• Aaron Rodgers makes his return to Metlife: Week 3 kicks off with AFC East divisional motion on Thursday night time in what will likely be New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers’ first recreation again on the sphere the place he suffered a season-ending Achilles damage in 2023.
• Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray vs. Detroit Lions EDGE Aidan Hutchinson: This is probably probably the most thrilling matchup of the week, pitting two of the league’s greatest towards one another of their speciality, the chase between pass-rushers and escape-artist quarterbacks.
• Unlock your edge with a PFF+ subscription: Get full entry to all our in-season fantasy instruments, together with weekly rankings, WR/CB matchup charts, weekly projections, the Start-Sit Optimizer and extra. Sign up now!
Estimated studying time: 25 minutes
New England Patriots vs. New York Jets (-6.5)
Storyline of the sport: Aaron Rodgers makes his return to Metlife
Week 3 kicks off with AFC East divisional motion on Thursday night time in what will likely be Jets QB Aaron Rodgers’ first recreation again on the sphere the place he suffered a season-ending Achilles damage in 2023.
Injuries will undoubtedly throw this recreation for a loop as each groups misplaced key contributors this previous week. The Jets misplaced EDGE Jermaine Johnson (Achilles) for the rest of the season and also will be making a game-time choice on LB C.J. Mosley (toe), leaving this protection down two pivotal items. At the identical time, the Patriots will likely be with out LB Ja’Whaun Bentley (pec) for the remainder of 12 months and will probably should contend with out two starters on the offensive line, C David Andrews (hip) and OT Mike Onwenu.
Matchups to observe: Jets LB Jamien Sherwood vs. Patriots TE Hunter Henry & RB Rhamondre Stevenson
Jets HC Robert Salah has already indicated he’s snug with Sherwood on the coronary heart of this protection ought to C.J. Mosley be unable to go. That presents a tall activity for the fourth-year linebacker, who will likely be charged with slowing down the bruising again Rhamondre Stevenson and tight finish Hunter Henry, each of that are coming off of giant performances this previous week.
Stevenson has been on a tear to begin the 12 months, proving to be one of the vital tough backs within the league to carry to the bottom, with 87% of his yardage coming after first contact.
Henry has seemed just like the lone shiny spot for this New England go recreation after producing an 85.8 PFF receiving grade towards the Seahawks, a top-15 mark from Week 2.
Additional information:
New York Giants vs. Cleveland Browns (-6.5)
Storyline of the sport: Browns prone to see a lot of key gamers return from damage
After a tricky displaying in Week 1 that noticed the Browns give up stress by the handfuls, the Dawgs managed to bounce again final week with a highway win in Jacksonville, albeit additionally they surrendered over two dozen pressures.
Pass safety is probably not a difficulty for much longer in Cleveland, as this week might mark the return tackles Jedrick Wills Jr. and Jack Conklin, who’ve but to see the sphere this season on account of damage.
It is ideal timing given this week’s matchup with the Giants, who lay declare to the second-highest staff pass-rush win fee (50.8%) within the NFL via two weeks regardless of some hassle changing wins into pressures.
Matchups to observe: Giants LT Andrew Thomas vs. Browns EDGE Myles Garrett
When two of the league’s greatest sq. off, it’s a must to cease and watch them do battle. And that’s precisely what we get this week with a heavy-weight battle between Garrett and Thomas.
The reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year is off to a different dominating begin to 2024, producing the second-highest PFF pass-rushing grade (93.4) within the league. Garrett has produced a pair of sacks on six pressures this season.
Nonetheless, this week, the Browns’ elite go=rusher faces the league’s top-graded go protector in Thomas. The Giants left deal with has allowed only a 1% stress fee on his option to a 92.7 PFF go blocking grade.
Additional information:
- Giants signal Ok Greg Joseph after Ok Graham Gano (hamstring) exited the sport final week and didn’t return, anticipated to overlook a number of weeks.
- Browns positioned WR David Bell on the IR
Chicago Bears vs. Indianapolis Colts (-1.5)
Storyline of the sport: Young quarterbacks look to bounce again from Week 2 struggles
After a formidable Week 1 outing that netted him the seventh-highest PFF total grade by a quarterback, the Colts’ Anthony Richardson answered up with a troubling 43.6 offensive grade in Week 2, the second-lowest on the week. While the second-year passer’s ceiling is excessive, flooring like which are probably the most alarming.
It hasn’t been simple going for the No.1 total choose, Caleb Williams, both. The Bears first-year quarterback adopted up his troubling efficiency in Week 1 with one other suspect outing this previous week. Williams has been put via the rinse cycle by opposing go rushes to begin the 12 months, now tied as probably the most sacked quarterback within the NFL.
Matchups to observe: Bears RT Darnell Wright vs. Colts ED Kwity Paye
Protecting the No. 1 total choose at quarterback must be the precedence in Chicago transferring ahead. There can’t be a repeat of final week’s 30-plus stress efficiency if the Bears hope to win this recreation.
Wright noticed an enormous drop off in his go safety metrics in Week 2, falling from an 83.3 PFF pass-blocking grade in Week 1 to a 39.0 final week. The former first-rounder surrendered a pair of sacks on a ten.6% stress fee. Righting the ship this week will show to be important if Chicago is to face up on the sting towards Indy.
With DI DeForest Buckner being positioned on IR this week and first-year EDGE Laiatu Latu questionable, this already struggling Colts pass-rush simply obtained loads thinner. The weight of this Colts go rush now falls on EDGE Kwity Paye‘s shoulders, who’s coming off an ailing hamstring damage.
Additional information:
Houston Texans (-2.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings
Storyline of the sport: Two of the most popular groups within the NFL face off
Two undefeated franchises will face off on this one, however just one can come away with the victory when it’s all mentioned and performed. With two weeks of play within the books, there aren’t many groups as scorching as these two heading into Week 3.
The AFC South-leading Texans have showcased their means to adapt to their opponents and execute on their weaknesses, one thing they showcased in spades final week as they harassed Caleb Williams and the Bears.
Surprisingly, the Vikings adopted up their large Week 1 efficiency by taking down the reigning NFC champion 49ers in a defensive showcase by Brian Flores’ protection. This Vikings staff is the actual deal and should not be taken calmly.
Matchups to observe: Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. vs. Vikings WR Justin Jefferson
Houston tends to lean in direction of matching Stingley with an offense prime receiving risk, which is able to characteristic a heavy dose of the elite JJetta this week. Despite some struggles in protection from Stingley to begin the 12 months – 62.3 PFF protection grade – he managed to come back alive for an important choose this previous week, displaying he’s nonetheless one of many league’s prime corners.
He will want that confidence increase to test Jefferson who’s coming off an enormous recreation this previous week, during which he amassed 5.78 yards per route run. However, Jefferson is coping with an damage that will hinder his means to get vertical this week, though he has said he absolutely expects to be good by kick-off.
Additional information:
- Vikings WR Justin Jefferson (quad) anticipated to be tremendous after struggling damage in Week 2.
- Texans RB Joe Mixon (ankle) averted critical damage after MRI revealed no long-term injury.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. New Orleans Saints (-2.5)
Storyline of the sport: New Orleans possess the NFL’s greatest offense via two video games
There have been few surprises to begin the 2024 NFL season fairly just like the white-hot displaying from the New Orleans Saints via the primary two weeks of the 12 months. This Saints offense stands atop the league in a lot of offensive classes together with landing drive share (52.4%), late-down conversion fee (60.9%) and offensive EPA per play (0.298).
That ought to fear the Eagles after a battle defensively on Monday Night towards the Falcons, a recreation during which they surrendered the fifth-worst EPA per play towards on the week, falling brief at dwelling.
Matchups to observe: Saints HB Alvin Kamara vs. Eagles front-7
Despite sporting a vaunted front-seven on paper, this Eagles protection has fallen on onerous instances upfront and this staff is paying the worth. Philly’s entrance notably struggles becoming the run, having allowed the second-highest EPA per rush on the 12 months. The solely Eagles defender to surpass a 63.0 PFF run protection grade to date this season is EDGE Brandon Graham. Perhaps most shocking have been the obvious points displayed by second-year DI Jalen Carter, who possesses the staff’s lowest run protection grade (33.6).
That will likely be an enormous drawback heading into New Orleans with how lights-out Kamara has been taking part in. The 29-year outdated again has turned again the clock to channel a classic begin to the 12 months, producing his greatest PFF grades since 2020. The Saints again holds a 78.3 total PFF grade, the sixth-highest on the place this season. An enormous credit score to this Saints road-grading o-line that holds the top-graded run blocking middle, Erik McCoy, and guard, Lucas Patrick.
Additional information:
- Eagles WR A.J. Brown (hamstring) anticipated to overlook a few weeks.
- Eagles DI Jalen Carter was benched to begin Week 2 after displaying up late to a staff occasion.
- Saints HB Alvin Kamara named NFC Offensive Player of the Week.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (-1.5)
Storyline of the sport: Coaching taking part in an enormous function in each franchises’ early success
Despite public expectations that these groups would battle underneath the holes of their rosters, nice teaching has netted a pair of undefeated begins for each of those franchises.
Strong defenses have been the calling card for Los Angeles (first) and Pittsburgh (third), with each models rating within the top-three in EPA per play allowed.
Mike Tomlin’s Steelers are set to begin QB Justin Fields under-center for the a third-straight week whereas Russell Wilson nonetheless nurses a calf damage. Although Wilson hasn’t formally been supplanted because the starter, it’s onerous to check him getting a shot as soon as wholesome, if Fields retains main this staff to wins.
On the opposite facet, Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers are coping with some accidents heading into the week, with QB Justin Herbert and WR Josh Palmer lacking follow to begin the week and EDGE Joey Bosa restricted on account of a hip damage.
Matchups to observe: Steerlers QB Justin Fields vs. Chargers FS Elijah Molden
How does Mike Tomlin sit down Justin Fields if he leads this staff to yet one more win to begin off the marketing campaign? While Fields hasn’t blown the doorways off the field rating, he’s taking part in a recreation that’s absent of back-breaking errors. In reality, he’s considered one of simply three beginning passers who has but to give up a turnover-worthy play. He has the fifth-highest passing grade (79.0) to date this season.
However, this week, Fields runs up towards a buzz noticed within the Chargers protection, who’re sporting the second-highest staff PFF protection grade (89.7) within the league. That’s due largely to Elijah Molden, the league’s highest-graded security (92.9). Molden excels at taking away crossers on this scheme.
While Fields hasn’t thrown many mid-long vary passes between the numbers usually this 12 months, he did let one unfastened this previous week that was tightly contested, not his greatest learn. In 2023 fields had a 91.2 passing grade on throws between the numbers.
Additional information:
- Pittsburgh getting ready to begin QB Justin Fields under-center for a third-straight week with QB Russell Wilson (calf) nonetheless restricted
- Chargers QB Justin Herbert (ankle) anticipated to play this week, per HC Jim Harbaugh
Denver Broncos vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-6.5)
Storyline of the sport: Bucs off to a scorching begin, Broncos struggling to seek out footing
Tampa Bay is off to an undefeated begin to the 12 months following its win over the Lions in Week 2 to avenge its playoff loss final postseason. Despite working 36 fewer performs than Detroit, the Bucs made the essential performs after they wanted them most, together with a pair of late fourth-down stops to safe the win.
Denver, however, hasn’t been capable of set up a basis to construct on, standing as considered one of 9 groups nonetheless but to seek out their first win. Sean Payton’s Broncos offense hasn’t meshed with first-year quarterback Bo Nix on the helm, ensuing within the Thirty first-ranked offensive EPA per play. While the season is much from completed, this staff is hoping to seek out solutions quick.
Matchups to observe: Buccaneers WR Mike Evans vs. Broncos CB Pat Surtain II
At 31-years younger, Mike Evans seems to be like he has no plans of slowing down anytime quickly. The veteran receiver continues to be stacking DBs with ease and blowing the highest off defenses. Over the primary two video games, Evans has generated 4 explosive receptions, tied for Eleventh-most within the NFL.
These Bucs receivers will likely be a tricky matchup for Denver’s secondary, who has struggled mightily to begin the 12 months. Former All-Pro nook Pat Surtain II’s subject have been among the many most alarming, as he is earned only a 37.0 PFF protection grade – 98th out of 100 qualifying CBs – this season.
Additional information:
Green Bay Packers vs. Tennessee Titans (-2.5)
Storyline of the sport: Tennessee on the lookout for solutions to late recreation skids
For the second-straight week, the Titans squandered a primary half lead and finally fell in video games they very effectively might have gained. Another throughline for this staff’s points are head-scratching turnovers, as second-year QB Will Levis once more finds himself on the hot-seat on account of being careless with the soccer.
On the opposite sideline, Green Bay carried out effectively sufficient to safe a Week 2 victory regardless of lacking Jordan Love from the lineup. Packers HC Matt LaFleur confirmed why he’s among the finest play-callers within the recreation after retooling his scheme to raised match his backup signal-caller, Malik Willis, who will once more look to tug off the upset.
Matchups to observe: Packers LG Elgton Jenkins vs. Titans EDGE Harold Landry III
This isn’t a typical matchup you’d discover right here, however nonetheless, one it’s a must to take note of on this one, if Jenkins is ready to go after lacking follow early within the week.
Matt LaFleur, who traces his roots to one of the vital prolific zone working scheme teaching bushes within the trendy recreation, has immediately embraced the artwork of pulling guards. Green Bay resides to run counter proper now, evidenced by them holding the third-highest fee of counter runs (20%) within the NFL via two weeks. That shined a lightweight on Elgton Jenkins, who has produced a formidable 25% influence block fee on pulls for an 81.5 PFF run blocking grade.
That will imply a busy day for Harold Landry on the sting, who usually contends effectively towards pullers, producing a 28.6% win-rate in 2023. However, the titans haven’t seen many pullers this season, leaving the door open to diverse outcomes.
Additional information:
- Titans RB Tyjae Spears (ankle) left the sport this previous week with damage, thought-about day-to-day.
- Packers RB MarShawn Lloyd (ankle) positioned on IR
- Packers QB Jordan Love (MCL) seen again at follow this week, unsure of standing for this matchup.
Carolina Panthers vs. Las Vegas Raiders (-5.5)
Storyline of the sport: Carolina opts to take a seat down former No.1 choose
After a pair of troubling outings to begin 2024, Panthers HC Dave Canales has made the choice to bench the previous No. 1 overall-pick at quarterback, Bryce Young. The second-year passer has struggled in nearly each side of the sport, one of the vital alarming of them being his 28.6 passing grade on customary dropbacks, the worst amongst starters in 2024.
That opens the door for Andy Dalton to begin under-center transferring ahead, along with his first problem coming towards Antonio Pierce’s Raiders, who’re coming off an enormous upset highway victory towards the Ravens.
Matchups to observe: Panthers Pass Protection vs. Raiders Pass Rush
Despite some perceived points in Carolina’s go safety with Young under-center, this unit has produced effectively this far into the 12 months, having earned the league’s third-highest staff passing grade (81.0). This unit, led by RG Robert Hunt’s 86.0 go safety grade, has allowed zero sacks this season.
That will pose an issue for this Vegas go rush, which has struggled producing stress thus far. Through two video games, the Raiders have produced simply 18 complete pressures, third-fewest within the league. Eight of these pressures have come from EDGE Maxx Crosby. DI Christian Wilkins has largely struggled along with his transition to a brand new staff, placing up only a 9.7% pass-rush win fee.
Additional information:
Miami Dolphins vs. Seattle Seahawks (-4.5)
Storyline of the sport: Tua Tagovailoa will miss prolonged time period
After one other scary collision this previous week, the Dolphins will likely be with out their beginning quarterback for the foreseeable future. With Tua heading for IR, Mike McDaniel is rolling with Skylar Thompson on the helm of his offense. The third-year passer will likely be making his first begin because the 2022 Wildcard spherical.
Unfortunately for Thompson, he faces an impending matchup with one of many hardest defenses within the NFL via Week 2 in Mike Macdonald’s Seahawks. Seattle has surrendered a profitable play to opposing offenses on simply 28.5% of their performs, a top-five fee via Week 2.
Matchups to observe: Dolphins QB Skylar Thompson vs. Seahawks Secondary
An enormous a part of Seattle’s success defensively falls to this proficient secondary that’s taking part in quick and unfastened in Macdonald’s scheme. The Hawks possess a league-leading 90.8 PFF protection grade as a staff. Safeties Julian Love (second) and Rayshawn Jenkins (sixth), together with nook Tariq Woolen (third), all rank within the top-eight at their place protection grade this season.
That’s a frightening protection unit for Thompson to stare down, particularly after his underwhelming efficiency in aid of Tua this previous week during which he accomplished simply 57.1% of passes whereas additionally tallying a turnover-worthy play within the purple zone.
Additional information:
- Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa has no plans to retire after newest concussion, stays in protocol & positioned on IR.
- Miami signed QB Tyler Huntley off Baltimore’s follow squad.
Detroit Lions (-3) vs. Arizona Cardinals
Storyline of the sport: Cardinals offense clicking on all fronts
Getting your first-round choose at receiver only one catch in a Week 1 loss will undoubtedly elevate questions. To which Kyler Murray and this Cardinals offense promptly silenced with an outstanding followup efficiency in Week 2, which showcased precisely what a connection between Murray and his new favourite goal, Marvin Harrison Jr, can do. And the remainder of the league ought to be terrified.
Arizona will want extra of that this week if it hopes to upset the Lions. Detroit is trying to bounce again from a tricky dwelling loss to Tampa, in a recreation that noticed the Lions put up 478 yards of offense however solely 16 factors. Finding stability on offense was a difficulty for this staff, with Jared Goff dropping again practically 60 instances on his option to 50.8 PFF passing grade. Although he’s a succesful passer, it’s onerous to win while you grow to be a one-dimensional offense.
Matchups to observe: Cardinals QB Kyler Murray vs. Lions EDGE Aidan Hutchinson
This is probably probably the most thrilling matchup of the week, pitting two of the league’s greatest towards one another of their speciality, the chase between go rushers and escape artist quarterbacks.
Aidan Hutchinson has gone completely ballistic to kick off his marketing campaign for the 2024 defensive participant of the 12 months. Through simply two video games, the Lions edge rusher paces the league in a lot of classes together with PFF go rush grade (95.0), pressures (17), and pass-rush win fee (41.2%). If that weren’t spectacular sufficient, he has extra sacks alone (six) than 19 NFL groups.
And he’ll want each little bit of that to include Kyler Murray. The Cards quarterback is white-hot to begin the 12 months, having captured PFF’s highest total grade on the place (93.3). Murray is taking part in on an unreal degree grading at or above the ninetieth percentile in practically each considered one of PFF’s secure and unstable quarterback metrics together with clear pocket grade (92.0), exterior pocket grade (96.6), and late-down grade (97.7).
🚨AURA: #Cardinals star QB Kyler Murray evades the sack, makes a loopy throw working to his left, & whereas the ball is within the air, KYLER TURNS AWAY & STARTS CELEBRATING, & his WR catches the ball…
🤯
ONE OF THE COOLEST PLAYS YOU WILL SEE
pic.twitter.com/BuYZDhH87E— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) September 17, 2024
Additional information:
- Cardinals QB Kyler Murray’s jersey headed to Canton after turning into the second participant in NFL historical past to go for 250-plus passing yards, 50-plus dashing yards, and an ideal 158.3 passer ranking.
Baltimore Ravens (-1) vs. Dallas Cowboys
Storyline of the sport: Both franchises left with quite a few questions after surprising Week 2 losses
Alarms are ringing in Baltimore after struggling a detailed loss at dwelling to the Raiders, a staff they have been favored to beat by greater than eight factors. Self-inflicted wounds have been an enormous road-block for the Ravens to begin the 12 months, as they’ve been assessed 16 penalties for over 170 yards misplaced, together with the late go interference in the long run zone late straight led to the Raiders scoring the game-tying landing the subsequent play.
The Cowboys adopted up their spectacular outing in Week 1 by getting blown out as sizable dwelling favorites towards the Saints, surrendering 44 factors. The shallow backfield is starting to create points, with Dallas incomes the Thirtieth-ranked staff dashing grade (57.8). Even with a high-priced QB-WR tandem, it’s onerous to win on this league when your offense is one-dimensional.
Matchups to observe: Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb vs. Ravens Secondary
Dallas is working their offense underneath the impression that it simply spent $296 million on contracts for his or her proficient quarterback and his prime goal, however it hasn’t fairly netted the return on the sphere but in 2024. While a 69.9 PFF receiving grade is respectable, it is effectively under the extent of play Lamb has established all through his profession, and this staff’s offensive success largely rests on him returning to his unguardable nature.
Luckily for Dallas, Lamb faces a matchup with a beneficiant Ravens secondary that has largely struggled to begin the 12 months. Losing first-round rookie nook Nate Wiggins to an damage sustained throughout a automotive accident has set this protection unit again immensely. Corners Brandon Stephens (65.4 protection grade) and Marlon Humphrey (64.5) have struggled holding down opposing receivers, whereas Kyle Hamilton’s efficiency in protection (49.0) will be the most disappointing for this as soon as vaunted protection.
Needless to say, that gained’t lower it towards a expertise like Lamb.
Additional information:
- Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb (ankle) and CB Trevon Diggs (foot) didn’t follow early within the week, anticipated to be accessible by Sunday.
San Francisco 49ers (-7.5) vs. Los Angeles Rams
Storyline of the sport: Injuries stack up with solely two video games within the books
The information cycle this previous week has felt prefer it’s been dominated with damage developments and it is seemingly all the time a key contributor to both the Rams or 49ers.
Just one week after dropping WR Puka Nacua (knee) the Rams have been hit with a laundry listing of accidents following Week 2. WR Cooper Kupp (ankle), FS John Johnson III (shoulder) and OG Jonah Jackson (shoulder) have been all included within the newest spherical of devastating accidents, with the previous anticipated to overlook prolonged time, leaving this receiving corps barren.
The Niners additionally discover themselves navigating these harmful waters having simply added All-Pro again Christian McCaffrey (calf/Achilles) to the IR this previous week. At the identical time, WR Deebo Samuel (calf) can be anticipated to overlook time. Missing these dynamic playmakers will certainly push much more expectations onto WR Brandon Aiyuk and TE George Kittle.
Matchups to observe: 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk vs. Rams CB Tre’Davious White
While it’s nonetheless early to make a dedication on if the Niners made a miscalculation in extending Aiyuk with such an enormous contract, it hasn’t gotten off on the correct foot. The Niners receiver has produced simply 1.03 yards per route run and a single reception of 15-or-more yards, this season, incomes a modest 61.7 PFF receiving grade.
But that will all flip round this week given the struggles this Rams protection has had in a mess of sides. One specifically being protection on the surface the place nook Tre’Davious White has failed to seek out his footing on this Rams secondary. The 29-year outdated nook has allowed 1.88 yards per protection snap and a 153.3 passer ranking into his protection this season, contributing to his 46.7 PFF protection grade.
Additional information:
- Rams WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) seen in strolling boot after happening in Week 2, anticipated to land on IR and miss prolonged time period.
- Rams S John Johnson will miss 4 to 6 weeks with hairline fracture.
- 49ers WR Deebo Samuel (calf) anticipated to overlook a number of weeks.
- 49ers HB Christian McCaffrey (calf/Achilles) positioned on IR, will miss at the least the subsequent 4 video games.
Kansas City Chiefs (-3.5) vs. Atlanta Falcons
Storyline of the sport: Both franchises driving shut Week 2 victories into this one
After a detailed one level win over the Eagles on Monday Night, Kirk Cousins and the Falcons once more discover themselves as primetime underdogs, this time towards the defending champion and undefeated Chiefs. Despite not taking part in an ideal recreation, this Falcons staff rallied late to carry onto a win that might have simply swung the opposite method, an end result that gave them some a lot wanted confidence for this one.
An analogous sentiment will be made for the Chiefs, who, regardless of not taking part in their greatest recreation, got here out on prime in the long run, sporting a well-known mixture of late-game drive by Patrick Mahomes to carry this staff inside vary of a Harrison Butker game-winning discipline aim. It takes a fantastic displaying and possibly even slightly luck to take down Andy Reid’s Chiefs, particularly in primetime.
Matchups to observe: Falcons WR Drake London vs. Chiefs CB Jaylen Watson
Steve Spagnuolo’s protection has been one of the vital enjoyable teams to observe within the NFL because the begin of 2023, and these proficient corners are an enormous purpose why. Kansas City likes to play into their sized-based matchups after they can, usually charging Jaylen Watson to make use of his measurement and size to test larger receivers. To Spag’s credit score, he places his man in place to do what he’s snug with, leading to Watson clocking probably the most snaps in press protection this season.
Although aggressive protection will be useful, it may possibly flip rapidly over the course of the sport if a goal will get unfastened behind the protection. That’s precisely what the Falcons will hope to reap the benefits of with Drake London. Despite his sluggish begin to the 12 months – 63.3 receiving grade – London can maintain his personal on the surface, making this an fascinating forwards and backwards that might go both method.
Additional information:
- Chiefs RB Isaiah Pacheco suffered a fractured fibula in Week 2 and can miss six-to-eight weeks on IR. They signed RB Kareem Hunt to the follow squad.
Storyline of the sport: Buffalo hoping to string collectively back-to-back wins in primetime
The first recreation on the slate of a Week 3 Monday Night Football doubleheader, contains a sturdy Bills staff taking part in host to the 0-2 Jacksonville Jaguars.
Buffalo is coming off prolonged relaxation having final performed on Thursday night time, the place they took dwelling a commanding victory of the Dolphins and captured the lead within the AFC East. The mixture of James Cook on the bottom and Josh Allen via the air has this Bills offense producing the league’s second-highest EPA per play.
Jacksonville hasn’t been fairly as efficient to begin the 12 months, largely struggling to seek out their id on offense. Ideally, this offense would run at a high-level via Trevor Lawrence and this passing recreation, however some difficulties creating separation and premature accidents have hindered outcomes for this Jags offense.
Matchups to observe: Jaguars RT Anton Harrison vs. Bills ED Von Miller
Part of the Jags’ points offensively stems from their go safety struggling to carry up on the sting. The second-year deal with has notably had points, as he is allowed stress on over 10% of his go units on his option to a 36.3 PFF go blocking grade – 66th out of 68 qualifying tackles – via the primary two video games.
While Bills EDGE Von Miller is probably not an every-down defender in year-13, he’s nonetheless a nasty go rusher with one of the vital efficient ghost strikes within the recreation. Across 41 pass-rush snaps, Miller has produced a 21.9% win fee, highlighted by a sack in every recreation. That effort earned the veteran defender an 82.1 PFF go rush grade via the primary two weeks.
Harrison can have his arms full from bell to bell with this one.
Additional information:
- Jags TE Evan Engram (hamstring) harm throughout warmups final week, unclear on standing transferring ahead.
- Bills LB Terrel Bernard (pectoral) might miss a month
- Bills CB Taron Johnson (forearm) avoids stint on the IR, anticipated to overlook this week.
- Bills HB James Cook wins AFC Offensive Player of the Week.
Washington Commanders vs. Cincinnati Bengals (-7.5)
Storyline of the sport: Promising performances level to potential turnarounds
The second recreation on Monday Night options two groups coming off hotly contested video games that got here all the way down to the wire, one coming away with the win and the opposite struggling a crushing loss.
The Bengals have been on the brief finish of the stick, struggling a heartbreaking loss towards the Chiefs in Week 2. Cincy held a lead in the course of the ultimate drive however have been finally dashed by a Kansas City discipline aim as time expired. While ethical victories don’t exist on this recreation, the Bengals made critical changes from Week 1 and took the defending champs to the brink. Which is promising for his or her potential transferring ahead.
On the opposite hand, the Commanders gained a recreation that highlighted the significance of the kicking recreation. Washington kicker Austin Seibert nailed seven kicks on a day the Giants needed to go and not using a placekicker on account of damage. Just like they drew it up within the particular groups conferences.
Matchups to observe: Commanders WR Terry McLaurin vs. Bengals CB Cam Taylor-Britt
After years of subpar quarterback play, Jayden Daniels was lastly purported to launch Terry McLaurin into the subsequent tier of receiver, however that hasn’t been the end result to date. The duo simply haven’t been on the identical web page and it resulted in just a few performs during which Daniels has left his proficient receiver open to taking some massive hits attempting to suit balls into home windows he shouldn’t be. Overall, that netted McLaurin a 62.8 PFF receiving grade this season.
Unlucky for McLaurin and Daniels, their prime goal will undoubtedly draw the eye of third-year nook Cam Taylor-Britt, who has put collectively a wonderful begin to 2024. Taylor-Britt’s 88.6 PFF protection grade ranks as the perfect on the place via Week 2. Despite letting up an extended landing towards the Chiefs, he’s performed equally as sticky protection, highlighted by the insane interception he snatched in the identical recreation.