As teams continue to sort through the NFC and AFC teams, key storylines are beginning to emerge. Here’s what to watch out for as the play unfolds
Quarterback Showdowns Take Center Stage This week promises some exciting matchups of the top quarterbacks. Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills head to the nation’s capital to face the Washington
Commanders. Washington’s defense, thin at linebacker with Chase Young injured, has been surprisingly solid through a month of games. Buffalo looks to bounce back from Week 2 after a very high-intensity matchup, as does the opponent for this week’s game: the game between two elite quarterbacks, Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens against Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars, is perhaps the biggest in terms of games between contenders looking to establish themselves in the early going in the season.
The Impact of the Injury on Star Players Injuries is already making headlines, and it is already telling on some teams as key players miss time. All eyes are set on Cincinnati Bengals’s Joe Burrow, who has been nursing a calf injury. If Burrow is not 100%, then the season of Cincinnati Bengals can quickly go south. On the other hand, the San Francisco 49ers will monitor Christian McCaffrey’s usage as they will need to keep him healthy and yet utilize his talents to hold their dominant status.
Struggling Teams in Must-Win Territory After two weeks, several teams are already in must-win mode. Minnesota Vikings The Vikings lost two straight playoff games last season.
Now they sit at 0-2 after a playoff appearance last season and need to win to dig themselves less of a hole. Los Angeles Chargers For the same reason, the Chargers are desperate. Their explosive offense hasn’t yet equaled wins. Both of these teams have winnable games this week, but the pressure is rising.
Rookie Quarterback Watch The league’s latest class of rookie quarterbacks has been through ups and downs. Headed into this slate, the three touted signal-callers from 2023 – Broncos’ Anthony Richardson is on concussion protocol – will be Bryce Young of the Carolina Panthers and C.J. Stroud of the Houston Texans.
All have shown flashes at times but continue to struggle with inconsistency. With Richardson out, it’ll be Young and Stroud as they continue to develop against tough opponents, so fans should watch to see if they hold up to tests the opponents will send their way.
Week three promises to be one of the turning points in the season where teams show their character. Teams would continue going through a merciless battle of quarterbacks, and it is going to get tough for the teams that have not been performing as of now, starting this week. A lot of drama and drama on the ground as well.
