NFC NORTH

CHICAGO

The return of QB JUSTIN FIELDS could be nigh.  Myles Simmons ofProFootballTalk.com:

After missing several weeks with a thumb injury, Bears quarterback Justin Fields is set to return against the Lions on Sunday.

“He’s progressing well and our plan is to start him this week,” head coach Matt Eberflus said in his Wednesday press conference.

Fields has missed the last four games, as undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent filled in for him.

“[Fields] looks good, so we’re excited about where he goes,” Eberflus said. “This will be a big evaluation today … going full speed, doing full-speed reps. So, it’ll be a big evaluation today.”

Eberflus added that Fields has “been great” in terms of staying engaged since he’s been sidelined, helping out Bagent.

“You can feel support,” Eberflus said. “You can feel him being genuine about that support and really helpful. And he was great that way.

“He’s always been a great teammate, always been one of the hardest workers. He was engaged in all those game plans to be supportive and to be helpful.”

In six games this season, Fields has completed 61.7 percent of his passes for 1,201 yards with 11 touchdowns and six interceptions. He’s also rushed for 237 yards with a TD.

NFC EAST

DALLAS

LB LEIGHTON VANDER ESCH has a serious neck injury that happened back in Week 5.  Bryan D’Ardo of CBSSports.com:

Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch will miss the rest of the season with a neck injury, team owner Jerry Jones announced on Tuesday. Jones added that the injury has also put Vander Esch’s career into question.

Vander Esch initially sustained the injury during the team’s Week 5 loss against the 49ers. He continued to have lingering issues stemming from the injury.

“We had just completely left it up to how he was evolving,” Jones said on 105.3 The Fan, via the team’s website. “But he’s such a significant loss for us. He’s an integral part of that defense out there. But we just wish him well. The nature of his potential injury here causes me to really think longer time and beyond what it means for next week or next month, relatively to the team. It has everything to do with his best interest.”

Neck injuries unfortunately aren’t new for Vander Esch. He underwent a fusion procedure after missing the final nine games of the 2019 due to a neck injury. Vander Esch, who has also had serious collar bone and ankle injuries during his career, played last postseason after missing four regular-season games with a stinger.

Vander Esch also had neck injuries in college at Boise State; he missed the second half of the 2016 with a pinched nerve in his neck. Despite that, the Cowboys still selected him with the 19th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

When healthy, Vander Esch has been a steady force in the Cowboys defense. He made the Pro Bowl as a rookie. His presence has helped Dallas boast one of the league’s top-ranked defense over the past several seasons.

To replace Vander Esch, the Cowboys have used several different packages on defense that include safety Markquese Bell and recently signed veteran Rashad Evans stepping in to fill the void. Micah Parsons, the Cowboys’ stud linebacker, has rushed less while staying more at home in an effort to help replace Vander Esch.

NEW YORK GIANTS

On the day that Brian Daboll’s successor as OC in Buffalo was fired, there are rumors that Daboll is having friction with his veteran DC.  Some dish from Dan Duggan of The Athletic:

You know things are bleak for the Giants when the best result for them on Sunday was the Cardinals beating the Falcons. That result coupled with the Giants’ 49-17 loss to the Cowboys moved the Giants up to No. 2 in the draft order. Here’s a final review of the Giants’ drubbing in Dallas:

‘This is fine’

Coach Brian Daboll channeled the “this is fine” meme when asked about the discord on the Giants’ sideline during Sunday’s game. Though heated exchanges between players and coaches aren’t extraordinary, they’re more common on losing teams. So there surely will be plenty more “animated conversations” during the final seven games.

The interaction that bears closer monitoring was the one between Daboll and defensive coordinator Wink Martindale that started late in the first half and continued as they returned to the field after halftime.

It’s not hard to envision a divide between the two as Daboll’s offense fails to score points while Martindale’s defense hemorrhages them. Daboll was celebrated for going outside of his circle to hire Martindale, pivoting to the aggressive defensive coordinator after Patrick Graham bolted for Las Vegas. But that lack of a pre-existing relationship could make things more tenuous in the face of adversity.

Martindale’s lengthy and candid response last week to safety Xavier McKinney’s criticisms was a stark contrast to Daboll’s approach to internal strife. Daboll downplayed McKinney’s gripes about the coaching staff not listening to player input.

The story could have died after Daboll addressed it last Monday and McKinney turned the page at a charity event on Tuesday. But Martindale breathed new life into the controversy during his weekly Thursday news conference when he shared how hurt and surprised he was by the comments, “because it’s the first time it’s ever happened in my career.”

Suddenly, every daily outlet covering the team had another headline on the drama. When asked about Martindale’s reaction on Thursday, Daboll said, “I’ve said enough about what I was going to say about X. We’ve moved on.” It’s safe to assume the head coach would have preferred his assistant saying less about the topic.

That’s not the only personality-driven difference between Martindale and Daboll. Martindale constantly references how he strives to maintain a composed demeanor on the sideline.

“What I tell the players all the time is, ‘What I owe you during the game is my composure,’” Martindale said last year. “There’s some people telling me that I need to be more animated on the sidelines. You’re not going to be animated if you’re thinking about the next play, what you’re going to call next.”

So one can only imagine Martindale’s reaction to Daboll’s tablet tosses and red-faced outbursts on the sideline.

Coaches don’t need to be personality matches. That was evidenced by the success of the Daboll-Martindale pairing last season. But it’s much easier to manage philosophical differences when the team is winning. Everything is magnified as losses mount.

Assuming Daboll gets a third season, there will certainly be staff changes this offseason — the writing is on the wall for special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey, at least. It will be interesting to see how things play out with Martindale, who was available to be hired by Daboll after wearing out his welcome after four mostly successful seasons running Baltimore’s defense.

It’s all bad

The Giants didn’t waste any time demonstrating their dysfunction. Daboll threw his challenge flag after the first play from scrimmage, a 4-yard completion to Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks, who was clearly down before the ball was stripped and recovered by the Giants.

“We didn’t get a replay, so we threw the challenge flag because we saw we got a clean possession,” Daboll said. “But then they ended up not fumbling.”

Daboll quickly recognized that the challenge was fruitless, so he tried to withdraw it. But it was too late, so the Giants were charged a timeout.

Daboll had the option of just burning the timeout while maintaining both of his two challenges. For some reason, he still had the officials go through the motions of reviewing the obvious call.

Daboll is now 0-of-3 on challenges this season after going 3-for-3 last season. The contrasts between the two seasons are endless.

Varsity vs. JV

The preseason discussion about the Giants closing the gap on the class of the NFC East seems ridiculous now. The Giants went 0-5 against the Cowboys and Eagles last season, but at least they were competitive in their two losses to Dallas.

The Cowboys out-scored the Giants 89-17 in their two-game sweep this season. Dallas has now won six straight and 13 of the past 14 meetings between the rivals.

The most recent matchup felt like the varsity vs. the JV. The Cowboys, who were favored by 17.5 points, toyed with the Giants. It was 28-0 at halftime, with the Cowboys out-gaining the Giants 368-27. Dallas finished with 640 yards, which is the second-most ever allowed by the Giants.

The Cowboys tallied 20 first downs in the first half compared to one for the Giants. The Giants went 0-for-12 on third down in the game.

Leading 42-7, the Cowboys pulled quarterback Dak Prescott after three quarters. He had 404 yards passing and five total touchdowns in just three quarters.

It’s clear the gap is wider than ever, and the Giants still have two matchups with the 8-1 Eagles looming.

Garbage time

There’s something to be said for competing until the end of the game, but it was a bit sad to witness the Giants using timeouts to stop the clock in the final seconds while trailing 49-10. The clock management allowed for a 2-yard touchdown pass to Sterling Shepard with six seconds remaining. That made the final score appear slightly less lopsided.

AFC NORTH

CINCINNATI

Although his availability for Thursday night’s big game with Baltimore is unknown, DE TREY HENDRICKSON seems to have dodged a bullet on his knee.  Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk.com:

Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson has a hyperextended knee, which threatens to keep him out on a short week. Hendrickson, though, had a limited practice Tuesday.

That should give the Bengals more hope about his availability than they had before Tuesday’s night practice after estimating him as a non-participant Monday.

Hendrickson was rolled from behind by Texans receiver Noah Brown at the end of a play late in Sunday’s loss.

CLEVELAND

One minute, the Browns are basking in the glow of a big win over the Ravens where QB DESHAUN WATSON looked the leader they thought they were buying with millions of guaranteed dollars.

The next – his season is over.

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com:

The Browns made a stunning announcement on Wednesday morning.

This one didn’t even get the five-minute-head’s-up-to-Schefty treatment. It was an out of the blue shocker straight from the team about the status of quarterback Deshaun Watson.

He’s out for the year. Not due to the ankle injury that he suffered on Sunday in Baltimore, but because of a new injury to his right shoulder.

Here’s the full statement from the Browns: “Deshaun Watson underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Monday on two injuries sustained on different plays in the first half of Sunday’s 33-31 win over the Baltimore Ravens. Imaging on his left ankle revealed a high-ankle sprain. In addition, postgame, Deshaun notified our medical staff of a new discomfort in his right shoulder that he felt after a hit in the first half. An MRI of his right shoulder revealed a displaced fracture to the glenoid. Despite performing at a high level and finishing the game, after consultation with Browns’ Head Physician, James Voos, MD, and industry-leading shoulder specialist, Neal ElAttrache, MD, it has been determined that this injury will require immediate surgical repair to avoid further structural damage. Deshaun will be placed on season-ending injured reserve and a full recovery is expected for the start of the 2024 season.”

Watson had missed multiple games with a shoulder injury that entailed no structural damage. His latest injuries came in the team’s biggest win of the season, an upset of the previously 7-2 Ravens.

The 6-3 Browns host the 6-3 Steelers on Sunday

– – –

And this doesn’t sound promising for RB NICK CHUBB’s future well-being.  Jake Trotter of ESPN.com:

Cleveland Browns All-Pro running back Nick Chubb underwent a second scheduled surgery Tuesday to repair ligament damage in his left knee.

The Browns announced that the surgery performed by head team physician James Voos successfully repaired damage to Chubb’s ACL.

Chubb underwent a first surgery repairing his medial capsule, meniscus and MCL in late September.

The Browns reiterated that Chubb should be able to return to the team sometime during the 2024 season.

Chubb suffered the knee injury in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The injured left knee is the same one he had reconstructed after tearing his MCL, PCL and LCL while at Georgia in 2015.

There is a report that Watson did not go lightly into the surgical solution, but Mike Florio sounds skeptical:

Deshaun Watson’s season is over, due to (per the team) a new shoulder injury suffered on Sunday. It’s been determined. It’s been decided. It’s over.

One report suggests that Watson desired to keep on playing.

Via Tom Pelissero of NFL Media, Watson “wanted to be shot up and play through the injuries.” He was told by doctors that, “if he got hit again in the same spot, the shoulder could fall apart.”

Frankly, this feels like an effort to create a narrative. First, if it was easy to shoot up a high-ankle sprain and play, more guys would be doing it. Second, this notion emerges after Watson previously declined to play with a shoulder injury despite being “medically cleared.”

There was external criticism — and some internal confusion — about Watson’s failure to play despite getting medical clearance. The story was that, despite being cleared, Watson couldn’t throw the ball the way he believed he needed to throw it.

So how would he be able to throw the ball the way he needed to throw it with a broken shoulder that needed to be shot up?

Some are wondering whether it’s even a new injury. Some are wondering whether there was a broken bone all along, and that the Browns hadn’t caught it. Apparently, this specific injury is very rare and can be easily missed through usual diagnostic tests. If so, it could explain why the Browns would believe he was able to play, and why Watson ultimately couldn’t.

None of it matters now. Watson is done for the year. Still, it’s hard to think he would have, or could have, got pain-killing injections and played with both a broken shoulder and a high-ankle sprain.

 And the new starter is – the rookie from UCLA QB DORIAN THOMPSON-ROBINSON per Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer:

@MaryKayCabot

Hearing the #Browns will start Dorian Thompson-Robinson vs. #Steelers. I asked him before #Seahawks game how it’d be different: “Night and day. It’ll be a clear difference. I finally got my feet wet. I know what to do. I know what to study when I go out there.”

Thompson started the Week 4 game against the Ravens. It didn’t go well; he completed 17 of 30 passes for 130 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions in a 28-3 loss. P.J. Walker thereafter became the primary backup to Watson, starting two games — including a win over the 49ers.

AFC EAST

BUFFALO

Coach Sean McDermott cans his OC Ken Dorsey in the wake of loss to Denver.  Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com:

Bills head coach Sean McDermott said he wasn’t sure if the team would do something drastic in the wake of Monday night’s loss to the Broncos and we got the answer to that question on Tuesday morning.

The Bills fired offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey after weeks of speculation that the team might make a change in that spot because the offense was not as productive as the team hoped it would be. Four turnovers helped sink their chances on Monday night and McDermott said in a Tuesday video conference that he “just felt like this was the right time” to make a move.

McDermott declined to say if he thought that Dorsey’s offense had become too predictable this season, but did say what he thinks the offense needs to find under interim offensive coordinator Joe Brady.

“We’ve got to find that confidence, we’ve got to find that energy, we’ve got to find that consistent level of production,” McDermott said.

McDermott said that quarterback Josh Allen is “not where we’d like him to be” and that he’s confident Allen can get to that point while working with Brady, who had been the offensive coordinator before Tuesday’s move. That will be key to the Bills putting together the kind of production that McDermott feels is lacking and failing to find it could mean McDermott’s the next man on the chopping block in Buffalo.

Anthony Becht expresses the reservations of some:

@Anthony_Becht

Definitely saw this coming after watching game last night… when Ken Dorsey had 12 guys on the field for that last FG, fumbled the ball 3 times, had 4 TO’s, dropped 4 balls, and has the #7 offense in NFL… I was screaming fire him🤔

Sam Monson:

@PFF_Sam

Josh Allen now leads the NFL in INTs with the lowest turnover-worthy play rate of his career.

Feels a little like the Bills are panicking due to some really bad outcomes due to wildly high-variance turnovers.

But this from Evan Kaplan:

@EpKap

At the Buffalo airport and my entire gate gave a round of applause when they found out about Ken Dorsey. Pretty clear where the fans stood.

And Nick Veronica:

@NickVeronica

Whether or not you thought the blame was truly at Ken Dorsey’s feet, the offense is broken it’s his responsibility.

Josh Allen is fighting against himself in this scheme. Doesn’t have the freedom he needs and doesn’t buy in to what was asked of him. A QB torn between two minds.

We have lots of perspectives.  Here’s someone named Matt Warren who has worked at Buffalo Rumblings:

@MattRichWarren

Sean McDermott fired Leslie Frazier.

Sean McDermott had public disagreements in the media with Brian Daboll.

Sean McDermitt hired and fired Rick Dennison and Ken Dorsey.

Maybe it’s not them.

– – –

The Bills forced the Broncos to attempt the first game-winning FG try with the offense rushing out (somewhat) on to the field – and that strategy worked in a sense when PK WILL LUTZ went wide right.  But it also led to the 12 men on the field as the Bills were confused as to whether or not they would defend the field goal with their regular defense or field goal block team.

NEW YORK JETS

The Jets players huddled by themselves on Tuesday.

The Jets have a league-low eight offensive touchdowns in nine games this season. They have none the past two games, both losses.

The Jets called a players-only meeting Tuesday, the team’s off day, to talk about it.

“The guys talked, and we had the floor,” wide receiver Garrett Wilson said during his weekly appearance on ESPN New York radio, via Rich Cimini of ESPN. “It was just us. We got to make sure we’re all on the same page about where we’re at and how the hell we get out of this funk, man. That was really the message. When it comes from one of your teammates, it always hits different. It always resonates a little bit more.”

Jets coach Robert Saleh acknowledged Monday that changes were needed, but those changes won’t include replacing quarterback Zach Wilson or offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. Wilson’s 74.6 passer rating ranks 30th in the NFL as he has thrown five touchdowns and six interceptions.

The only change so far is the release of running back Michael Carter.

Garrett Wilson said the players are “truly sorry about the product we’ve put on the field offensively this season to this point.”

Starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers continues to talk about coming back this season, but if the Jets are out of it, what’s the point?

The players thus are hoping the team meeting can pull them out of their funk and back into the race.

“We don’t want to finish the season and look back like we should’ve done this earlier . . . so let’s talk about it now,” Garrett Wilson said. “Hopefully, it leads to results, but the reality of us doing that and doing the right thing as far as calling a players-only meeting and talking, it doesn’t guarantee anything. We still have to go out and do it, but we’re taking the right steps and we’re turning over every stone because it matters to us.”

An intriguing game in Buffalo this week.  Some tough games, but there could be opportunity at the end of the season.  The Jets remaining schedule:

11        at Buffalo

12        Miami

13        Atlanta

14        Houston

15        at Miami

16        Washington

17        at Cleveland

18        at New England

THIS AND THAT

QB RANKINGS

Let’s take a look at the weekly QB Rankings of Cody Benjamin of CBSSports.com:

1          C.J. Stroud

HOUSTON TEXANS  

Yes, he’s a rookie, but is anyone playing smarter, more composed, more clutch football right now? Stroud can push the ball anywhere he pleases, and that’s reason No. 1 the Texans are relevant. Only Brock Purdy and Tua Tagovailoa are averaging more yards per throw, and those guys are surrounded by all-star weapons. (+3)

2          Jalen Hurts

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

It’s a testament to Hurts’ growth that even amid a stark regression in turnovers, the Eagles QB remains one of the NFL’s most level-headed and reliable scorers. He’s got 22 TDs in nine games, second among all starters, and he’s virtually undeniable as a situational runner. Philly goes as he goes, and he never blinks.

3          Patrick Mahomes

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

It’s been more of a mercurial year for Mahomes, who’s on pace to set a career high in picks with eight through nine games, but we take for granted how often he also gets the Chiefs out of jams. Besides his 17 TDs through the air, tied for third-most among QBs, he’s been the most efficient scrambler of any passer with more than 200 rushing yards. (+2)

4          Lamar Jackson

BALTIMORE RAVENS

The Ravens have an issue finishing games, and Jackson isn’t totally blameless there. But his massive leap in efficiency has often elevated those around him. His athleticism, leading to 33 first-down runs, also cannot be overstated. (-3)

5          Josh Allen

BUFFALO BILLS

Talk about an impossible assessment. Allen is simultaneously a dream and a nightmare for a Bills contender that can’t get out of its own way. His heroic dual-threat approach often saves their imbalanced approach; you don’t score 26 TDs in 10 games by accident. But that same go-for-broke mentality has him easily leading the NFL in turnovers, with 14. (-2)

6          Tua Tagovailoa

MIAMI DOLPHINS QB

We’ve come to the point where there just might be two different versions of Tua, at least as the Dolphins are currently constructed: the masterful precision passer who feeds his deep threats to beat up on the inferior, and the unproven freestyler who’s yet to control the ball when it counts against pressure from true contenders. (+1)

7          Dak Prescott

DALLAS COWBOYS

If you’re looking for a sneaky MVP candidate, consider this man, who’s been on an absolute tear since the embarrassing 49ers loss in early October. Prescott’s always been solid as a true pocket passer who takes what the defense gives, but his touch has been especially surgical the last four weeks, in which he’s thrown 12 TDs to just two picks. (+1)

8          Brock Purdy

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

He gave everyone a scare with a string of costly late-game turnovers during the 49ers’ three-game losing streak, but the kid still plays like a 10-year vet, and it showed in a big rebound vs. the Jaguars. He remains a Grade-A point guard for Kyle Shanahan, now up to 31 TDs, nine picks and a 110+ rating in his first 17 starts, including playoffs. (+1)

9          Joe Burrow

CINCINNATI BENGALS

We know Burrow has the “it” factor when the games matter most, but his bid to outduel C.J. Stroud in Week 10 backfired late, with a forced throw sealing a defeat. Still, he’s thrown seven of his 14 TD passes in the last three games alone. (-3)

10        Justin Herbert

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

After 58 career games, he’s up to 111 TD passes against just 40 picks. And yet, week after week, he and the rest of his team struggle to hit their stride at the same time. When he balls out, the Chargers defense does not, and vice-versa.

11        Jared Goff

DETROIT LIONS

Some argued Goff was at his career-best in 2022, his second season in Detroit. He’s been even better in 2023, spreading the ball around to help the Lions march toward a playoff run. Only the Dolphins have gained more yardage. (+1)

12        Deshaun Watson

CLEVELAND BROWNS

When he’s actually stayed on the field, Watson has flashed some of that vintage Texans poise, guiding a comeback against the Ravens in Week 10. Certainly he’s taking strides climbing the pocket and slinging it downfield. But availability is a weekly question, as he’s now battled shoulder and ankle injuries while moving in and out of the lineup. (+3)

13        Russell Wilson

DENVER BRONCOS

His numbers still aren’t as prolific as you might like on a weekly basis, but Wilson seems to be feeling the pocket much better than he ever did during his listless 2022 debut in Denver. Monday’s upset of the Bills was a prime example, as he used his legs to set up a jaw-dropping TD to Courtland Sutton and orchestrate a walk-off field goal.

14        Trevor Lawrence

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

We know he’s resilient, and we know he can fire it to anywhere on the field. But his operation of the Jags offense, perhaps in tandem with curious play-calling, has been much more horizontal than vertical in an uneven season. (-3)

15        Joshua Dobbs

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Everyone’s new favorite player in Minnesota, Dobbs is benefiting from Brian Flores’ persistent defense. But man does he bring juice as Kevin O’Connell’s emergency signal-caller, not only with timely touch but underrated speed. Not a single QB has more games with at least 40 rushing yards this year, and he’s already produced five TDs since arriving. (+7)

16        Baker Mayfield

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

With an occasionally underwhelming setup and staff, Mayfield continues to keep the Bucs in the mix atop an ugly NFC South. He may not be the most efficient of passers, but he’s certainly controlling the ball better than he often does. (-2)

17        Sam Howell

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

Are we looking at the next Matthew Stafford here? Big arm, gutsy approach, plenty of giveaways, but also plenty of exciting downfield shots that pan out. Howell can’t save the Commanders by himself, but if this test run is any indication, Washington may have found a steal in the fifth round. Let’s see if/how the Commanders build around him down the road. (+1)

18        Geno Smith

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

The whistle-to-whistle consistency hasn’t been there for Smith this year; his 2022 production will almost certainly go down as the anomaly. But he’s also got a knack for feisty finishes in close games. That’s keeping Seattle alive. (+2)

19        Justin Fields

CHICAGO BEARS

After a four-game absence due to a thumb injury, Fields could be back. But to what degree? He’s been truly boom or bust when healthy, with 12 TDs in less than six full games but a ton of absorbed sacks and late-game giveaways.

20        Matthew Stafford

LOS ANGELES RAMS

After a Week 9 absence and Week 10 bye, the aging gunslinger is on track to return from injury. He’s been hit or miss behind the Rams O-line when active, struggling to find the end zone despite a reliable pass-catching group. (-3)

21        Kyler Murray

ARIZONA CARDINALS

So far, so good. Murray made his 2023 debut in Week 10 and looked fresh coming off the ACL rehab, showcasing his signature elusiveness to guide a comeback. But as has often been the case, he needs more consistency through the air.

22        Derek Carr

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Banged up in the Saints’ last outing, Carr was forced out of action for the second time this year. He should be OK for Week 12, but his exit teased a more aggressive downfield approach with Jameis Winston. His YPA (6.7) ranks 24th. (-6)

23          Gardner Minshew

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

There’s not a lot to say here except that the Colts’ only real path to winning with Minshew, a defined backup, is winning ugly. He’s got spunk, but his tendency to escape the pocket, looking to create on the move, leads to mixed results.

24        Will Levis

TENNESSEE TITANS

With Ryan Tannehill saddled to the bench, Levis has been forced to make do behind the same battered O-line that expedited Tannehill’s fall from grace. He’s a fun athlete with obvious grit, but he needs more help to move the ball. (-5)

25        Jordan Love

GREEN BAY PACKERS

The Love many expected to see has started to shine through in recent weeks; his downfield arm talent nearly allowed Green Bay to stun the Steelers in Week 10. But the Packers’ makeshift supporting cast can’t afford his risk-taking.

26        Kenny Pickett

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Mike Tomlin keeps defending Pickett for his fourth-quarter prowess, even though the first 45 minutes tend to be a slog through the air. Where does that leave us? Big-picture-wise, there are legit concerns about whether Pittsburgh feels the need to mask Pickett rather than unleash him. But for now, if the wins keep rolling in, maybe it’s good enough.

27        Taylor Heinicke

ATLANTA FALCONS

Whether it’s he or Desmond Ridder in the lineup, Arthur Smith can’t seem to get the Falcons rolling as a passing offense. But that’s no real surprise; both Ridder and Heinicke register as better-suited coming off the bench. (-3)

28        Aidan O’Connell

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

The steadiness isn’t there yet, but this is a fourth-round rookie thrust into a full-time gig under an interim coach. What more do we expect? He’s at least shown a willingness to air it out and get Davante Adams involved. (-1)

29        Bryce Young

CAROLINA PANTHERS QB

The speed at which Young operates just won’t cut it when he’s dealing with such underwhelming offensive infrastructure. Can he adapt to become more passable than detrimental? Sure. But maybe not in Week 11 against the Cowboys. (+1)

30         Mac Jones

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Benched yet again during the Patriots’ deflating loss to the Colts in Germany, Jones now appears close to permanent exile under Bill Belichick. But even if it’s Bailey Zappe here, the issue is the same: New England can’t move the ball. (-2)

31        Zach Wilson

NEW YORK JETS

Another week, same conversation: Wilson has the talent to zip the ball once or twice in a game, but few QBs are moving the chains or scoring points with less frequency. There will be no celebration of Aaron Rodgers’ historic return from injury if this same version of Wilson continues to be trotted out for one close loss after another.

32        Tommy DeVito

NEW YORK GIANTS

Let’s just say it’s not his fault. This is an undrafted rookie being asked to pay for, let alone overcome, the shortcomings of basically the entire organization. With little protection and defensive help, he’s at least gaining NFL experience.

We love Dobbs more than most, but would we rather have him than Stafford or Murray?

FREE AGENT SHOPPING LISTS

From Matt Miller and Jordan Reid of ESPN – they go through all 32 teams and tell us where they should look for help in free agency:

NFL draft analysts Matt Miller and Jordan Reid broke down all 32 teams’ biggest offseason positional needs. It’s early, and a lot can change, but here’s a quick look at what every NFL team should be thinking about ahead of the offseason, starting in the AFC East.

AFC EAST

Buffalo Bills

Projected biggest need: Cornerback

It’s becoming obvious that 2022 first-rounder Kaiir Elam is not in the team’s long-term plans at cornerback. He has played 147 snaps this season and is now on injured reserve with an ankle injury. With Tre’Davious White out for the season (Achilles), the Bills’ depth and talent at corner have been tested. Buffalo could address the position in either free agency or the draft, and Iowa’s playmaking and versatile Cooper DeJean would be an ideal option for coach Sean McDermott’s defense. He has seven interceptions over the past two seasons. — Miller

Miami Dolphins

Projected biggest need: Interior defensive line

Christian Wilkins was unable to reach a contract extension in the offseason and will have his negotiations tabled until after the season. He could be a candidate for the franchise tag, while Raekwon Davis is also due for an extension. Kansas City’s Chris Jones could hit free agency and lead a solid defensive tackle class, but Miami might opt to address the issue in the draft. T’Vondre Sweat (Texas) could make sense on Day 2, helping the Dolphins improve a defense that ranks 23rd in run stop win rate (29.7%). — Reid

New England Patriots

Projected biggest need: Quarterback

Mac Jones isn’t the long-term solution. Through 10 games this season, he ranks 25th in QBR (39.1) and 20th in completion percentage (65.4). He has thrown 10 interceptions, tied for the second-most in the NFL.

The Patriots will have options. They might have a top-five selection, and if Caleb Williams (USC) or Drake Maye (North Carolina) are on the board, it’s an easy decision to reset at quarterback. But they could also look to free agency (Kirk Cousins?) or even the trade market (Kyler Murray?). — Miller

New York Jets

Projected biggest need: Offensive tackle

Quarterback could be an option, as the Jets will have Aaron Rodgers coming off a torn Achilles and Zach Wilson continuing to struggle. But with Rodgers likely returning next season, finding protection for him should be a high priority. Mekhi Becton has remained healthy and bounced back this season, but the other tackle spot remains a huge question mark. Would New York spend on a guy like Jonah Williams, or might a prospect like Tyler Guyton (Oklahoma) or Amarius Mims (Georgia) do the trick? — Reid

AFC NORTH

Baltimore Ravens

Projected biggest need: Defensive line

With Justin Madubuike and Michael Pierce set to become free agents at the end of the season, the Ravens might add depth to their defensive front. Baltimore mixes and matches the alignment of players frequently in a hybrid 3-4 defensive front, so the Ravens might add someone with versatility. Michigan’s Kris Jenkins would fit well. — Reid

Cincinnati Bengals

Projected biggest need: Wide receiver

The emergence of Cam Taylor-Britt as a CB1 in his second year should allow the Bengals to focus on wide receiver, where both Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd are free agents after this season. The Bengals will likely keep Higgins, but in this high-octane attack, quarterback Joe Burrow needs all the options he can get. If Boyd leaves, expect slot receiver to be an early-round focus in the draft or a priority free agent signing. (And if Cincinnati goes with the draft, Georgia’s Ladd McConkey in Round 2 is a good fit.) — Miller

Cleveland Browns

Projected biggest need: Wide receiver

Offensive tackle could be a priority, but a strong argument could be also made for wide receiver. The Browns are near the bottom of the league in receiving yards (1,863, tied for 28th) and touchdown receptions (eight, tied for 26th). So let’s go with wide receiver.

Cincinnati’s Tee Higgins and Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans could be the headliners for the free agent class, but Deshaun Watson’s contract might push the Browns into less expensive options or a draft pick. North Carolina’s Devontez Walker or Western Kentucky’s Malachi Corley would provide a jolt to the receiver room on Day 2. — Reid

Pittsburgh Steelers

Projected biggest need: Cornerback

Addressing the offensive line is always a consideration in Pittsburgh, but the secondary is the bigger need. The Steelers appear to have a building block at one cornerback spot in rookie Joey Porter Jr., but the other side is a weak link with 33-year-old Patrick Peterson starting to show his age. The team has 10 interceptions this season and three are by linebackers. A playmaker in the secondary is needed.

If Kansas City’s L’Jarius Sneed hits free agency, he could be a really good answer, as would Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry or Terrion Arnold in the middle of the draft’s first round. — Miller

AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans

Projected biggest need: Defensive tackle

As good as this young Texans team looks at times, stopping the run and getting an interior pass rush is a need in Matt Burke’s scheme. Houston’s defense has allowed opponents to rush for 842 yards and 11 touchdowns.

With Sheldon Rankins and Hassan Ridgeway set to hit free agency, this is a key spot that could use one addition in free agency and another early in the 2024 draft. Top pending free agents include Chris Jones, Christian Watkins and Justin Madubuike, but what about Illinois’ Jer’Zhan Newton via the draft? He is my top-ranked defensive tackle in the class at No. 10 overall. He has 7.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and two forced fumbles on the season. — Miller

Indianapolis Colts

Projected biggest need: Wide receiver

Rookie third-round pick Josh Downs has stepped up in a big way, but the Colts still lack a game-breaker on the perimeter who can threaten defenses vertically. That flaw could worsen if Michael Pittman Jr. doesn’t re-sign after the season. The Colts are tied for 24th with five wide receiver touchdown catches this season.

Would Indy bring in a Mike Evans-type pass-catcher for quarterback Anthony Richardson? Or perhaps a top-tier prospect like Malik Nabers (LSU) or Adonai Mitchell (Texas) fits better? — Reid

Jacksonville Jaguars

Projected biggest need: Wide receiver

Calvin Ridley has been a good addition for the Jaguars, but he’s a free agent after this season and turns 29 in December. Zay Jones is also a free agent. Adding a young pass-catcher to grow with Trevor Lawrence feels like a must if the Jaguars can extend pass-rusher Josh Allen long term before free agency. Seeing Keon Coleman (FSU) in this offense — given his 6-foot-4, 215-pound size, strength and after-the-catch speed — would be fun. — Miller

Tennessee Titans

Projected biggest need: Offensive line

The offensive line continues to be an issue, and multiple new starters are needed. Andre Dillard appears to be a swing-and-miss for Tennessee in free agency, and both tackle spots could be addressed in the spring. The Titans have surrendered 33 sacks this season, fourth-most in the NFL.

Remember, the Titans used a first-rounder on Peter Skoronski in April, but he plays inside at guard. The bruising run-blocking and balanced pass protection of Alabama’s JC Latham fits Tennessee’s offensive scheme should the team go back to the offensive line in the first round for a second straight year. — Reid

AFC WEST

Denver Broncos

Projected biggest need: Cornerback

In a division that includes Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert, it’s vital for the Broncos to have reliable corners. Pat Surtain II is a franchise cornerstone, but outside of that, the Broncos lack dependable options on the outside. Damarri Mathis is experiencing a bit of a sophomore slump after a promising rookie year, and Fabian Moreau is only on a one-year deal. Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry is a true press-man corner, and pairing him with Surtain would form a great young duo. But Denver might also want a more proven veteran addition in free agency. — Reid

Kansas City Chiefs

Projected biggest need: Offensive tackle

Expect to see wide receiver here? It’s definitely a need, but the Chiefs have invested consecutive second-round picks in Skyy Moore and Rashee Rice. The biggest upgrades are instead needed at offensive tackle, where Donovan Smith (30 years old) and Jawaan Taylor (11 penalties) have been question marks.

If a starter-caliber tackle is available at the end of Round 1 — someone like BYU’s Kingsley Suamataia — the Chiefs should grab a low-cost, long-term left tackle candidate after last offseason’s decision to sign a high-priced right tackle (Taylor) hasn’t totally worked out. Protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes has always been the priority of GM Brett Veach, and that should continue in the spring. — Miller

Las Vegas Raiders

Projected biggest need: Quarterback

After the Raiders fired coach Josh McDaniels and GM Dave Ziegler, they have gone 2-0 with rookie fourth-round pick quarterback Aidan O’Connell leading the way. But regardless of whether O’Connell can keep it up, the Jimmy Garoppolo signing looks like a failure after his benching, and the Raiders should look to address QB this offseason.

Las Vegas will have a new GM and coach, so there’s a lot of unknown here. But someone like Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy could make sense in the draft. His 92.6 QBR and 76.2% completion percentage each rank second in the FBS. — Reid

Los Angeles Chargers

Projected biggest need: Cornerback

Running back is a consideration here with Austin Ekeler hitting free agency, but the Chargers have bigger problems on defense. They signed J.C. Jackson to a monster free agent deal in March 2022 only to trade him back to New England after a season and a half. With the AFC — and particularly the AFC West — loaded at wide receiver, it’s important the Chargers identify a CB1-level talent in the offseason.

Beyond L’Jarius Sneed, the free agent pool might include the likes of Jaylon Johnson and/or Kendall Fuller. But a Round 1 selection like Kalen King (Penn State) or Nate Wiggins (Clemson) would be a value add and scheme fit. — Miller

NFC EAST

Dallas Cowboys

Projected biggest need: Offensive tackle

The Cowboys should sign or draft a left tackle to replace future Hall of Famer Tyron Smith and allow second-year player Tyler Smith to stay at guard, where he has been really good. Jonah Williams might want to kick back over to the left side and hit free agency, and he could make sense if Dallas has the cap space. But in the draft, I like left tackles Patrick Paul (Houston) and Kingsley Suamataia (BYU) as easy-movers who fit with the Cowboys. Jerry Jones will always invest in the offensive line, and that’s especially true now with it being such a big need. — Miller

New York Giants

Projected biggest need: Quarterback

The Giants have done a complete 180 this season, going from a playoff victory in January to likely landing a top draft pick a year later. Daniel Jones recently suffered a torn ACL, but even before that, quarterback questions had started. Yes, the contract might make it tough to move on, but consider that Jones’ 37.8 QBR ranks 27th in the NFL. Offensive line is still a problem, but as a contender for the No. 1 overall pick, the Giants could land either USC’s Caleb Williams or North Carolina’s Drake Maye. — Reid

Philadelphia Eagles

Projected biggest need: Cornerback

The Eagles’ front office has been amazing at rebuilding entire position groups, and it’s likely time for a reshuffle at corner, given the age of Darius Slay (32) and James Bradberry (30). The team added Eli Ricks (UDFA) and Kelee Ringo (Round 4) in the 2023 draft, but until they’re more proven, it stands to reason the Eagles will invest in another outside cornerback. Philadelphia is allowing 6.9 yards per pass attempt (16th) and only have four picks (tied for 29th). — Miller

Washington Commanders

Projected biggest need: Offensive tackle

After trading Chase Young and Montez Sweat at the Oct. 31 deadline, edge rusher quickly jumped up Washington’s needs list. But I actually see offensive tackle as an even bigger issue. Charles Leno Jr. and Andrew Wylie have been inconsistent, as the Commanders are second in the league in sacks allowed (47). Oklahoma’s Tyler Guyton has the talent and foot quickness to play on either side of the line, but there should also be plenty of veteran options — Jonah Williams, Mike Onwenu, etc. — in free agency. — Reid

NFC NORTH

Chicago Bears

Projected biggest need: Wide receiver

General manager Ryan Poles has a lot of important decisions to make, starting with quarterback. A lot of what happens next hinges on Justin Fields’ performance after he returns from a thumb injury. If he doesn’t show progress, that changes everything. But outside of the still undetermined quarterback situation, wide receiver is probably the team’s top need.

Darnell Mooney is on an expiring contract, so Chicago has to add targets alongside DJ Moore and Cole Kmet. With two picks projected to be high in the draft, Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State) would be a home-run addition for Fields. — Reid

Detroit Lions

Projected biggest need: Cornerback

The Lions’ defense is young and promising, but a true front-line cover corner is a hole on the roster. Could Detroit make a free agency splash with a guy like L’Jarius Sneed or Kendall Fuller? Or would Detroit focus on building through the draft, finding more defensive playmakers to lock down Justin Jefferson, Christian Watson and DJ Moore for the 2024 Lions? — Miller

Green Bay Packers

Projected biggest need: Offensive tackle

The Packers’ offense has struggled to show any signs of life this season, the first with quarterback Jordan Love leading the way. On the offensive line, David Bakhtiari is out for the season with a left knee injury and his future remains unclear. Watch for Green Bay to address that unit.

The Packers have heavily leaned on developing Day 2 and 3 draft picks into dependable long-term starters on the line, but that recipe hasn’t worked recently. They might want a veteran to come in via free agency or a trade, but someone like Notre Dame’s Joe Alt would solve a lot of their problems at left tackle by way of the draft. — Reid

Minnesota Vikings

Projected biggest need: Quarterback

Even before a torn right Achilles cost Kirk Cousins the rest of his season, the Vikings needed to be all-in on quarterback evaluation for the 2024 draft given his free agent status this offseason. Cousins could certainly return, and Joshua Dobbs has looked good since joining Minnesota at the trade deadline. But the Vikings will more likely be using a first-round draft pick to find another quarterback to build around. — Miller

NFC SOUTH

Atlanta Falcons

Projected biggest need: Quarterback

Let’s keep the quarterbacks coming. Desmond Ridder, a 2022 third-rounder, was benched for Taylor Heinicke as the Falcons’ offense continues to struggle to get the ball to playmakers Kyle Pitts, Drake London and Bijan Robinson. Ryan Tannehill appears headed toward free agency, and he has ties to Falcons coach Arthur Smith from their days together in Tennessee. Or if the Falcons finally use a high draft pick on the position, someone like Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy could be a long-term answer. — Miller

Carolina Panthers

Projected biggest need: Wide receiver

Depending on a 33-year-old Adam Thielen as a No. 1 wide receiver hasn’t been enough for the Panthers. Quarterback Bryce Young has had an underwhelming rookie campaign, but the personnel around him hasn’t helped. And without a first-round pick in the 2024 draft, the team must be strategic in free agency and on Day 2 of the draft to add targets for its young signal-caller.

Will Mike Evans, Calvin Ridley and Michael Pittman Jr. hit free agency? Carolina would love to have one of them as its new WR1. But also keep an eye on Xavier Legette (South Carolina) and Troy Franklin (Oregon) in the draft — they understand how to consistently create separation. — Reid

New Orleans Saints

Projected biggest need: Wide receiver

The Saints have star power at wide receiver in Chris Olave but have a potential hole opening opposite him with the impending free agency of veteran Michael Thomas. Former undrafted free agent Rashid Shaheed has flashed as a deep threat, but the Saints need a viable WR2 who will draw attention away from Olave. It doesn’t hurt that the draft’s wide receiver class looks loaded, should the always cap-strapped Saints need to focus money elsewhere in free agency. The Saints could realistically be looking at Rome Odunze (Washington) or Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State) as options for a starting spot. — Miller

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Projected biggest need: Quarterback

After getting off to a 3-1 start, the Bucs have gone 1-4 over their past five games, and Baker Mayfield has been up and down. He’s on his fourth team in the past three seasons. It’s time for a new face of the franchise, and that’s probably more likely to come in the draft than free agency. The Bucs could be a trade-up candidate, targeting someone like Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy in Round 1. Or maybe Tampa Bay opts to pair a veteran — perhaps even Mayfield — with a Day 2 signal-caller like Jayden Daniels (LSU) or Michael Penix Jr. (Washington). — Reid

NFC WEST

Arizona Cardinals

Projected biggest need: Interior defensive line

The Cardinals are in the early stages of a roster rebuild, so the sole focus should remain on adding the best players available at key spots. Kyler Murray, who made his return from an ACL injury on Sunday, will have a trial run for the new regime over the rest of the season to determine if he’s the team’s quarterback of the future.

Outside of quarterback, defensive tackle depth is weak. Jer’Zhan Newton (Illinois) to Arizona is one of my favorite early prospect-to-team fits in the first round. He is a consistent run-stuffer and disruptive force as a pass-rusher, which is exactly what’s needed in Arizona. The Cardinals rank 23rd in pass block win rate (52.7%) and 29th in run stop win rate (28.6%). — Reid

Los Angeles Rams

Projected biggest need: Offensive tackle

The Rams still haven’t adjusted to life without Andrew Whitworth and could be in a position to grab a top-tier offensive tackle in the 2024 draft with a top-10 pick. Los Angeles has a pass block win rate of 49.4% (27th), and right tackle Rob Havenstein is set to hit free agency. There will be plenty of quick fixes available in free agency, but the Rams might want to draft someone who can be a building block. Penn State’s Olumuyiwa Fashanu or Notre Dame’s Joe Alt would be an instant-impact starter. — Miller

San Francisco 49ers

Projected biggest need: Cornerback

Right tackle could be an option, but cornerback doesn’t have any long-term help on the roster. Isaiah Oliver and Deommodore Lenoir will be entering the final year of their contracts in 2024. This defense is elite, but it might be time to finally spend on a free agent cornerback. Imagine L’Jarius Sneed or Jaylon Johnson joining the Niners. But don’t count out San Francisco using an early pick on the position. The coverage instincts, savviness and tackling ability of Kamari Lassiter (Georgia) make him a perfect fit for Steve Wilks’ versatile scheme. — Reid

Seattle Seahawks

Projected biggest need: Defensive tackle

Trading for Leonard Williams temporarily fills this need, but the middle of the defensive line must be addressed this offseason unless Williams is signed long term. The Seahawks’ run defense (18th in the NFL) and lack of interior pass-rush push are still too obvious, despite focus there in the 2023 offseason. Seattle could certainly add another player or two to help in free agency, but remember that the Seahawks are terrific at finding value in the draft. A second-rounder like Kris Jenkins (Michigan) or T’Vondre Sweat (Texas) would give Seattle interior bulk and penetrating pass-rush help. — Miller