More: NFL trade targets: Patrick Peterson, Demaryius Thomas among 15 players with buzz More: Self-destructing Jaguars have no one to blame but themselves for believing in Blake Bortles Houston has allowed 26 sacks (ranking 30th) and 70 QB hits (32nd) – 16 more than the next closest team. The Seahawks are tied for sixth in interceptions (nine), but a resurgent rushing game could help Stafford remain efficient.ĥ. Deshaun Watson, Texans: Playing Thursday against the Dolphins and dealing with a bruised lung and injured ribs injury that forced him to take a 12-hour bus ride to Jacksonville, Watson will have to get better protection. Bortles will start, but if he again turns the ball over and misfires on passes against an Eagles defense that ranks sixth in scoring (19.7 points allowed per game), the Jaguars might need seriously consider turning things over to Cody Kessler.Ĥ. Matthew Stafford, Lions: They’ve won three of their last four, and Stafford has quietly posted an 8:1 TD-to-interception ratio and completed 72.8 percent of his throws over that span.
New Orleans also can't afford to falter, as Carolina is right behind it in the NFC South (4-2).ģ. Blake Bortles, Jaguars: His benching in a loss against the Texans may signal that he's running out of chances in Jacksonville. The Vikings, however, are tied for ninth with 12 takeaways. This might be a contest where Newton’s running ability opens up the passing game.Ģ. Drew Brees, Saints: The revenge factor for the Minnesota Miracle is overrated here, but Brees still hasn’t given up one turnover all season long. Who's hot? Who's not? Who has the most exciting matchups?ġ. Cam Newton, Panthers: A dismal first half gave way to an efficient second in a comeback win against the Eagles, but Newton now must face the a defense that ranks first in sacks (27) and scoring (14.4 points a game) in the Ravens. Every Wednesday during the NFL season, USA TODAY Sports will assess everyone's favorite topic: quarterbacks.