consider other options.

Whether the Bucs bring in a free agent like Leonard Fournette, dial up some more creative rushing concepts or attack the middle of the field to pull linebackers off the line of scrimmage, they have to be better on the ground.

Titans OT Andre Dillard Alika Jenner/Getty Images

The Philadelphia Eagles selected Andre Dillard with a first-round pick in 2019. However, he never settled in as a starter in Philly, and the Tennessee Titans may be learning why.

The Titans added Dillard to be their new left tackle in the offseason, but the 27-year-old has not fared well. According to Pro Football Focus, Dillard has already allowed six sacks and been called for two penalties.

Dillard hasn’t been the only problem with Tennessee’s offense. The Titans have not run the ball well and have been predictable on long third downs, leading to a lot of sacks, not all of which were surrendered by Dillard.

“Across the NFL this season, teams that aren’t the Titans allow sacks on 9 percent of third downs with 10 or more yards to gain. The Titans are giving up sacks in 31 percent of those situations,” Nick Suss of the Tennessean wrote Wednesday.

Tennessee has allowed 13 sacks, second only to the Washington Commanders (19), and converted only 27 percent of its third-down attempts this season. Still, it’s become clear that the Titans can’t trust Dillard to win one-on-one blocking matchups.

To improve its offensive front, Tennessee needs to find a replacement at left tackle—be it rookie Jaelyn Duncan, a free agent or a trade target.

Commanders QB Sam Howell Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images

The Washington Commanders saw some good things from second-year quarterback Sam Howell over the first two weeks of the season. However, things came crashing down in Week 3 against the Buffalo Bills when Howell threw four interceptions and was sacked nine times during a 37-3 blowout loss.

While Buffalo has a tremendous defense, Washington’s poor pass protection has been an issue all season. Howell has already been sacked a league-high 19 times, putting him on pace for 108 sacks this season.

David Carr set the record for sacks taken in a single season as a rookie with 76. Howell was set to break that record even before last Sunday’s nine-sack disaster.

For the 2-1 Commanders to remain relevant, develop Howell and limit his miscues, he’ll have to get the ball out of his hands quicker. Heading into Week 4, Howell is averaging 2.7 seconds in the pocket per pass attempt, which is tied for the league high.

Whether offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy dials up shorter throws or stresses to Howell the importance of having a quick clock, something has to change. Washington won’t remain in the playoff race if it continues to surrender sacks at a record pace.

Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference unless otherwise noted.

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