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The unsteady start feels like an old memory. Mahomes has now rediscovered his swagger, and is the Chiefs most reliable chain-mover as both a scrambler (and backyard-style distributer) for Andy Reid’s treasure-trove of utility players. (+1)2
Allen was crowned NFL MVP in 2024 for a more cautious offense. He’s likely giggling after James Cook ran support and exploded for 200 yards. It’s great that he doesn’t have to play Superman all the time. (-1)3
Goff’s pocket passing is accurate when he is protected. We don’t give Goff enough credit for his accuracy. The ringleader in Dan Campbell’s All-Star offense hits almost 75%.
Hurts’s ability to control the ball is unmatched by anyone else (he only has two turnovers). He also ranks second in combined scores, behind Mahomes (20). (+4)5
Love can be a minor component in Matt LaFleur’s offensive scheme some weeks. In most weeks, Love displays arguably the best downfield ball placements in the NFL. As a long-shot weapon, he’s averaged 8.4 yard per shot. (+5)6
After a three game absence due to an injury to his hamstring, the former MVP may be returning at the perfect time. Baltimore just won a shock victory and the AFC North is looking increasingly muddled. Can he remain upright?7
Many expected the first-rounder of 2024 to jump two years. Few predicted such a dramatic leap. He has the best passer rating in the NFL (118.7) because of his vision and touch. (+1)8
Stafford continues to perform as well as during his Rams title-winning debut, even with Puka Atwell and Tutu Nacua alternating in and out due to injuries. Stafford, who is 37 years old, leads the NFL for scoring throws made per game. (-2)9
Dak has been a whirlwind of a thrower, combining both tight-window and big-plays. He’s fully utilizing the dynamic duo he has at his disposal. Four of his five picks occurred in just two games. (-4)10
It’s impossible to question his zeal, whether he is hurling a throw late in the game into tight coverage or lowering himself for a tough scramble. His supporting cast is the biggest concern, and whether or not he can carry a group that’s so beaten up. (-3)11
Marcus Mariota performed reasonably well as a replacement for the injured Daniels during Washington’s most recent loss. It was Dan Quinn who truly failed in his defense. The Commanders still could use a little No. 5’s magic. Has he moved past the bumps, bruises and sprains?
Rodgers’ former team was unable to beat the Steelers in their most recent match, but this wasn’t because he didn’t make some of his best throws. Does he only throw darts with a faster strike? Sure. It’s not his fault; it’s Mike Tomlin.
The Seahawks have a powerful weapon to target Jaxon Njigba, the breakout star of the Vikings’ reclamation project. Darnold must maintain his current pace to keep the scrappy NFC West atop. (-2)14
Jones’ sudden success is hard to distinguish from Jonathan Taylor. He also played alongside an affluent Saquon Barkley in his best Giants season. But efficiency is efficiency and he has been impressive in the red areas. (-1)15
It’s possible that his play style and statistics are a little less polished than normal, but this is partly due to the enormous pressure he has faced behind an O-line made up of improvised players. Herbert’s prototypical tools allow him to always keep the Bolts on the field. (-1)16
It’s no big surprise to see Nix throwing the ball at a rate of just 6.3 feet per throw in Sean Payton’s offensive system. This kid’s temperament is perfect for his coach. He has now won 11 out of his 17 regular season starts. (-1)17
Stroud has been inconsistent for a Texans squad that is often plagued by protection issues. However, he could experience a longer and more complete upswing if he develops chemistry with Jaylinn Noel or Jayden Higgins, the rookie wideouts.
Lawrence was to become “the guy” after Liam Coen arrived. We are only halfway through 2025. The results have been the same, with some erratic results and sloppy execution on all levels.
Dart, the new energetic face of offense, is still settling in but already feels like he’s the last man standing following the devastating injuries of both Malik Nabers (left) and Cam Skattebo (right). He’s lucky to be a double threat.
Murray, who missed the Cardinals’ last two games because of injury, will be under pressure to reach, and even surpass, the standard set by Jacoby Brissett. Brissett actually drove the football down the field in the air, from his pocket.
Ben Johnson, the new Bears head coach, loves structure. Yes, he likes aggression, but with a calculated set-up. Williams, however, is not a consistent signal-caller. He has completed less than 62% throws this year. (-5)22
It’s not uncommon to have to reach a new low in order to rise again. Tagovailoa returned to his tight spirals during a surprising rout against the Falcons. Can he string together a few good performances? Miami’s turnover bug has hit him hard. (+7)23
Kyle Shanahan leaves the door wide open for Brock Purdy to return following an extended absence. But caution has prevailed due to the persistent injury on the starter’s foot. Jones is doing an excellent job as a replacement, going 4-2. (-1)24
Flacco was once a rental hero for the Browns. He can now air it out to Cincinnati’s top weapons, Ja’Marr and Tee Higgins. Can he continue to offset the Bengals’ defensive woes? The task is daunting for a veteran journeyman currently suffering from a shoulder problem. (-1)25
Fields was asked to assume the top job in the absence a Tyrod injured Taylor. Fields made perhaps his best start this year after Jets ownership implied he was not fit for No. 1 duties. He has shown resilience throughout.
Penix was injured in Week 8 and missed the rest of that season. However, his Falcons status could have been even stronger after Kirk Cousins failed to impress in his return. Atlanta still needs Penix to improve his decision-making and timing.
It’s finally (again) his time. McCarthy’s replacement, Carson Wentz, was essentially beaten to death by the Vikings. It’s now up to the second year man to bring a struggling team back into the fold and prove that he is still a viable long-term option.
Bryce Young could be back with the Panthers after a one-game injury to his ankle. If they did, it would be a big boost. Young showed some composure in the final minutes of a game to help guide a three-game winning streak.
What else can Pete Carroll do at this point? Smith has the best arm among the Raiders quarterbacks, even though his tendencies to be a boom or bust gunslinger helped bring down an aging Las Vegas team. (+1)30
Ward doesn’t hesitate to criticize the flaws of his own team, and has shown off his heroic arms on several occasions. Ward has also played a major role in the rollercoaster. He completed just 57% throws, with as many interceptions (5) as touchdowns. (+1)31
After about a half-season relying on the scrappy and unspectacular Spencer Rattler as his main man, Kellen Moore finally turns to Shough. The 6-foot-5 Shough gives New Orleans literally a larger body behind the center.
Does it seem fair that Cleveland fans are already furious about the Browns’ intention to keep Gabriel, an ebullient but very inconsistent rookie, at No. 1? Not necessarily. But his offense struggles to drive the ball.
2025-10-29 17:42:31
