Rivalry road game big test for Prescott
Every week during the NFL season, USA TODAY will assess everyone’s favorite topic: quarterbacks. Who’s hot? Who’s not? Who has the most exciting matchups?
Here’s this week’s QB Hot Sheet.
Five to watch this weekend
1. Tom Brady, Patriots: Going up against a Bears defense that is looking to bounce back from a letdown against the Dolphins and is tied for third in the NFL with 14 forced turnovers, Brady will need to protect the ball. New receiver Josh Gordon has steadily been given more opportunities (with a season-high nine targets Sunday against the Chiefs), and Brady and the Pats could continue their offensive surge.
2. Drew Brees, Saints: Fresh off a bye week, the NFL’s new career passing yards king takes the 4-1, first-place Saints on the road into what should be a captivating matchup against the NFL’s top-ranked defense in the Ravens, who sacked Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota 11 times. Brees ranks third in the NFL in average time from snap to throw
(2.52 seconds), so quick passes might help neutralize the pass rush.
3. Eli Manning, Giants: His 90.9 passer rating would mark the fifthhighest mark of his career. But New York’s offense simply isn’t generating explosive plays in the passing game and ranks 27th in scoring (19.5 points per game). Against a Falcons defense that ranks second-to-last in points allowed
(32 per game), Manning and the Giants have a chance on Monday night to build a foundation for the rest of the season. Finding a connection with receiver Odell Beckham Jr. should be a priority.
4. Dak Prescott, Cowboys: Dallas faces a division rival and a very good defense, and a victory would give Dallas at least a share of first place in the NFC East. When Prescott goes against the Redskins on the road, the key might be whether he and offensive coordinator Scott Linehan again rely on his legs (82 rushing yards and one touchdown in a Week 5 win against the Jaguars) to open up the passing game.
5. Brock Osweiler, Dolphins: He started in place of injured Ryan Tannehill, and the Dolphins put up their best offensive performance of the season against a loaded Bears defense. Coach Adam Gase has said Tannehill will start when healthy but it won’t be this week, so Osweiler will be needed again vs. the Lions.
Three trending up
1. Sam Darnold, Jets: In a 42-34 win against the Colts, Darnold (24-for-30 for 280 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception) played efficiently. The pick was a careless heave into double coverage. But he has demonstrated good anticipation and impressive ball placement over the last two games and helped make New York’s offense look solid.
2. Prescott: He played with more confidence and pace in a 40-7 blowout against the Jaguars. Prescott had pedestrian yet efficient passing numbers (17-for-27 for 183 yards and 2 TDs), but his running ability has added a danger- ous element to his game.
3. Brady: Though he had just one passing TD (with another rushing score), Brady outdueled Patrick Mahomes in a thrilling 43-40 victory. He did have a costly fumble, but his 9.7 yards per attempt represented a season high and evidence of his downfield passing prowess.
Three trending down
1. Blake Bortles, Jaguars: It has been a miserable two-game stretch for Bortles. Three total touchdowns and six turnovers in that span might be the latest sign that Bortles’ time in Jacksonville could be running out. 2. Marcus Mariota, Titans: It’s hard to do anything when you’re running for your life, taking 11 sacks and nine more hits, but that’s what Mariota faced in a 21-0 beatdown against the Ravens. He had one completion fewer than he did sacks and his leading receiver, Tajae Sharpe, had 33 yards. Just burn the tape and forget it happened.
3. Derek Carr, Raiders: Another QB not getting help from his O-line, Carr was sacked six times in a 27-3 loss to the Seahawks in London. The downfield passing game in Oakland is virtually non-existent. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, 21 of Carr’s 23 completions were caught no more than 5 yards past the line of scrimmage. And 10 of them were caught behind the line.
Season rankings
1. Patrick Mahomes (last week: 1), Chiefs: Four interceptions in two games might seem troubling, but Mahomes continues to dazzle with his command of an explosive, must-watch offense.
2. Brees (2): Even with the bye, Brees remains in second.
3. Philip Rivers (3), Chargers: The ground game was rolling (246 yards and 3 touchdowns), so Rivers played a supporting role in Week 6 against the Browns with a season-low 20 attempts.
4. Aaron Rodgers (5), Packers: He orchestrated yet another comeback victory Monday night against the 49ers. What Rodgers is doing with a hobbled knee as well as a depleted receiving corps is special. 5. Matt Ryan (NR), Falcons: With injuries at running back and a porous defense, Ryan is the main reason the Falcons still have a pulse in the NFC South. Dropped: Jared Goff, Rams (4)