NFL Week 5 latest buzz, questions, news and fantasy tips

We’re a month into the NFL season, and insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano have been making calls to sources across the league for the most recent information and buzz on key conditions heading into October play.

One of many greatest storylines of the week is what is going on on with the Ravens and their 1-3 begin. Jeremy and Dan have intel on the feelings in Baltimore and the way a lot panic the Ravens are feeling. They’re additionally diving in on the Titans’ 0-4 begin and long-term ramifications of it, together with what they’re listening to on the quarterback entrance because the Nov. 4 NFL commerce deadline approaches.

That is not all, as Jeremy and Dan will even be inspecting rookies who’ve earned themselves extra enjoying time. It is all right here, as our reporters reply huge questions and empty their notebooks heading into Week 5.

Soar to:
Potential Titans changes | Ravens’ panic meter
Rookies making a move | Will a QB be traded?
More notes on Week 5

What are you listening to on the Titans’ 0-4 begin and potential modifications they may make — now or within the offseason?

Fowler: There may be average concern among the many teaching employees that the entrance workplace and possession won’t be as affected person as they initially believed, which may result in change sooner fairly than later. The proverbial “vibes” merely should not good proper now. The entrance workplace entered the season with optimism about head coach Brian Callahan, who was a sizzling title on the teaching circuit in 2024. And although it would not set a win-loss purpose in regard to his tenure, Titans brass wished to see a crew that is enhancing. That is hardly the case in Tennessee, the place a minus-69 level differential via 4 video games is by far the worst within the league (subsequent closest is New Orleans at minus-55).

The general lack of movement from week to week is simply intensifying the discomfort. Callahan relinquishing playcalling duties to assistant Bo Hardegree per week in the past may purchase the employees somewhat time, however firing him per week after such a change could be counterproductive. The Titans’ bye is Week 10, which feels essential. However the expectation amongst some across the league I’ve talked to is that the temperature is rising, particularly with proprietor Amy Adams Strunk’s willingness to make drastic modifications lately.

Graziano: It is one factor to begin 0-4 with a rookie quarterback, however it’s one other to be as noncompetitive because the Titans have been. They’d a second-half lead in opposition to the Broncos in Week 1, however issues appear to have gotten progressively worse every week since. Sunday’s loss to Houston was a whole no-show, and to get shut out the week after making an offensive playcaller change would not say a lot about their probabilities to repair this factor on the fly.

Callahan was Tennessee’s best choice as head coach following the 2023 season, and the franchise entered this season with the idea that he was the man to shepherd Ward’s transition into the league. However there have been pink flags, together with some recreation administration conditions and a few postgame information conferences wherein Callahan seemed unaware of among the guidelines governing replay challenges, and many others. If the Titans can win a few video games, I am certain that may purchase him time, however that is a giant if proper now, and Callahan hasn’t helped himself with a few of his gaffes.

I’ll say, from speaking to individuals who observe these conditions within the league, that there is perception that this will likely be a fascinating job if and when it comes open. Younger, promising QB, new stadium on the horizon, and many others. You agree?

Fowler: Agreed. This generally is a good job, Dan. Cam Ward has severe potential however wants an infusion of pass-catching expertise round him. A number of drafts can repair that. The offensive line hasn’t come collectively regardless of important investments. However offensive sort out JC Latham (presently injured) and guard Peter Skoronski are gamers to construct on. The protection has held up at instances.

President of soccer operations Chad Brinker and common supervisor Mike Borgonzi come from well-established, methodical personnel timber — the Packers and Chiefs, respectively. That ought to result in build-through-the-draft endurance … which I as soon as thought would assist Callahan’s case, however now I am not so certain. As you talked about, recreation administration points in a number of video games this season haven’t helped his trigger. That is such a precedence for groups now.

Graziano: Yeah, that is one other factor to look at, as a result of Borgonzi and Brinker weren’t actually of their present roles when the group employed Callahan. (Perhaps Brinker was, however he did not have as a lot clearly delineated energy on the time.) It is by no means a snug feeling working for individuals who didn’t hire you. And your level concerning the offensive line is a crucial one, as a result of the offensive line coach is Callahan’s father, Invoice Callahan, who’s thought-about the most effective to ever do this job. I imagine Invoice would not stick round if Brian acquired fired, so that you’re speaking about main change in crucial areas. I’d look silly in a few weeks (or days, who is aware of?), but when I am making a prediction, I lean towards the Titans giving Callahan the remainder of the 12 months earlier than making a call.

Fee the extent of panic within the Ravens’ constructing on a scale of 1-10

Graziano: I say 5, however it’s essential to notice that that is a actually excessive quantity in Baltimore, the place there’s sometimes not a lot panic in any respect. This protection has had no solutions for anybody however the Browns, and with Nnamdi Madubuike out for the season and a ton of different accidents (Nate Wiggins, Roquan Smith, Ar’Darius Washington, the record goes on and on) on that aspect of the ball, the place are the solutions going to return from? Add Lamar Jackson‘s hamstring injury, and now you will have a possible for catastrophe.

If Jackson misses important time, this season may go downhill rapidly. Cooper Rush is the backup, and clearly the offense will look lots totally different when he begins than it does when Jackson begins. The operating recreation hasn’t achieved something for the reason that season opener in opposition to Buffalo. There are a lot of issues for a crew that was a well-liked preseason Tremendous Bowl choose.

I’m guessing the panic meter concerning the Ravens exterior the constructing — amongst followers and people of us who analyze objectively — is nearer to 10 proper now. However the Ravens rely on the energy and steadiness of coach John Harbaugh, common supervisor Eric DeCosta and their inside management construction to unravel issues and get them via robust instances. You possibly can guess they’re scouring for solutions, internally and externally.

Fowler: I will go 6. It is value remembering in instances like this that Jackson has a .717 profession profitable share as a starter. That is a Tom Brady-like determine. Assuming Jackson doesn’t miss important time, the Ravens have a path to a backdoor playoff spot.

All three losses are to elite groups with championship hopes. It is not just like the Ravens are blowing results in winless groups. The offense continues to be looking for its rhythm with personnel groupings — when to play huge individuals for the run recreation (equivalent to two or three tight ends) vs. enjoying via receivers and the passing recreation extra typically. There’s sufficient expertise on offense to make it work regardless. However this protection is galaxies away from the once-proud unit that charged Tremendous Bowl runs. It is presently serving as a confidence builder for struggling offenses to get proper. And dropping Madubuike for the 12 months is a crushing blow. That is a premier participant on a defensive entrance that is struggling to generate a move rush.

Graziano: Such as you, I additionally have a look at who their losses are in opposition to. The Payments, Lions and Chiefs are among the many greatest groups within the league, certain, however the Ravens have been presupposed to be, too. And within the case of Buffalo and Kansas Metropolis, these are losses that might actually come again to chunk the Ravens late within the season after we’re finding out playoff seeding and tiebreakers. At 1-3, Baltimore might be hoping it has that drawback, however assuming the Ravens come again from this and make the run all of us anticipated, these early-season losses may put them behind the eight ball come playoff seeding time. Sunday’s recreation against the Texans is one other that might probably have implications for tiebreakers and seeding if the Ravens play their manner again into rivalry.

After I was at their training camp, I used to be speaking to Harbaugh concerning the coming season and he was stressing how essential it was to get off to a quick begin — how they began 0-2 final season and ended up having to play a playoff recreation in Buffalo in January as a substitute of enjoying the Payments at residence. I am certain Harbaugh is as perplexed as the remainder of us are about why September went so poorly.

Fowler: The Ravens’ schedule will ease up. Solely one among their subsequent seven opponents (Rams, Week 6) has a profitable report. The AFC North is winnable. But it surely seems they’re going to need to win shootouts. On protection, the Ravens want extra from move rusher Odafe Oweh, a former first-round choose, and nook Jaire Alexander, who hasn’t performed since Week 1. In any other case, my preseason Tremendous Bowl choose appears bleak.

Harbaugh made an unconventional defensive coordinator hire in Zach Orr, a former Ravens linebacker who rapidly labored his manner up the ranks, in February 2024 to interchange Mike Macdonald. Orr was in a position to assist regular a struggling Ravens protection late final season, however that is two consecutive years of suboptimal outcomes for lengthy stretches.

Which rookie has made a case for extra enjoying time after a powerful begin?

Fowler: He is already getting extra time, however Giants operating again Cam Skattebo is proving a succesful choice out of the backfield with Tyrone Tracy Jr. sidelined by injury. Skattebo’s latest impression has been plain. His capability to knife via tackles and create extra yards will likely be essential for a streaky (that is placing it properly) New York passing offense. He averaged practically six yards per contact so far.

One other rising offensive choice is Seahawks receiver Tory Horton, who’s taking advantage of his restricted position. He is averaging slightly below 27 snaps however has six catches on 10 targets for 74 yards and two touchdowns, together with a formidable over-the-shoulder seize ultimately zone in Week 3. Whereas Cooper Kupp appears entrenched as Seattle’s WR2, Horton is giving the Seahawks one thing to consider after producing three whole touchdowns (together with a 95-yard kickoff return). Appears like GM John Schneider acquired a fifth-round gem.

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Graziano: Woody Marks appears like a extra thrilling operating again than Nick Chubb in Houston, the place the Texans are searching for any reply they will discover on offense. Would not be shocked to see Marks get somewhat extra run. Chiefs rookie operating again Brashard Smith has seen extra involvement within the offense in latest weeks and I am instructed to count on that to proceed.

And my man Harold Fannin Jr., who we identified in Week 1 as a rookie to look at, has labored his manner into the move catcher rotation in Cleveland even with David Njoku forward of him on the Browns’ tight finish depth chart. The Browns love utilizing Fannin in a whole lot of totally different roles, and I believe that utilization will solely develop.

Fowler: Cleveland is de facto enthusiastic about Fannin’s future — and that of operating again Quinshon Judkins and extensive receiver Isaiah Bond. On protection, Carolina edge rusher Nic Scourton has made a fast impression. The Panthers wished to make the most of extra younger gamers on protection after a sluggish begin, and Scourton, a second-round choose in April, has performed 100 snaps over the previous two weeks, producing a move deflection and several other quarterback pressures. He has a excessive motor, performs with energy and has a nifty spin transfer in his arsenal. The youth motion is on for Carolina, which can be giving third-round edge rusher Princely Umanmielen prolonged snaps.

Graziano: Edge rusher Ashton Gillotte is a participant who actually excites the Chiefs. He acquired his hand on a subject purpose try within the Week 3 victory over the Giants and has seen his snap rely rise every week because the crew continues to belief him extra. I’d not be shocked to see Kansas Metropolis proceed to make use of Gillotte extra because the season goes on as they rely increasingly on their protection whereas the offense will get its act collectively.

True or false: A quarterback will likely be traded earlier than the deadline.

Graziano: True. Now, it might be somebody equivalent to Carson Wentz or Kenny Pickett, which would not precisely make headlines, however I believe you are asking if it might be somebody equivalent to Kirk Cousins or Russell Wilson or one of many Cleveland rookies (Dillon Gabriel was named the Browns starter Wednesday morning). Something’s attainable. It would not really feel like Wilson has an actual position in New York, the place rookie Jaxson Dart is now the starter and Jameis Winston is signed through 2026 to be his backup. Wilson’s commerce worth can be doubtless very low proper now, so the Giants may wait till somebody will get determined to ship him out.

Cousins’ scenario in Atlanta, because the veteran backup behind Michael Penix Jr., is one we have regularly mentioned. He may get dealt, however Atlanta is not desperate to deal him and continues to be asking for a comparatively excessive worth. The Falcons imagine he has worth as a dependable backup in case one thing ought to occur to Penix. And having been on the sideline for Sunday’s game in opposition to Washington, I can inform you Cousins is without doubt one of the outstanding voices in Penix’s ear between possessions. He is been useful in Penix’s improvement and, together with offensive coordinator Zac Robinson and quarterbacks coach D.J. Williams, is a useful additional set of eyes and ears that advantages Penix.

Fowler: Man, Pickett getting dealt for the third time in a calendar 12 months could be robust on his actual property portfolio. Do I imagine a quarterback will likely be traded? Sure, so my reply is true. A quarterback with a marquee title, I am not so certain. Wilson could be probably the most wise candidate. Cleveland had some degree of curiosity in Wilson earlier than he signed with the Giants, and his $2 million base wage makes him very tradable.

But it surely’s unsure the place Cleveland will likely be from a roster-building standpoint three or 4 weeks from now. Wilson could be a low-cost play if the Browns aren’t glad with Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders. And Cleveland explored the Cousins scenario earlier than in the end signing Joe Flacco, trading for Pickett and drafting two passers.

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Rex Ryan needs Shedeur to begin for the Browns

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Outdoors of that, there’s not a clear-cut want for groups, barring damage. One intriguing choice is Anthony Richardson Sr., who’s caught behind Daniel Jones in Indianapolis. My sense is Richardson could be open to becoming a member of a premier playcaller equivalent to Sean McVay as a developmental participant so he can reset for 2026.

Graziano: Richardson is an fascinating one. I keep in mind a few groups questioning whether or not Indy could be open to shifting him throughout free company. Thus far, they’ve insisted they aren’t, however you are proper. If Jones retains enjoying nicely and leads them to their first division title in additional than a decade, who’s to say the Colts do not resolve he is their future at quarterback and signal him to an extension?

Basically, buying a beginning QB on the commerce deadline is hard, as a result of generally it is a man who should study a brand new offense on the fly. By the point he is in control, it might be too late for him to save lots of the season. That is why somebody like Richardson, whom groups may view for improvement in the long run, makes extra sense. However there are conditions that come up the place a crew with excessive hopes finds itself with a sudden want and may be prepared to take the dangers concerned with bringing in somebody from exterior its system, proper?

Fowler: That query jogs my memory that quarterback wants can change in a rush — particularly after what the Bengals simply confirmed Monday night. Obtained to marvel if Cincinnati evaluates quarterback choices if the downward spiral deepens. After Monday evening’s lifeless outing, Cincinnati now has gained fewer than 200 offensive yards in three of its first 4 video games. The final crew to do this was the 2009 Raiders, who rolled out a mixture of JaMarcus Russell, Bruce Gradkowski and Charlie Frye at quarterback.

The Bengals nonetheless imagine in Jake Browning, who was removed from the one offender in Denver on Monday, however Cincinnati has an excessive amount of talent place expertise to just accept the established order. Sooner or later, it may need reinforcements on the recreation’s most essential place. It may be value calling recently retired Derek Carr to examine on how his shoulder damage is therapeutic.

What else are you listening to this week?

Graziano’s notes:

• Tyreek Hill‘s contract with the Dolphins is structured in a manner that he may really profit from being launched earlier than the tip of the season. I used to be his contract to get a way of his future with Miami now that his season has ended because of the gruesome knee injury he sustained Monday evening against the Jets. Hill is owed $36 million for 2026, none of which is assured, even in opposition to damage. If Hill continues to be on the roster as of 4 p.m. ET on the third day of the 2026 league 12 months (March 13, 2026), then $11 million of his 2026 wage turns into totally assured and his $5 million roster bonus vests. So odds are that the Dolphins would launch Hill previous to March 13 to keep away from owing him $16 million subsequent 12 months, until the 2 sides agree to transform the contract earlier than then.

Hill’s 2025 compensation — mixed wage and bonuses — involves $25.85 million, and all of that’s assured; he’ll get each penny of it. However Hill’s 2025 contract additionally consists of $1.8 million in per-game energetic roster bonuses — $105,882.36 for every recreation for which he is a member of the 48-man energetic roster. That cash is conditionally assured, which means if the crew releases him, he’d get the total $1.8 million. However the way in which the conditional assure works is that if he is on the 53-man roster however not energetic on recreation day, he doesn’t get the $105,882.36 for that week.

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Orlvosky: Tyreek Hill’s damage was robust to look at

Dan Orlovsky explains what he was feeling after Tyreek Hill’s season-ending damage throughout “Monday Evening Soccer.”

The Dolphins have performed 4 video games, and Hill was energetic for all 4, so he has already pocketed $423,529.44. If the Dolphins have been to chop him this week, he’d get the remaining $1,376,470.56. But when they hold him on the roster the remainder of the season and he is not energetic on recreation days, he will not get any of that $1,376,470.56. In order bizarre because it sounds, Hill would earn more money if the Dolphins launch him earlier than the tip of the season than he would in the event that they waited till March to chop him.

• Having coated Washington’s game in Atlanta this previous Sunday and speaking to Commanders individuals, I got here away believing quarterback Jayden Daniels has a good probability to be activated and play this week in Los Angeles against the Chargers. Daniels (knee) was a restricted follow participant final week after not practising in any respect the week earlier than, and from what I used to be instructed, he was near being cleared to play in Atlanta. The crew medical doctors selected Friday it was greatest to carry him out. Keep watch over whether or not he logs any full practices this week, which might be a powerful indication he is good to go Sunday. Large receiver Terry McLaurin seemed like he may need one other week or two to heal from his quad injury, however the Commanders will know extra because the follow week goes alongside.

• With McLaurin out, the Commanders leaned closely on Deebo Samuel in Week 4, which isn’t surprising. What may need been a shock, although, was the extent to which they used Samuel as an out of doors receiver, as a substitute of simply within the slot or within the backfield the way in which they normally do. What makes them extra comfy doing that’s what they’ve seen from fourth-round rookie extensive receiver Jaylin Lane within the slot. So Washington used him there a bit and moved Samuel round greater than common. As soon as McLaurin and Noah Brown (groin) are again, I might count on Samuel’s utilization to revert to the unique plan.

• Another Commanders be aware, for you fantasy managers questioning concerning the operating backs: They’re very pleased in the mean time utilizing a committee with Chris Rodriguez Jr., Jeremy McNichols and rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt. However they do view Croskey-Merrit as probably the most succesful one of many three to emerge as an all-around risk out of the backfield. And as he positive aspects extra expertise, I’d count on his position to extend. In case you have him in your fantasy roster, I might maintain on, as a result of there’s an opportunity he might be the lead again there over the second half of the season.

• I requested some Chiefs individuals about the way in which the offense appeared with Xavier Worthy again from his shoulder injury. One response I acquired: “That is the way in which it was presupposed to look in Brazil earlier than play 3 lol.”

It was the third play within the season opener against the Chargers in Brazil on which Worthy collided with Travis Kelce and dislocated his shoulder, and a Chiefs offense that had practiced all offseason with Worthy and the suspended Rashee Rice as its high two extensive receivers appeared misplaced for the remainder of that recreation and in Weeks 2 and three whereas Worthy sat out to heal. With Worthy again, the offense sprang to life (in opposition to an admittedly undermanned Ravens defense), and Kansas Metropolis’s expectation is that it’s going to get even higher in Week 7 when Rice returns from his six-game private conduct coverage suspension.

• The Browns debated whether or not to switch from Joe Flacco to Dillon Gabriel this week, partially as a result of it is an odd week with the sport against the Vikings in London. However they in the end determined to make the transfer. You may keep in mind after all that the Browns even have fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders and may need to get a have a look at him in a beginning position earlier than the tip of the season, too. With Gabriel as the subsequent man up, it will be fascinating to see in the event that they elevate Sanders to the No. 2 spot (he has been the inactive/emergency third QB on recreation days to date) or in the event that they maintain onto Flacco as the sport day backup. That’ll inform us lots about the place Cleveland thinks Sanders is in his improvement and what his chances are high of seeing some begins this season. For now, Sanders stays the No. 3 behind Gabriel and Flacco.

• The Falcons go into their bye feeling worlds higher about their offense than they did per week in the past. They lost 30-0 to Carolina in Week 3, then dropped 34 factors and 435 yards of offense on the Commanders in Sunday’s 34-27 home win. That represented quarterback Michael Penix Jr.’s profession excessive in passing yards (313) and operating again Bijan Robinson‘s profession excessive in scrimmage yards (181). The morning of the sport, I noticed Falcons QBs coach D.J. Williams on the sector and requested how Penix was doing after the shutout. “He is nice,” Williams instructed me. “He is nice. He would not journey the wave, the highs and lows. That is one of many issues we love about him.”

The Falcons by no means thought-about sitting Penix down for Kirk Cousins, as dangerous as issues appeared in Weeks 2 and three. Falcons coach Raheem Morris stated after the Week 4 recreation that the way in which Penix confirmed up on the facility final Monday — targeted and decided to make up for the Week 3 efficiency — left little question in Morris’ thoughts that Penix may and would deal with this. And his teammates felt the identical manner. “Mike’s implausible, and also you see it within the chief he has proven himself to be and the competitor that he’s,” Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom instructed me. “There’s nothing however one hundred pc love and confidence in Mike right here.”

• The Steelers are 3-1 and out in entrance in an AFC North whose different three groups are having all types of issues. They squeaked out wins in Week 1 and Week 3 with some severe turnover assist from the Jets and Patriots, respectively, however the offense racked up a season-high 313 yards in Week 4 (after averaging 247 in its first three video games). That unit is exhibiting regular enchancment round veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Steelers knew coming into the season that the offense could be a piece in progress, however they’re pleased with the way in which their younger O-line is constructing confidence week by week, and so they’ll proceed to maneuver No. 1 extensive receiver DK Metcalf across the formation to maximise his playmaking capability.

Beginning operating again Jaylen Warren was a shock inactive Sunday morning attributable to a knee damage that simply did not really feel fairly proper in pregame warmups. However they’re hopeful he’ll be nice in Week 6 after the bye. Within the meantime, they acquired to deploy Kenneth Gainwell, who has been impressing them for the reason that spring together with his capability to contribute in a number of methods. The crew additionally believes rookie Kaleb Johnson will contribute earlier than season’s finish, however as of now, they’re nice if the backfield is led by Warren (when wholesome) and Gainwell.

Fowler’s notes:

• Regardless of a 4-0 begin, the Eagles are pressured to reply for a cryptic tweet from receiver A.J. Brown, which brings their Thirty first-ranked passing offense into focus. First, to get this out of the way in which: Brown’s contract comes with a lifeless cap hit of practically $90 million. That is robust to commerce, even for an aggressive entrance workplace equivalent to Philadelphia — although not inconceivable if designated as a post-June 1 commerce. Some execs I spoke to this week do not count on Philadelphia to commerce Brown in-season however stated that it might be one thing to entertain within the offseason. It is type of the worst-kept secret contained in the league that Brown’s love-hate relationship with Philly’s passing recreation bubbles to the floor sometimes. He is a real competitor and desires to be nice. With that comes emotion and inevitable frustration.

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Philly may lean on an elite offensive line to hold the load within the run recreation. This unit is not as dominant with Landon Dickerson enjoying hurt and Tyler Steen changing Mekhi Becton, who acquired extra constant push up entrance final season. The impression I’ve gotten from speaking to a number of NFL coaches who know Philadelphia nicely is that groups are forcing Jalen Hurts to throw in opposition to zone-heavy protection. Attacking a zone window isn’t thought-about a powerful level for Hurts, who struggles at instances focusing on the center of the sector. Dallas performed practically 90% zone protection in Week 1, and Tampa Bay utilized zone 54.8% of the time on Sunday. Hurts struggled in each video games.

Add within the lack of a Hurts-Brown deep-ball connection via 4 video games, and Brown’s feelings seem like boiling over. So the core problem appears to be the truth and limitations of the passing assault as a complete. Perhaps just a few early-game connections this Sunday against Denver will assuage issues. In any case, Brown is a top-five receiver who ranked exterior the highest 40 in targets final season and nonetheless managed a 1,000-yard season. That will likely be infinitely tougher this 12 months.

• The Ravens will likely be cautious with Lamar Jackson, realizing it’s totally tough for an explosive runner to play via a hamstring injury with out correct therapeutic. As one crew supply put it, “The kind of participant that he’s and the quantity of operating that he does says that he’ll most likely need to really feel actually good earlier than he returns.” The sentiment I am listening to out of Baltimore is the Ravens will see how Jackson responds throughout the week earlier than making any sweeping determinations about his damage outlook. However enjoying this week would not appear like the most secure guess. The Ravens have a Week 7 bye, so if Jackson is not at full energy over the subsequent few weeks, maybe Baltimore holds him out till Week 8. The sport plan modifications with Cooper Rush, who isn’t as cellular (nobody is, to be honest).

• Mobility and decision-making are the first causes that the Browns named Gabriel the starter for Week 5 and despatched Flacco to the bench. The Browns like how Gabriel operates Kevin Stefanski’s play-action-heavy offense. And so they have had issues with the offensive line attributable to accidents. Gabriel’s capability to maneuver higher than Flacco will assist. The Browns have a stout protection and must restrict turnovers offensively, which Flacco (six interceptions) struggled to do. However his receivers did not assist him a lot, both, so Gabriel will not be strolling into an ideal scenario. Cleveland is de facto excessive on rookie playmakers Quinshon Judkins, Harold Fannin Jr. and Isaiah Bond. This can be a probability for the rookies to coalesce collectively on offense.

• The desk is ready for Carson Wentz to get a 3rd consecutive begin for Minnesota. J.J. McCarthy is recovering from an ankle injury, and with Minnesota within the second leg of a two-week European swing, the Vikings may use the Week 6 bye to let McCarthy reacclimate and put together for Philadelphia in Week 7. Let’s examine what the damage report brings — maybe McCarthy’s damage improves rapidly this week. However that is my early learn on the scenario.

• As for Daniels in Washington, he is getting nearer, as Dan talked about. I used to be instructed that if all goes nicely in follow, he needs to be in an excellent place to play Sunday vs. the Chargers. He has been progressing properly and pushed to play final week, however medical doctors did not clear him.

• Romeo Doubs has emerged because the Packers’ No. 1 receiving choice in a contract 12 months. The commerce rumors surrounding Doubs, who has 4 touchdowns via 4 video games, by no means made a lot sense. That dialog was comprehensible final season, when the crew suspended Doubs for one recreation for lacking practices for private causes. However the Packers have proven little interest in buying and selling him, and my sense is that they have extra curiosity in probably extending him.

The perimeters have had cursory talks, preserving in touch concerning the future. Doubs staying in Inexperienced Bay past 2025 is not less than a risk. However getting a discount deal for an rising receiver with no 1,000-yard season — suppose Buffalo’s four-year, $53-million pact with Khalil Shakir — is getting more and more tougher. Doubs is constructing a case because the No. 1 free agent choice. Mike Evans, Jakobi Meyers and Jauan Jennings are within the class however aren’t getting into their second contract like Doubs, who’s 25. Youth at all times pays. Indianapolis’ Alec Pierce will even be within the free agent combine as a potent vertical risk.

• Travon Walker‘s presence looms giant for Jacksonville’s assembly with the Chiefs. He noticed a specialist this week over his wrist damage suffered Sunday. I am instructed Walker’s damage will not be season-ending, however it may jeopardize his standing Monday in what’s immediately a marquee showdown for groups coming off back-to-back wins.

• The league will likely be reviewing Houston linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair‘s hit on Cam Ward on Sunday for a possible nice or self-discipline. Al-Shaair is a repeat offender, however this feels extra like an occasion worthy of a nice than a suspension.

• Fairly unbelievable stat on Puka Nacua, through ESPN Analysis: He is the primary NFL participant to report not less than 500 receiving yards in his first 4 video games in two totally different seasons. Nacua did so in 2023 (501) and this 12 months (503). The Rams are thrilled with how the presence of Davante Adams because the prototypical X receiver has opened issues up for the remainder of the offense, Nacua included.

• After I requested concerning the Giants making a transfer so as to add a receiver through commerce or free company, the response I acquired was, “There are not any replacements for Malik Nabers. You possibly can’t exchange that man.” Very true. So the Giants appear inclined to roll with what they’ve at this level.