It’s already Week 6 within the NFL. Some issues are clear. The San Francisco 49ers are superb. The Miami Dolphins are very quick (and doubtless superb). And a few issues usually are not clear. Two of probably the most extremely revered coaches within the league within the final 20 years discover themselves close to the underside of this week’s Energy Rankings. And the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs look out of kinds on offense regardless of profitable.
Within the “Changing into Clear” class is how every staff’s additions are affecting outcomes this yr. For that purpose, we’re doing a rookie check-in this week, though we’ve taken the freedom of increasing the class to “notable new man” when warranted.
(Final week: 1)
Sunday: Beat Dallas Cowboys 42-10
Ought to we do Sam Darnold right here? San Francisco beat Dallas so badly Sunday evening that Darnold received into the sport, however no, this part is simply going to be a 49ers appreciation publish for the reason that Niners don’t have any newcomers making a big influence. Being the very best staff within the NFL in mid-October is just not the objective, however Brock Purdy’s 123.1 passer ranking can be the best for any quarterback in a season since a minimum of 2000, in line with TruMedia, and there’s no indication San Francisco will decelerate.
Up subsequent: at Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
(Final week: 2)
Sunday: Beat Los Angeles Rams 23-14
After coming inside 4 factors of a Tremendous Bowl, the Eagles added two of the best new guys within the offseason. Defensive lineman Jalen Carter, the No. 9 decide, is tied for seventh within the league with 23 QB pressures. D’Andre Swift, acquired in an offseason commerce from Detroit, has 361 dashing yards within the final three weeks. Save the arguments about whether or not the Tush Push is a soccer play. Dominating the strains of scrimmage is the essence of soccer, and that’s what Philly is doing.
Up subsequent: at New York Jets, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
(Final week: 4)
Sunday: Beat New York Giants 31-16
Miami may need missed on second-round cornerback Cam Smith, however the Dolphins made up for it with third-round decide De’Von Achane. After totaling 5 yards within the first two video games of the season, the rookie operating again leads the NFL with 455 dashing yards within the final three weeks. He’s averaging 12.3 yards per carry in that point and has two of the three quickest speeds within the NFL this yr (21.93 mph and 21.76 mph), in line with NextGen Stats.
Up subsequent: vs. Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
(Final week: 7)
Sunday: Beat Carolina Panthers 42-24
Second-round tight finish Sam LaPorta is among the greatest rookies within the league and an enormous purpose the Lions are fourth within the league in scoring (29.6). LaPorta leads all tight ends with 25 catches for 289 yards. Throw in the truth that operating again Jahmyr Gibbs has proven flashes and second-round security Brian Department is likely to be a star, and Detroit is within the operating for the very best draft of 2023, to not point out the third-best staff within the NFC.
Up subsequent: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
(Final week: 5)
Sunday: Beat Minnesota Vikings 27-20
It appears bizarre to say, however the Chiefs, who’re a shocking ninth within the league in scoring (25.6 ppg), may use some assist, and so they aren’t getting a lot of it from this draft class. Second-round decide Rashee Rice is second on the staff in catches with 17 however has solely 173 yards. First-round decide Felix Anudike-Uzomah has 4 quarterback hurries and half a sack.
Up subsequent: vs. Denver Broncos, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET
GO DEEPER
Do the Patriots have a future with Invoice Belichick, or with out? Sando’s Choose Six
(Final week: 3)
Sunday: Misplaced to Jacksonville Jaguars 25-20
Tight finish Dalton Kincaid, chosen twenty fifth, hasn’t precisely remodeled the Buffalo offense. Kincaid has been on the sphere for greater than 60 p.c of the Payments’ snaps however has barely topped 100 receiving yards for the season (17 catches, 118 yards). Buffalo isn’t getting a lot out of the remainder of its six-man draft class both. The Payments are getting a move this week for dropping in London to a staff that spent the week there, however they want a bounce-back recreation shortly.
Up subsequent: vs. New York Giants, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
(Final week: 6)
Sunday: Misplaced to San Francisco 49ers 42-10
Saying something unhealthy looks like piling on after Sunday evening, after which Dallas has to show in its contender card, however this yr’s draft class doesn’t counsel there’s assistance on the best way. First-round decide Mazi Smith has performed solely about 25 p.c of the snaps and has 4 tackles on the line of defense. Second-round tight finish Luke Schoonmaker has one catch for 1 yard.
Up subsequent: vs. Los Angeles Chargers, Monday. 8:15 p.m. ET
Rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon has lived as much as his draft place to this point for the Seahawks. (Steph Chambers / Getty Pictures)
(Final week: 9)
Sunday: Bye
Cornerback Devon Witherspoon was a shock at No. 5 within the draft. Guess we should always have given Pete Carroll the good thing about the doubt about drafting defensive backs. Witherspoon was the NFC Defensive Participant of the Week in Week 4, has one interception, two sacks and a nasty angle the Seahawks love. Large receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, twentieth, is off to a sluggish begin due partly — however solely partly — to a wrist damage. He has 12 catches for 62 yards.
Up subsequent: at Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
(Final week: 10)
Sunday: Bye
The 2023 draft class has been nice, and second-round offensive deal with Cody Mauch is beginning, however the very best addition by far has been quarterback Baker Mayfield. The previous No. 1 decide regarded destined to finish his profession as a backup. Now he’s high 10 within the league in passer ranking (101.9) with seven touchdowns versus two interceptions, and the Bucs are infatuated. Tampa Bay normal supervisor Jason Licht known as him “a dude” on Peter Schrager’s podcast final week. Crushes on Mayfield have flamed out quick up to now, however the Buccaneers lead the division for the time being.
Up subsequent: vs. Detroit Lions, Sunday, 4:25 ET
GO DEEPER
What we realized in NFL Week 5: Lions legitimately good, Patriots worst staff in soccer?
(Final week: 16)
Sunday: Beat Buffalo Payments 25-20
Large receiver Calvin Ridley (22 catches, 333 yards) has helped after being acquired in a commerce with the Falcons, however the draft class hasn’t offered a lot. Jacksonville drafted 13 gamers within the offseason. First-rounder Anton Harrison is beginning at proper deal with, however second-round tight finish Brenton Unusual (two catches, 7 yards) and third-round operating again Tank Bigsby (41 yards on 15 carries) haven’t blossomed but.
Up subsequent: vs. Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
(Final week: 8)
Sunday: Misplaced to Pittsburgh Steelers 17-10
Large receiver Zay Flowers, the No. 22 decide, is third amongst all rookies with 317 receiving yards, and he’s carrying an enormous chunk of the Ravens’ passing recreation. He’s eleventh within the league in staff goal share (28.6 p.c), in line with TruMedia. Within the “new man” class, broad receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has rather a lot fewer catches (seven) than he had offseason headlines throughout his free company.
Up subsequent: at Tennessee Titans, Sunday in London, 9:30 a.m. ET
(Final week: 19)
Sunday: Beat New England Patriots 34-0
The Saints took two defensive gamers within the high 40, however defensive linemen Bryan Bresee and Isaiah Foskey have mixed for under 15 tackles and 1 1/2 sacks. Neither has performed greater than half of New Orleans’ snaps. However how in regards to the previous man? Large receiver Michael Thomas, who hasn’t had greater than 450 receiving yards in a season since 2019, is New Orleans’ main receiver with 284 yards already.
Up subsequent: at Houston Texans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
(Final week: 11)
Sunday: Bye
If (when?) Brandon Staley will get fired, this draft class will likely be thrown into the listing of causes. Not excessive, nevertheless it’ll be there. First-round broad receiver Quentin Johnston, 4.49 pace at 6-foot-4, has six catches for 44 yards. Fourth-round receiver Derius Davis, 4.36 pace, has 4 catches for twenty-four yards. Second-round defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu is the one rookie contributing.
Up subsequent: vs. Dallas Cowboys, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET
(Final week: 12)
Sunday: Misplaced to Philadelphia Eagles 23-14
Large receiver Puka Nacua is the King of All Rookies. After being taken with decide No. 177 out of BYU, Nacua is second within the league with 572 receiving yards. Davante Adams and A.J. Brown are the one gamers within the league who’ve the next staff goal share than Nacua’s 32.5, in line with TruMedia. He had extra catches and yards in his first 4 video games than any participant in NFL historical past, and he had seven catches for 71 yards Sunday with Cooper Kupp again within the lineup.
Up subsequent: vs. Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
GO DEEPER
NFL Week 5 takeaways: Patriots, Mac Jones unravel once more; Eagles keep excellent with imperfect win
(Final week: 13)
Sunday: Beat Tennessee Titans 23-16
Quarterback Anthony Richardson, the No. 4 decide, has been nice. When he has been on the sphere. He’s averaging 6.9 yards per try and has three touchdowns versus one interception. He’s additionally second on the staff in dashing (25 carries, 136 yards). The issue is he left Sunday’s recreation with a shoulder damage and now hasn’t completed three of his 4 begins due to damage. Early studies say he may miss a month. Third-round broad receiver Josh Downs has quietly been good. He had six catches for 97 yards Sunday and has 23 for 255 this season.
Up subsequent: at Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, 1 p.m.
I believe we have seen sufficient from Anthony Richardson as a passer to consider IND can take the coaching wells (heavy choice assault) off to a dregree. In fact, they will nonetheless run them however he has to actually make it a degree to keep away from hits. He’ll take his lumps as extra of a pure dropback…
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) October 8, 2023
(Final week: 15)
Sunday: Bye
The draw back (or let’s say one of many downsides) of buying and selling away virtually the whole lot for Deshaun Watson is the Browns didn’t decide till the third spherical this yr. Nonetheless, they received some worth. Fifth-round quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson was competent in fill-in obligation for the injured Watson in Week 4, and fourth-rounder Dawand Jones is beginning at deal with.
Up subsequent: vs. San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
(Final week: 22)
Sunday: Beat Houston Texans 21-19
Operating again Bijan Robinson, the No. 8 decide, has made Atlanta’s offense higher and extra enjoyable. Robinson is the second-leading rookie rusher (364 yards on 67 carries) and is tied for the staff lead in receptions (21). He additionally leads the NFC in performs that make you wish to rewind your tv. He had one other one Sunday when he caught a landing move behind his again. Second-round decide Matthew Bergeron has been the Day 1 starter at left guard.
Up subsequent: vs. Washington Commanders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
This overhead angle @Bijan5Robinson’s one-handed catch and landing is WILD.
(through @AtlantaFalcons) pic.twitter.com/jC1LAbRifD
— NFL (@NFL) October 9, 2023
(Final week: 14)
Sunday: Misplaced to Atlanta Falcons 21-19
Keep in mind how a lot bother Lovie Smith triggered final yr when he led Houston to a Week 18 victory and value the staff the No. 1 decide? Seems he did the Texans a favor. If Houston had the primary decide, it may need taken the incorrect quarterback. Selecting No. 2, it received the suitable one. C.J. Stroud set the NFL file for makes an attempt to begin a profession with out an interception (186) on Sunday, and he’s third within the league in passing yards (1,461) and has seven landing passes. Throw in linebacker Will Anderson and broad receiver Tank Dell (who suffered a concussion Sunday), and the Texans are on the rise regardless of Sunday’s loss.
Up subsequent: vs. New Orleans Saints, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
(Final week: 26)
Sunday: Beat Arizona Cardinals 34-20
Second-round cornerback DJ Turner is the one member of the rookie class who’s contributing a lot, however no one in Cincinnati cares after the best way Joe Burrow regarded Sunday. The Bengals quarterback was 36-for-46 for 317 yards and three touchdowns, all of which went to Ja’Marr Chase, who had 15 catches. Mix this outcome with Pittsburgh knocking off Baltimore, and Cincinnati believes it has survived an early swoon.
Up subsequent: vs. Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, 1 p.m.
(Final week: 23)
Sunday: Beat Baltimore Ravens 17-10
Not one of the Steelers’ seven draft picks has performed greater than half the snaps this season. The closest is mammoth tight finish Darnell Washington, however he’s principally been a sixth offensive lineman. Washington has just one catch this season. Sunday’s win in opposition to Baltimore, which got here on the power of second-year George Pickens’ 130 receiving yards, may need saved the season.
Up subsequent: Bye
Rookie receiver Jordan Addison has given the Vikings a stable second choice behind Justin Jefferson. (David Berding / Getty Pictures)
(Final week: 17)
Sunday: Misplaced to Kansas Metropolis Chiefs 27-20
Large receiver Jordan Addison has been what the Vikings drafted him to be, a stable second choice behind Justin Jefferson. Addison has 19 catches for 249 yards. Third-round cornerback Mekhi Blackmon is beginning to present some flashes. He’s had 9 tackles within the final two video games he’s performed and was energetic in opposition to the Chiefs on Sunday.
Up subsequent: at Chicago Bears, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
(Final week: 25)
Monday: Beat Inexperienced Bay Packers 17-13
The unhealthy information for the Raiders, past being 2-3, is that No. 7 decide Tyree Wilson and No. 35 decide Michael Mayer have made little influence on the staff. Wilson has solely 5 tackles and no sacks, and Mayer has three catches for 41 yards. The excellent news is Las Vegas could have salvaged one thing from the draft with a pair of fourth-rounders in cornerback Jakorian Bennett and quarterback Aidan O’Connell. Bennett was enjoying greater than 80 p.c of the defensive snaps earlier than being inactive Monday evening with a hamstring damage. O’Connell was 24-for-39 for 238 yards in fill-in obligation for Jimmy Garoppolo in opposition to the Chargers on Oct. 1.
Up subsequent: vs. New England Patriots, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
(Final week: 18)
Monday: Misplaced to Las Vegas Raiders 17-13
First-round decide Lukas Van Ness has began slowly (eight tackles and one sack), however there’s loads of depth within the Inexperienced Bay draft class. Second-rounders Luke Musgrave (tight finish) and Jayden Reed (broad receiver) have mixed for 31 catches and 369 yards, and fifth-round broad receiver Dontayvion Wicks has added seven catches for 95 yards.
Up subsequent: Bye
(Final week: 20)
Sunday: Misplaced to Indianapolis Colts 23-16
The splashiest addition of the offseason, broad receiver DeAndre Hopkins (who was added by means of free company) is fifteenth within the NFL with 356 yards on 26 catches. First-round decide Peter Skoronski received the beginning left guard job in Week 1, however he missed three video games after an emergency appendectomy earlier than returning Sunday. Third-round operating again Tyjae Spears has 156 yards on 27 carries, however second-round quarterback Will Levis has been a disappointment to date, failing to push Ryan Tannehill for the beginning job and slipping to 3rd staff at occasions.
Up subsequent: vs. Baltimore Ravens, Sunday in London, 9:30 a.m. ET
(Final week: 24)
Sunday: Misplaced to Cincinnati Bengals 34-20
Quarterback Joshua Dobbs, acquired in a “who cares?” commerce from the Browns on Aug. 24, has six touchdowns versus two interceptions and is seventeenth within the NFL in passer ranking (90.8), which is healthier than Dak Prescott, Derek Carr, Deshaun Watson and Matthew Stafford amongst others. Throw in the truth that No. 6 decide Paris Johnson has performed each snap at deal with and that Arizona has six picks within the first three rounds subsequent yr, and the Cardinals are in fine condition for the long run.
Up subsequent: at Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
(Final week: 28)
Sunday: Beat Denver Broncos 31-21
The brand new man of the day in New York is first-year offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who was made a staff captain earlier than the sport and given a recreation ball after the sport Sunday as a result of the Jets received some measure of revenge in opposition to Broncos head coach Sean Payton, who belittled Hackett within the offseason. The entire thing was proof that New York will give you something to discover a purpose to smile. A purpose to frown? First-round decide Will McDonald (No. 15) has performed fewer than 15 p.c of the snaps on the line of defense.
Up subsequent: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
GO DEEPER
The Jets beat the Broncos for Nathaniel Hackett. He can thank Breece Corridor
(Final week: 32)
Thursday: Beat Washington Commanders 40-20
There’s DJ Moore. The broad receiver Chicago received as a part of the package deal for the No. 1 decide that turned Bryce Younger for Carolina had eight catches for 230 yards Thursday in opposition to Washington. He had 300 within the first 4 video games of the season. Not coincidentally, Justin Fields had 4 landing passes and a 125.3 passer ranking. The 2 greatest single-game passer rankings of Fields’ profession have come within the final two weeks. Rookie first-round offensive deal with Darnell Wright has performed each snap and confirmed some promise.
Up subsequent: vs. Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
(Final week: 21)
Thursday: Misplaced to Chicago Bears 40-20
With the season beginning to go south, new Washington proprietor Josh Harris certainly is beginning to consider cleansing home within the Commanders soccer workplaces. Coach Ron Rivera entered the season on shaky floor, and the 2023 draft class isn’t doing normal supervisor Martin Mayhew any favors. First-round cornerback Emmanuel Forbes was benched Thursday evening after being torched by DJ Moore, and nobody else within the class has made a lot influence.
Up subsequent: at Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m.
(Final week: 29)
Sunday: Misplaced to Miami Dolphins 31-16
The Giants misplaced once more, however when you’re in search of a vivid spot, a minimum of they’re remembering that Darren Waller is on the staff. The tight finish signed a three-year, $51 million deal within the offseason however has been conspicuously absent from the passing recreation at occasions. Sunday, he had a season-high eight catches for 86 yards, and he’s now the one Big with greater than 200 scrimmage yards this season (23 catches, 239 yards).
Up subsequent: at Buffalo Payments, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
(Final week: 27)
Sunday: Misplaced to New Orleans Saints 34-0
It’s not New England’s fault that Christian Gonzalez received damage. The No. 17 decide at cornerback was the actual deal earlier than his shoulder damage. The remainder of this mess is the Patriots’ fault. New England’s minus-76 level differential is the second worst within the league, and speak of Invoice Belichick being pushed out the door all of the sudden doesn’t appear loopy.
Up subsequent: at Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
(Final week: 31)
Sunday: Misplaced to New York Jets 31-21
The Broncos used their first decide of the 2023 draft on Oklahoma broad receiver Marvin Mims (No. 63), so why aren’t they utilizing him extra? Mims, who had one catch for 4 yards on Sunday, is enjoying solely about one-third of the offensive snaps, however he’s second within the NFL in yards per goal (20.5), in line with TruMedia. Perhaps he ought to have greater than 12 targets this season?
Up subsequent: at Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET
(Final week: 30)
Sunday: Misplaced to Detroit Lions 42-20
It’s not truthful to be nervous about Bryce Younger’s long-term future, however right here we’re. Younger is final amongst qualifying quarterbacks in yards per try (5.2) and has virtually as many interceptions (4) as touchdowns (5). His passer ranking (77) ranks twenty ninth within the league, and the Panthers look headed for the worst file within the NFL. The issue is that they despatched subsequent yr’s first-round decide to Chicago as a part of the commerce that allowed them to draft Younger.
Up subsequent: at Miami Dolphins, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
(Prime photograph of Lions tight finish Sam LaPorta: Rey Del Rio / Getty Pictures)
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