NFL Week 3 newest buzz, questions, information and fantasy suggestions

We’re on to Week 3 of the NFL season, and league insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano are breaking down the most recent information and notable buzz.

There’s loads to speak about following Week 2. What ought to the Bengals do within the aftermath of Joe Burrow‘s turf toe damage, and what will they do? How are issues going with the Aaron Rodgers-Steelers partnership by way of two weeks? Which quarterbacks within the league are most in peril of being benched?

Jeremy and Dan made some calls across the league to get the most recent on these conditions. Additionally they recognized preseason notions that they are already adjusting after two weeks of play. It is all right here, as Dan and Jeremy reply massive questions and empty their reporting notebooks heading into Week 3.

Bounce to:
Bengals’ QB plans | Early Rodgers returns
Early-season surprises | QBs on the new seat
Extra notes on Week 3

What’s subsequent for the Bengals with Joe Burrow out? What are you listening to out of Cincinnati?

Graziano: The Bengals consider in Jake Browning‘s capability to function their offense and win video games. They cite the work he did over the second half of the 2023 season when Burrow went down due to a wrist damage. They went 4-3 in video games Browning began, and he is now in his fifth season of their system, is aware of the offense effectively and has extra expertise than he had then.

If it goes badly for Browning and the Bengals are dropping, then might I see them contemplating outdoors choices. (They signed Mike White and Sean Clifford to their follow squad this week.) However they consider they’ve top-of-the-line, if not the finest, backup quarterback conditions within the league. No one desires to have to check that out, however that is the place Cincinnati is true now. If it could possibly win even simply one among its subsequent 4 video games — at Minnesota, at Denver, house vs. Detroit, at Inexperienced Bay — it’ll come out of its hardest stretch of the season 3-3 and in place to contend for a division title and playoff spot with the sturdy group the Bengals have round Browning. If they will go 2-2 or higher, they’re going to really feel unbelievable.

Fowler: Browning has earned quite a lot of credibility contained in the Bengals’ group for his confidence, his capability to function the offense and the relationships he has developed with Cincinnati’s offensive gamers. He is recognized to organize extremely laborious and fully understands the sport plan and opposing defensive schemes.

Is that sufficient to offset the lack of Burrow? After all not. However there’s a feeling that if Browning and the Bengals can maintain it down for just a few months, possibly they will get Burrow again for a late-season push. Cincinnati sources reiterate hope of Burrow being again by mid-December. They know that is not a slam dunk, however it’s attainable.

Additionally, the Bengals really feel as if luck is perhaps on their aspect extra this season than final, once they misplaced video games each means possible. The 31-27 win over Jacksonville on Sunday was an ideal instance — getting a crimson zone cease after which driving 92 yards for a win wasn’t within the 2024 playbook fairly often. How are we feeling in regards to the Bengals general as a group, Dan?

Graziano: Yeah, they’re 2-0 and fortunate to be there. However that is a heck of loads higher than their traditional September begin, which is an unfortunate 0-2. It provides them an opportunity. For example Burrow sits out 12 video games (that is an optimistic situation, as I perceive it) and Cincinnati goes 6-6 in these matchups. It would be 8-6 and getting Burrow again for a playoff push. Then the Bengals win their final three, get to 11-6 and qualify for the postseason? Who’s going to need to play them?

This might all be fantasy, after all. Burrow won’t be capable to make it again earlier than the tip of the common season, and even when he does, he’d in all probability be restricted. This situation additionally requires Browning to play effectively for nearly twice so long as he did in 2023, and for Cincinnati’s protection to outplay expectations by a major margin. If it would not come to move, or if Burrow is out for the remainder of the season, then I believe the dialog turns into one a couple of quarterback who has sustained a season-ending damage in three of his six seasons, and what — if something — may be performed about that sample transferring ahead.

Fowler: How the Bengals have protected Burrow — or failed to take action — is a sound dialogue level. That many within the media are evaluating Burrow’s tenure to Andrew Luck’s in Indianapolis ought to alarm Cincinnati, which in all probability hasn’t invested sufficient within the offensive line. Whereas quarterback accidents are a lifestyle within the NFL, groups that use free agent cash and a number of excessive picks on the O-line usually do not remorse it. The Bengals’ two examples of which might be left sort out Orlando Brown Jr. (a marquee free company signing in 2023) and proper sort out Amarius Mims (a first-round choose in 2024). Each of these strikes have labored. On the inside, Cincinnati depends on middle-rounds rookie Dylan Fairchild, 32-year-old middle Ted Karras and journeyman free agent Dalton Risner. That is not sufficient.

It is value noting that group’s contract construction — not guaranteeing cash past the primary season of a deal until your identify is Burrow or Ja’Marr Chase — may take it out of the working for prime free agent linemen who need two- or three-year ensures. And sure, a part of this being a recurring concern is Burrow’s willingness to hold within the pocket and look forward to routes to develop. He takes the hits — and the bodily prices related to them. However spending extra assets on the blockers in entrance of him won’t ever be a foul thought.

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Why Stephen A. thinks Bengals can succeed with out Joe Burrow

Stephen A. Smith says the Bengals might nonetheless be aggressive if Joe Burrow returns later this season.

What are individuals across the league saying about Aaron Rodgers‘ first two video games in Pittsburgh?

Fowler: The early returns are fairly good. His arm power — which has by no means been a difficulty — has held up effectively. He is additionally transferring round barely higher than he did a yr in the past with the Jets. He is now not a premier athlete, however he is sufficient of 1 to flee the pocket and handle the sport. However as many have identified, whether or not Rodgers’ physique holds up over 17 video games is the larger query.

“It was the Minnesota recreation in London [in Week 5] that marked about six to eight weeks of virtually zero mobility on account of damage,” mentioned an AFC scout of Rodgers’ ultimate season with the Jets. “He was compromised, and it confirmed. However simply being a yr eliminated [from the Achilles tear], he appears a little bit bit safer and rather less hesitant in comparison with a yr in the past.”

Rodgers will face some good move rushers within the close to future, particularly from the Vikings (Sept. 28) and the Packers (Oct. 26). What’s your expectation for a Rodgers-led Steelers offense?

Graziano: I personally suppose there is a ceiling. Individuals can really feel as inspired as they need, however by way of two weeks, he is twenty third in QBR, which is fairly near the place he was final season (twenty fifth). I believe he’s what he’s at 41 years outdated.

Positive, he can nonetheless throw, however I believe he’ll thrive provided that circumstances round him are ultimate, and proper now they aren’t. Basically, this offense may be good, however I’ve my doubts about whether or not it may be nice, which ends up in my higher concern in regards to the Steelers: how awful the protection has seemed by way of two video games.

The Rodgers experiment goes to work provided that he is supported by Pittsburgh’s historically sturdy protection and particular groups, and it has been extraordinarily disappointing in these two areas so far. We simply settle for that the Steelers will likely be nice on protection, however what if that is the season they don’t seem to be? It is one of many oldest, if not the oldest, defenses within the league, and it is attainable what we have seen up to now is extra of a foul signal than only a unhealthy begin.

Fowler: The ages of a number of key defensive stars have been laborious to disregard when evaluating this group within the preseason and are much more obtrusive now. Defensive sort out Cameron Heyward is 36. Cornerback Darius Slay is 34. Edge rusher T.J. Watt and cornerback Jalen Ramsey flip 31 subsequent month. Whereas I am not doubting whether or not these established stars can nonetheless produce, to rely closely on 4 over-30 stars on one aspect of the ball is a problem.

The schedule over the subsequent month is manageable — Patriots on the street, Vikings and Browns at house, Bengals on the street. These final three groups at present face quarterback points. If Pittsburgh’s move protection would not discover its footing in opposition to that foursome, it will have main issues in opposition to the Packers and Colts popping out of the Week 7 bye.

Graziano: Agreed. This entire factor has felt extra fragile than traditional because the offseason, which was an uncharacteristic one for the Steelers. They made quite a lot of modifications to their roster in quite a lot of key locations, and counting on a 41-year-old quarterback is clearly a major danger. I am a believer in Mike Tomlin’s capability to handle his group by way of a season and get probably the most out of it. How might you not be, given his monitor document? However we have to see some encouraging indicators right here quickly. To date, the issues I had about this group within the offseason really feel respectable. They seem to be a 60-yard Chris Boswell subject purpose away from being 0-2.

What’s one factor you may have modified your thoughts about because the begin of the season?

Graziano: I might need underestimated the Falcons’ protection. Atlanta is counting on rookies in 4 key spots, however all 4 are enjoying effectively and seemed excellent flustering J.J. McCarthy on Sunday evening. Once I visited the group’s coaching camp in late July, I talked to defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, who was fired up in regards to the new scheme they have been putting in. He instructed me, “I would not need to play us the primary couple of weeks of the season.”

They have been proper within the Week 1 recreation in opposition to Tampa Bay till the tip and beat up Minnesota in Week 2. Possibly the rookie edge rusher mixture of Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., helped by the veteran management of Leonard Floyd, is loads higher than the move rushes of latest Falcons groups. And I do know they’re enthusiastic about rookie defensive backs Billy Bowman Jr. and Xavier Watts. Can they maintain this all season and make an actual run on the postseason?

Fowler I assumed the Chiefs’ offense can be simply advantageous, and a part of me nonetheless believes that. However the issues are solely rising. The Chiefs consider the passing recreation will likely be markedly higher when Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown are working their three-receiver units. Nonetheless, we’re occurring a number of years of simply OK offensive output — Kansas Metropolis hasn’t been really elite on that aspect of the ball since 2022.

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Woody: Chiefs ‘don’t have anything on offense that threatens any group’

Damien Woody calls out the Chiefs’ offensive deficiencies following a loss to the Eagles that noticed them begin 0-2 for the primary time in Patrick Mahomes’ NFL profession.

The run recreation will not be environment friendly. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce have but to search out the chemistry that has carried them for many of the previous decade. Mahomes clearly wants extra assist. He is attempting to make it occur, working greater than he ought to this early within the season. He is in his prime, was wonderful in camp and may discover a method to carry this offense by way of a full season. Maybe the Chiefs are shopping for time and might flip it on late, however it’s simply changing into more and more tougher to purchase into that.

Graziano: I get the sense that the Chiefs are pissed off by the repetitive nature of this — their WR room being decimated yearly by accidents and different points. However they count on it to enhance as soon as Worthy is again and Rice comes off his suspension. I believe that’ll assist the run recreation, too. They usually actually ought to be capable to get proper Sunday in opposition to the Giants. It is too early to surrender on Andy Reid and Mahomes, however the issues are legit.

I additionally did not suppose the Dolphins have been going to be as horrible as most individuals thought, and my optimism has been tough to defend. They’re 0-2 and have seemed unhealthy in each video games, and it is laborious to think about them turning it round at Buffalo on Thursday. The Dolphins did quite a lot of work within the offseason to attempt to remodel their group tradition, however the on-field product has been robust to observe. They should make enhancements quick.

Fowler: I entered the season with gentle issues about Miami, given its alternative of a number of key gamers with more cost effective choices. It seems like a mini-rebuild. However the offense had at all times been practical with a passing recreation that includes quarterback Tua Tagovailoa together with receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Some across the league wonder if defenses have caught up with Mike McDaniel’s offense. Thursday will likely be one other check of that.

I’ve additionally modified my tune on quarterback Spencer Rattler and the Saints’ offense. I assumed the product can be worse than it has been, given the transitional state of New Orleans’ roster and Rattler’s background of being a fifth-round choose in 2024. However Rattler has been stable, and I heard persistently final season that the Saints’ earlier workers was bought on him, blaming a severely depleted roster for a lot of of his earlier struggles. However New Orleans not less than seems to be succesful regardless of its 0-2 begin. Kellen Moore is among the brighter offensive coaches round, and that is exhibiting up to now.

Which quarterback is most in peril of being benched?

Fowler: Cleveland’s scenario bears monitoring. Joe Flacco is secure for now, however, as with most bridge quarterbacks warding off a rookie backup, the one method to efficiently hold the job is to win just a few video games. That was the case with Jacoby Brissett finally dropping the job to Drake Maye in New England final season, although that scenario was totally different due to Maye’s standing because the No. 3 choose. However that common theme applies.

In any other case, groups pivot to the youthful possibility, pondering the participant can spark the offense or present hope for the longer term. Flacco has maintained his arm power and might nonetheless transfer a little bit. He was very crisp in Week 1. However Dillon Gabriel‘s mobility is an asset if or when the Browns flip to him.

Graziano: Flacco might be the fitting reply right here, for all the explanations you say. The Giants’ Russell Wilson in all probability held off the Jaxson Dart chatter for not less than per week or two together with his 450-yard efficiency in Dallas, however Wilson has a first-round choose ready behind him who everybody is aware of will take over. It is only a query of when. New York would not need to rush Dart, however as you level out within the Cleveland instance, it is robust to maintain the child on the bench if you’re not successful.

Fowler: Yeah, we hit that Giants’ QB outlook laborious final week; it is value watching. In any other case, the NFL’s quarterback image is fairly clear, so I am going to throw two NFC North wild playing cards on the market.

What if the Bears’ Caleb Williams would not discover his footing in Ben Johnson’s timing-and-rhythm passing recreation by, say, Week 10? I believe Williams confirmed optimistic indicators in Sunday’s loss in Detroit. However the feeling popping out of camp was that, regardless of Williams’ otherworldly expertise, the offense was a bit crisper with Tyson Bagent working the huddle. Is Johnson prepared to be affected person right here? I believe so. And Williams’ immense expertise is a commodity value betting on. However these coaches really feel stress to win — three-year grace durations now not exist — and Johnson did not draft Williams. Simply pondering out loud.

In Minnesota, what occurs if Carson Wentz catches hearth over these subsequent few weeks and recharges Minnesota’s offense? Does that then develop into a brief reset for J.J. McCarthy after he returns from his excessive ankle sprain, if just for just a few video games? Taking the Vikings’ phrase about their perception in McCarthy, such a transfer can be a shock. However other than the fourth quarter in Chicago, McCarthy’s play has been worrisome.

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Schefter: McCarthy not anticipated to play in opposition to Bengals

Adam Schefter says J.J. McCarthy will not be anticipated to play in opposition to the Bengals on account of an ankle damage and can probably get replaced by Carson Wentz.

Graziano: Man, if the Vikings moved off McCarthy, they’d just about be acknowledging that every thing they instructed us about their religion and perception in him this offseason was a ruse. I believe the group actually believes he is on the stage of his improvement the place he must play, and I might count on him to get the job again as soon as he is wholesome.

However you make a very good level. If Wentz has them buzzing, it might be value questioning whether or not they’d stick to him. It is a group that gained 14 video games final season and is aware of it has a roster able to making the playoffs. Minnesota desires this to be a key improvement yr for McCarthy, however it additionally desires to win video games.

What else are you listening to this week?

Graziano’s notes:

• The Cowboys’ protection post-Micah Parsons is a piece in progress, however the group has some hope that reinforcements are on the way in which. The signing of veteran edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney ought to assist bolster the entrance whereas Dallas awaits well being enhancements on the again finish. DaRon Bland‘s absence is not anticipated to be long-term, and Trevon Diggs ought to proceed to settle in and play extra snaps as he works his means again from damage. Dallas additionally believes third-round rookie Shavon Revel Jr. — who opened the season on the non-football damage listing whereas working his means again from a knee damage he suffered in faculty final yr — will likely be a giant assist as soon as he is in a position to return to the lineup in Week 5. The Cowboys additionally count on to get linebacker DeMarvion Overshown again from his knee damage sooner or later in October or November.

The Cowboys are studying a brand new defensive scheme below coordinator Matt Eberflus, and it has come below hearth from some after Russell Wilson and Malik Nabers ate their zone protection alive in Sunday’s thriller. However they level to Week 1, once they held Saquon Barkley to 60 dashing yards and the Eagles’ prime two receivers to 24 yards mixed, as an encouraging signal that Sunday wasn’t who they’re at all times going to be this season.

• The Buccaneers are off to a 2-0 begin despite a patchwork offensive line that hasn’t had left sort out Tristan Wirfs (knee) and misplaced proper sort out Luke Goedeke (foot) in Monday evening’s recreation. They’ve performed final season’s beginning middle, Graham Barton, at left sort out the primary two video games and have been planning to do this till Wirfs comes again, however one other shuffle is feasible if Goedeke has to overlook time (as Jeremy reported he’ll). Tampa Bay is getting low on our bodies on each side of the road of scrimmage. Defensive sort out Calijah Kancey (torn pec) is a serious loss for the run protection. Do not be stunned if the Bucs are calling round about defensive linemen forward of the commerce deadline.

• The Chiefs’ offense feels as if it may proceed to battle till Xavier Worthy is again from his damage (probably throughout the subsequent couple of weeks) and Rashee Rice returns from his suspension in Week 6. Patrick Mahomes labored with each of these receivers all through camp, and, as we mentioned right here final week, he would not have his timing down but with the likes of Tyquan Thornton and Hollywood Brown.

However within the meantime, Kansas Metropolis stays puzzled by its struggles within the run recreation. The group believed that Isiah Pacheco was working like his outdated self in camp and that he can be productive proper out of the gate; he has not been. The Chiefs want to search out methods to generate extra productive offense with him and Kareem Hunt, or else do not be stunned if sooner or later rookie Brashard Smith will get a shot. They view him as a distinct form of again from these two — extra of a receiver kind who could make explosive performs in house. As soon as they belief the rookie to deal with the entire working again obligations, he might be an element of their offense. Kansas Metropolis was very impressed with him in camp.

• The Titans have been happy with what they’ve seen from rookie quarterback Cam Ward, significantly his reference to vast receiver Elic Ayomanor, a fellow rookie. However they do know they should open issues up a bit and generate extra selection and explosiveness on offense. A part of the problem they’re coping with is that their offensive line — during which they’ve invested a ton of assets — hasn’t performed the way in which they hoped it might. The absence of sort out JC Latham from Sunday’s recreation with a hip damage is a part of why. The Titans want Latham again.

Additionally they consider their working recreation will likely be extra dynamic when working again Tyjae Spears can return from his ankle damage. Sadly, that will not be till Week 5 on the earliest. Tennessee opened with matchups in opposition to two significantly robust defensive fronts within the Broncos and Rams, and it’s hoping it could possibly get issues going within the coming weeks in opposition to some extra weak run defenses.

• A reputation to file away and bear in mind as a possible second-half breakout candidate: Cleveland rookie vast receiver Isaiah Bond. He signed late after going undrafted due to sexual assault fees that have been finally dropped, so he is getting up to the mark within the offense. However the Browns have plans for him, and do not be stunned to see him work his means into a bigger function because the season goes alongside.

Fowler’s notes:

• The beginning quarterbacks turnstile is a pattern to observe but once more this season. Final yr, 59 quarterbacks began not less than one recreation, 9 shy of the league-record 68 from 2022. Simply two weeks into this season, the quantity is already on the climb. As much as 5 starters might be out in Week 3: Burrow (toe), McCarthy (ankle), probably San Francisco’s Brock Purdy (toe, shoulder) and probably Washington’s Jayden Daniels (knee) and/or New York’s Justin Fields (concussion). Extra accidents will come, and within the season’s second half, struggling groups will inevitably shuffle by way of QBs whereas on the lookout for a spark or evaluating the longer term. Given the availability and demand on the recreation’s most necessary place, do not be stunned if this yr’s ultimate tally is excessive.

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Schefter: Jayden Daniels’ knee sprain might sideline him

Adam Schefter experiences on Jayden Daniels’ sprained knee that leaves his standing for Week 3 questionable.

• Whereas the teaching carousel will not spin for an additional three-plus months, some are making early circumstances to get on the trip. A bunch of up-and-coming defensive coordinators might get more durable seems to be from groups filling head teaching roles. Jeff Hafley (Packers), Chris Shula (Rams) and Jesse Minter (Chargers) weren’t closely featured on this previous cycle, however do not be shocked if that modifications. All three coaches have their defenses within the prime 5 in complete scoring by way of two weeks. Packers coach Matt LaFleur firmly believes Hafley has what it takes to be a head coach as early as 2026. Shula is on the NFL league places of work’ radar as a major candidate. And Minter has performed a powerful job for Jim Harbaugh courting again to 2024.

• Sources classify Worthy as “50-50” to return for Week 3 in opposition to the Giants, noting optimism but additionally the necessity to see him deal with a fuller follow workload. “Need to see how he seems to be with actual follow reps,” the supply mentioned. Worthy practiced in a restricted capability Thursday and Friday of final week, and the Chiefs will ramp up his workload coming off the shoulder damage.

• Bucs vast receiver Chris Godwin Jr. (knee) is progressing effectively in practices, however individuals I’ve talked to consider a Week 3 return is perhaps bold. Week 4 in opposition to Philadelphia, nonetheless, seems like an actual chance.

• In different damage information, Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards (hamstring) is taken into account a protracted shot to play Sunday in opposition to the Cowboys. Bucs proper sort out Luke Goedeke (foot) averted main damage Monday evening in opposition to Houston however might miss a number of weeks after he aggravated a preexisting damage.

• Mike McDaniel’s messaging to the Dolphins amid the 0-2 skid, in response to a participant I spoke to this week: Be current and management what you possibly can, figuring out it would not matter whether or not we’re 0-2 or 2-0. The one factor that issues this week is beating Buffalo. Dolphins gamers nonetheless consider Miami’s locker room is robust sufficient to reverse course. They consider the tradition is best after the franchise moved on from a number of key gamers, a lot of whom didn’t seem blissful there.

However all of that does not matter a lot if Miami would not present what one participant referred to as a “higher model of soccer,” significantly with run protection and third-down protection, which is able to try to hold Josh Allen within the pocket and restrict his dashing capability.