1. New England @ Washington
Q: How does Jay Gruden handle the lose-lose decision he’s about to have to make?
Do you a) start Case Keenum, crush whatever is left of his spirit and confidence and let him and your team sink to 0-5?
OR
b) Risk crushing the confidence of rookie and current zero-time starter Dwayne Haskins as he faces one of the league’s best teams?
There are arguments to be had on both sides, but if Gruden’s decision comes down to which QB is likelier to get a win he’s really in trouble because I think he has to lean to Haskins. Haskins showed in his relief appearance against the New York Giants that he is not ready for prime time, despite the fact that he helped make the offense move coherently than Keenum.
2. Baltimore @ Pittsburgh
Q: How can Pittsburgh find a way to get Mason Rudolph to throw the ball downfield?
Rudolph has shown glimpses of potential stardom (such as his two long ball TDs against the 49ers), but 24 of his 28 passes against the Bengals were attempts of under 10 yards. Tomlin and his staff will have to find a way to get him to throw the ball downfield before opposing defenses realize they can cut off the underneath routes and back him into unpleasant 3rd down situations.
3. New York Jets @ Philadelphia
Q: Did the Jets properly use the bye week to give their QBs a fighting chance?
Reports are that the Jets were hoping that Sam Darnold would be cleared in between their loss to New England and their game this week, but have had no luck on that front. Darnold has been cleared to lift weights, but hasn’t fully practiced yet.
The hope would be that the Jets found a way to give Luke Falk enough reps to give him a real chance against Philadelphia, but it appears that the Jets waited too long to give him full reps in practice.
While there’s still some time to prepare Falk, it sounds like a potential missed opportunity.
4. Tampa Bay @ New Orleans
Q: Can the Saints find a way to rev up the offense?
Teddy Bridgewater has been solid enough to lead the Saints to two wins in three starts this year, but hasn’t thrown for over 200 yards in any of those starts. 2 TDs and 1 INT in 3 games is solid but unremarkable. Bridgewater will have to find a way to get the offense moving, especially against a suddenly potent Tampa Bay team.
5. Jacksonville @ Carolina
Q: In the battle of the backups, which QB has more magic in his tank?
Gardner Minshew (2-1) and Kyle Allen (3-0) have been two of the standout backup QBs this year, playing extremely well in tough spots. Minshew, in particular, has shown a remarkable ability to stay poised in the pocket, and survive under duress. The game winning drive last week against Denver was maybe not incredibly impressive based on the opponent, but for a rookie qb it showed an incredible amount of presence to be able to pull it off.
The two QBs are going to need to rely heavily on their offensive lines. Allen has 4 TDs in 2 games, but has been sacked 3 times. Minshew has 7 TDs, but has been sacked an incredible 10 times in 4 games.
6. Buffalo @ Tennessee
Q: Can Matt Barkley hold on long enough to keep the Bills from stumbling?
Josh Allen has not been cleared as of this writing, but it appears likely that Matt Barkley could wind up as the starter this week. At 3-1, the Bills are currently leading the wild card race, but a potential loss against a winnable opponent in Tennessee could hurt the Bills in the long run. Buffalo will have to find a way to have Barkley game manage and pick up a W.
7. Chicago @ Oakland
Q: What is Chase Daniel’s ceiling?
Chase Daniel, perennial backup, has proven himself to be valuable enough to Chicago that they kept him around for a second season. But can Daniel lead the Bears to wins over the next month or two as Trubisky recovers? His first start is a bit daunting having to play overseas in London. Between trying to get all the reps and practices in, and fighting jet lag, Daniel’s performance this week will need to be strong enough to pick up a W against a baffling proto-Vegas Raiders.
8. Arizona @ Cincinnati
Q: Is this finally the week for Kyler Murray?
Murray’s first four starts have been a mixed bag so far: 4 TD and 4 INTs, a game where he threw for 349 yards, and one where he threw for 173. He led a comeback, but only got a tie out of it. Murray looks like he has the potential to eventually succeed as a starter, but the first step is picking up the first win. At 0-3-1, Murray is in need of a win to boost his confidence and playing a beleaguered Cincinnati Bengals team is likely to be the victim. If he can’t get the win this week, it could be awhile because they go on the road to Atlanta and then the Giants the week after. Getting a win before the end of October could boost Murray and give him the lift he needs.
9. Minnesota @ New York Giants
Q: Can Daniel Jones rebound after a lackluster 2nd outing?
After his first start, Daniel Jones appeared to be the next big thing in the NFL. After his second start, Daniel Jones appeared to be a guy who was just ok. If Washington could have moved the ball at all, Daniel Jones would be 1-1, not the 2-0 superstar that he currently is.
Playing a better team in Minnesota will give Jones a challenge, but also an opportunity to play closer to his first start. Given how an off the bench Chase Daniel played against Minnesota last week, Daniel Jones could have a big 300+ yard game like he did against Tampa Bay.
QB Watch 