NFL Week 3 matchups: An insiders' guide

SUNDAY

Cincinnati at Buffalo, 1 p.m. ET

Inside Bengals numbers: Running back Joe Mixon is off to an extremely rough start, forcing only one missed tackle across 22 touches. He has averaged only two yards per touch and posted 44 yards from scrimmage. The Bills may be a good matchup for Mixon. Although Buffalo’s defense is excellent in most categories, it has missed 19 tackles so far, the league’s fifth-worst tackling grade by PFF.

Inside Bengals roster: Last season, Cincinnati finished 28th in defensive DVOA. The organization brought in no new starters, and its defense ranks 30th in this metric after two weeks. (DVOA is a stat from Football Outsiders that adjusts production for factors such as score, time, down and distance, in order to capture the true value of each play.) This latest quiet Bengals offseason could produce the franchise’s worst team since before Marvin Lewis’ 2003 arrival. Playing without their top two running backs, the 49ers amassed 572 yards in Week 2 in Cincinnati –- the fifth-highest game total yielded in the Bengals’ 52-season history. 

Inside Bills numbers: Buffalo’s rushing attack against Cincinnati’s run defense is one of the biggest mismatches of the week. The Bengals have allowed the third-most rushing yards in the league (335) and the fourth-most rushing touchdowns (3). The Bills rank ninth in rushing yards (279) and first in rushing touchdowns (4).

Inside Bills roster: Buffalo has reassembled its rushing attack smartly, replacing LeSean McCoy’s $8 million-per-year contract with Devin Singletary’s rookie deal and Frank Gore’s $2M agreement. Gore again proved his value, with the 15th-year running back bouncing back for 75 yards and a touchdown in Week 2. The 36-year-old running back is venturing further into rarefied air, as only two backs (Marcus Allen twice and John Riggins) have surpassed 300 rushing yards after their 36th birthdays.

Miami at Dallas, 1 p.m. ET

Inside Dolphins numbers: Miami’s minus-92 point differential is tied for the worst mark through two weeks in the Super Bowl era. The Dolphins, who lost at home in Weeks 1 and 2, are traditionally a good home team. Since 2016, they rank 13^th in home win percentage (.615) and 27^th in road win percentage (.292). Another blowout could be on the horizon as Miami makes a time zone-crossing road trip to Dallas.

Inside Dolphins roster tank update: With Minkah Fitzpatrick now a Steeler, the Dolphins are nearly out of players who would fetch relevant draft capital. Pittsburgh giving up what may end up as an early first-round pick in 2020 shows the kind of talent Miami lost in its secondary. The Dolphins’ secondary featuring Fitzpatrick and Xavien Howard profiled as this team’s best facet; it helped hold the Patriots to 13 first-half points in Week 2. While the Dolphins unquestionably received good value in trading the disgruntled defensive back, the team is now much worse.

Inside Cowboys numbers: Dak Prescott has looked like his rookie year self through two games. He ranks second in the league in passer rating (142.9), behind only Lamar Jackson. This week's foe has allowed a league-worst 155.9 passer rating.

Inside Cowboys roster: September could not be going much better for the Cowboys. But 2017 first-round pick Taco Charlton has been a healthy scratch twice, on a defensive line that was not yet at full strength. Charlton has asked to be released. The Cowboys have constructed a steady run of first-round success this decade, drafting Dez Bryant, Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, Zack Martin, Byron Jones, Ezekiel Elliott and Leighton Vander Esch. With Charlton’s trade value plummeting, it appears Dallas may have to begrudgingly stick with the player it chose over T.J. Watt and perhaps accept a rare Day 1 draft defeat.

Denver at Green Bay, 1 p.m. ET

Inside Broncos numbers: Denver has allowed the ninth-most rushing yards in the league (251) and the fourth-most rushing touchdowns (3). Luckily, its run defense draws a favorable matchup against Green Bay. The Packers have only scored one rushing touchdown, and their average of 3.5 yards per carry is the league’s seventh-worst mark.

Inside Broncos roster: The NFL’s leader in holds in the 2017-18 seasons is way ahead of his pace. Left tackle Garett Bolles has been whistled for five holding infractions in two games, giving the 2017 first-rounder 16 such penalties in his career. The Broncos have no choice but to keep playing him. Right tackle Ja’Wuan James remains out, keeping swing backup Elijah Wilkinson in that spot. Bolles staying on bust trajectory will make the Broncos’ already shaky 2017 draft look worse.

Inside Packers numbers: Matt LaFleur got his first win last week, but his offense is still trying to hit its stride. The Packers rank 26^th in scoring with an average of 15.5 points per game. 

Inside Packers roster: When the Packers removed Mike Daniels’ $10.5 million-per-year contract from their books during the summer, Kenny Clark became their unquestioned defensive line cornerstone. Advanced metrics have graded Clark well since his second season (2017); in Week 2, he dropped Kirk Cousins for a sack-fumble. Green Bay has built around homegrown players for years, but second-year GM Brian Gutekunst has spent top-market money on front-seven pieces Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith in free agency. With Clark perhaps set to command a Fletcher Cox- or Grady Jarrett-level contract (north of $17M average adjust value), will the Packers be able to afford him?

Atlanta at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. ET

Inside Falcons numbers: Atlanta is one of seven teams to not score a touchdown on the ground, and its total of 130 rushing yards is fifth worst in the league. The Falcons' average of 3.8 yards per carry is 11^th worst. Indy is a favorable matchup for Devonta Freeman to get things going –- the Colts have allowed 5.5 yards per carry, sixth worst in football.

Inside Falcons roster: With Drew Brees out for several weeks and Cam Newton battling injuries too, the scope of the NFC South has changed significantly. The Falcons did not receive much hype going into this season, despite 13 starters still in place from their Super Bowl LI season. In extending defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, middle linebacker Deion Jones and future Hall of Famer Julio Jones this offseason, Atlanta clearly sees this nucleus’ championship window remaining open. Although the Falcons have looked choppy early, their reloaded roster enters Week 3 as the division’s most complete.

Inside Colts numbers: Indy’s elite offensive line versus Atlanta’s thriving front seven should be a highly entertaining battle. The Colts have received PFF’s third-best run blocking grade and 10^th-best pass blocking grade. The Falcons' defense has allowed 3.7 yards per carry, eighth best in the NFL, and has the league’s fourth-best pass rushing grade thanks to its whopping total of 30 pressures.

Inside Colts roster: Connected to big-name running backs in recent years, the Colts have instead helped their post-Andrew Luck offense thrive with rookie-deal runners. Indianapolis’ 370 rushing yards are third most in the 66-year-old franchise’s history through two games. The Colts' backfield trio of Marlon Mack (No. 3 in NFL rushing with 225 yards), Jordan Wilkins and Nyheim Hines combine for a cap hit of $2.1M. With each lower-profile back under contract through at least 2020, don’t look for the Colts to consider a big outside backfield investment any time soon.

Baltimore at Kansas City, 1 p.m. ET

Inside Ravens numbers: Lamar Jackson is off to a hot start , but both games were against two of the worst teams in the NFL (Miami, Arizona). He will be challenged in Week 3 in one of the league’s toughest road environments. Since 2015, the Chiefs have allowed 532 points and a 73.5 passer rating at Arrowhead Stadium, each the best home mark in the league over that span.

Inside Ravens roster: Since Terrell Suggs’ 2014 extension, the Ravens have made a near-annual tradition of letting free-agent edge defenders walk and collecting compensatory picks. Paul Kruger, Pernell McPhee, Za’Darius Smith and finally Suggs have left in free agency. The Ravens have the makings of another contract-year sensation in Matt Judon, who has two sacks and five quarterback hits after slow starts in recent years. The fourth-year linebacker registered five hits on Patrick Mahomes last season. Sunday marks another chance for him to raise his profile for a seemingly inevitable free-agency trip.

Inside Chiefs numbers: Kansas City's run defense faces a significant challenge in the Ravens' run-heavy attack. The Chiefs have allowed a whopping 6.0 yards per carry this season, second worst in the NFL. Baltimore’s run game is dominant, leading the league with 79 rushing attempts and 447 yards -- 77 yards more than any other team. The Ravens are efficient, too, ranking third with a 5.7 yards-per-carry average.

Inside Chiefs roster: Two upper-echelon defensive backs recently became available. While Pittsburgh nabbed Minkah Fitzpatrick, over a reported Kansas City offer, the Chiefs will still almost certainly investigate a Jalen Ramsey deal. Third-year GM Brett Veach has loaded up his roster with veteran contracts around Patrick Mahomes’ rookie-deal window but left a void at cornerback, despite this position costing the Chiefs in January. Some NFL GMs believe the young executive will be aggressive for Ramsey, with the Patriots still looking like the more well-rounded AFC juggernaut. The Chiefs gave up first- and second-round picks for Frank Clark; will they need to top that for Ramsey?

Oakland at Minnesota, 1 p.m. ET

Inside Raiders numbers: Oakland has played terrifically against the run, significant given the Week 3 opponent. Minnesota ranks fourth in rushing attempts (65), third in yards per carry (5.7), second in rushing yards (370), and first in rushing touchdowns (4). Watch out for Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins against rookie Vikings center Garrett Bradbury. Hankins has defended the run tremendously, racking up seven stops, and Bradbury is one of the league’s lowest-graded run blockers.

Inside Raiders roster: Only two players remain from the Raiders’ Pro Bowler-laden offensive lines of the Jack Del Rio era -– center Rodney Hudson and right guard Gabe Jackson. But Oakland will have probably its best line since that Hudson-Donald Penn-Kelechi Osemele unit soon, with guards Jackson and Richie Incognito on their way back. Incognito will return from suspension in Week 3, and Jackson –- a sixth-year starter and perennially underrated blocker -– is close to returning from a preseason knee injury. Considering Josh Jacobs averaged 5.3 yards per carry behind backup guards, this bodes well for Oakland’s ground game.

Inside Vikings numbers: Kirk Cousins posted a passer rating of 52.9 against Green Bay in Week 2, his worst number as a Viking. Accuracy was an issue, as Cousins completed only 44 percent of his passes. The Raiders could be the perfect opponent. Oakland has allowed a passer rating of 103.6, second worst in the league, under Jon Gruden the past two seasons.

Inside Vikings roster: Minnesota’s roster was one of the league’s most expensive before Cousins’ fully guaranteed contract, and the Vikings have since doled out top-market extensions. Cousins' red-zone struggles continued in Week 2 with a costly interception. He is locked in as the Vikings’ quarterback through the 2020 season. By the time Cousins’ contract expires, many members of Minnesota’s still- strong defense will be in their age-31 or age-32 seasons. It is too early to write off Cousins in Minnesota, but the Vikings must be concerned.

New York at New England, 1 p.m. ET

Inside Jets numbers: Third-string quarterback Luke Falk must continue the efficiency he posted in limited time in Week 2. While much of his production was either yards after the catch or in garbage time, Falk did accumulate 198 yards on 25 passes, a strong rate of 7.9 yards per attempt. It will be difficult to do that on the road. Since 2001, only two rookie quarterbacks have averaged over 8 yards per attempt at Gillette Stadium -– Deshaun Watson and Carson Palmer.

Inside Jets roster: Another of since-fired GM Mike Maccagnan’s high-profile additions has not impressed Adam Gase. The first-year Jets coach benched $14.5 million-per-year earner Trumaine Johnson -– by far the Jets’ most accomplished cornerback -– in Week 3, despite Johnson having recovered from his hamstring injury and being off New York’s injury report. Considering the rest of the Jets’ cornerback contingent, Johnson failing to live up to his contract will make this defense vulnerable. Johnson’s contract, No. 3 among corners, does not become easy to remove from the payroll until 2022.

Inside Patriots numbers: New England has been dominant, blowing out the Steelers and Dolphins. It owns the NFL’s best point differential at plus-73. However, not everything is perfect. Against Miami, kicker Stephen Gostkowski missed a field goal and two extra points. It was only the third time Gostkowski has missed an extra point and a field goal in the same game. The last time was also in Miami.

Inside Patriots roster: New England offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia’s ability to annually produce elite production will be tested. Left tackle Isaiah Wynn is back on injured reserve (foot injury). The Patriots could move fourth-year guard starter Joe Thuney to left tackle or turn to one of their trio of recently acquired tackle options -- Korey Cunningham, Marshall Newhouse and Caleb Benenoch. With right tackle Marcus Cannon having missed Week 2, and center David Andrews out for the season, the Pats will be less equipped to fend off top pass rushes.

Detroit at Philadelphia, 1 p.m. ET

Inside Lions numbers: Through two games, the Lions' special teams are struggling. Matt Prater has missed a field goal and an extra point. Jamal Agnew averages 0.6 yards per punt return and 16 yards per kick return, terrible marks. Philadelphia doesn’t present a great matchup for the return units, as the Eagles rank in the top half of the league in punt and kick return defense.

Inside Lions roster: The Lions loaded up on defensive line contracts in the offseason. They gave Trey Flowers a whopping $50 million in guarantees, extended Damon Harrison and gave Mike Daniels $7.8M. Despite facing two of the NFL’s worst offensive lines (Cardinals and Chargers) , the Lions’ veteran trio has combined for one quarterback hit. 

Inside Eagles numbers: Philadelphia’s run defense has a chance to dominate Detroit’s ground game. The Eagles rank third in fewest rush yards allowed (85) and fifth in fewest yards per carry allowed (2.8), and it has not allowed a touchdown on the ground. Detroit hasn't scored a rushing touchdown, and ranks 25^th in yards per carry (3.5).

Inside the Eagles roster: Lauded for their deep roster, the Eagles must gauge their depth early. Their nightmarish Week 2 game at Atlanta, from a health standpoint, left wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Alshon Jeffery almost certain to miss Week 3 (and perhaps additional time). Nelson Agholor’s name has frequently surfaced in trade rumors, but he will lead a Philadelphia receiving corps that includes rookie J.J. Arcega-Whiteside and the suddenly relevant Mack Hollins, a fourth-round pick who missed last season. Despite two starters being out, a team could do much worse than a wideout trio consisting of first-, second- and fourth-round picks.

Carolina at Arizona, 4:05 p.m. ET

Inside Panthers numbers: Cam Newton’s passing attack is off to an abysmal start. The Panthers and Bears are the only teams that haven't thrown a passing touchdown. Arizona’s secondary, sans suspended Patrick Peterson, is a favorable matchup for Carolina. The Cardinals have allowed five TD passes and don't have an interception.

Inside Panthers roster: While Newton’s contract has become team-friendly, it is now time to wonder if the 2015 MVP will have another chance to cash in. Newton re-aggravated a mid-foot sprain in Week 2 and, given his initial 2019 outings after his preseason foot injury, the Panthers will surely keep him shelved until he is fully healthy. But by that time, the Panthers -– who stand to be led by former undrafted free agent Kyle Allen -– may be out of the playoff race. Newton will only be 31 in his 2020 contract year, which calls for a $21.1M cap number. He may have to fare well upon returning to convince Carolina to keep him at that price.

Inside Cardinals numbers: Arizona has placed a lot on Kyler Murray’s shoulders. He leads the NFL with 94 passing attempts, but he has held his own. His 81.7 passer rating is better than nine other qualified quarterbacks. Carolina is a tough matchup. The Panthers have allowed the league’s 11^th-lowest touchdown percentage (3.1 percent) and sixth-fewest yards per attempt (6.2).

Inside Cardinals roster: For those of you in need of receiving depth in 14- or 16-team fantasy leagues, career backup Damiere Byrd may be an oddly intriguing choice. By lining up in 10 personnel (four receivers, one running back) 69 percent of the time, a role is created for Byrd, a former Panthers undrafted free agent who entered 2019 with 129 receiving yards in three seasons. Byrd plays more than other teams’ No. 4 wideouts. He ran the second-most routes among Cardinals in Week 2. Kliff Kingsbury’s offense continues to intrigue, even if it has yet to produce optimal results.

New York at Tampa Bay, 4:05 p.m. ET

Inside Giants numbers: Saquon Barkley’s playmaking alone has helped the Giants field one of the league’s best rushing attacks, bailing out the iffy offensive line. Barkley has avoided eight tackles in the run game, tied for third most in the NFL. Thanks to Barkley, the Giants have averaged a whopping 7.6 yards per carry, best in the league by a humongous margin. 

Inside Giants roster: Now that the Giants have benched their best quarterback in franchise history, they will have quite a bit of money not helping them on the field. After predictably failing to help the defensively deficient Giants, Manning (and his $23.2 million 2019 cap number) was benched for Daniel Jones. Along with the Odell Beckham Jr. and Olivier Vernon $16M and $8M dead-money figures, that is a lot of capital the Giants will not use to help their 2019 team. 

Inside Bucs numbers: Todd Bowles’ defense has fared surprisingly well. After fielding one of the worst defenses in the league last season, the Buccaneers rank fifth in fewest yards allowed per play (4.6) and fifth in fewest points allowed per drive (1.22). If Tampa Bay’s defense is truly improved, it should beat up on the Giants' offense at home. Big Blue ranks 26^th in scoring (31 points). 

Inside Bucs roster: Shaquil Barrett was known more for his run-stopping prowess than pass rush productivity in Denver, failing to eclipse four sacks in a season since his 2015 debut campaign. Helping a Bucs team in dire need of edge talent, given Jason Pierre-Paul’s uncertain future, Barrett beat Panthers left tackle Daryl Williams for three Week 2 sacks. He has four through two games, providing unexpected value on a one-year, $4M contract.

Houston at Los Angeles, 4:25 p.m. ET

Inside Texans numbers: Houston has run the ball well in the wake of Lamar Miller’s injury. It ranks fifth in the league in rushing yards (306) and second in yards per carry (5.8). The Chargers present the Texans with a chance to dominate on the ground, as Los Angeles ranks last in rush defense EPA (-17.61).

Inside Texans roster: Jadeveon Clowney extension rumors circled for years, but with the former No. 1 overall pick out of the picture, J.J. Watt’s lesser-known other sidekick may be changing the Texans’ equation. The Texans played Whitney Mercilus out of position in 2018, often asking the pass-rushing linebacker to drop into coverage. Back as a primary rusher, Mercilus has three sacks and two sack-strips in two games. Mercilius’ deal expires at season’s end. The 29-year-old defender may be in line to secure a final big-ticket contract, now that the Texans cut ties with Clowney.

Inside Chargers numbers: Yet again, Philip Rivers is having no problem leading the Chargers aerial attack to the upper echelons of the league. The Chargers average 8.9 yards per attempt, seventh best in the league. The Texans' defense has limited big passing plays -- Houston’s 10.6 yards per completion allowed ranks 12^th best.

Inside Chargers roster: The Chargers have three key defensive backs -– safety Derwin James, cornerback Trevor Williams and safety-linebacker hybrid Adrian Phillips –- on IR. Teams can only bring back two IR players per season, and with the All-Pro James residing atop Los Angeles’ figurative IR queue, the season is over for either the recently re-signed Phillips or contract-year contributor Williams.

Pittsburgh at San Francisco, 4:25 p.m. ET

Inside Steelers numbers: The running game must be better. Pittsburgh ranks 21^st in yards per carry (3.9) and 29^th in rushing yards (113). The Steelers face a stiff challenge against San Francisco, which has allowed only 3.2 yards per carry, seventh best in the NFL. The Niners have three players with five run stops recorded – Fred Warner, Kwon Alexander and Arik Armstead. 

Inside Steelers roster: The Steelers have not gone into a draft without a first-round pick since 1967. This speaks highly of Minkah Fitzpatrick, whom Pittsburgh acquired from Miami for a first-round pick. Interestingly, the versatile Alabama product did not want to play safety in Miami. He might have to in Pittsburgh, with the Steelers putting starting safety Sean Davis on IR Tuesday. Although the Steelers are only on the hook for $5.48M of Fitzpatrick’s through-2021 contract, they are now set to be without 2020 first- and third-round picks. They sent the third-rounder to the Broncos in April’s Devin Bush deal.

Inside 49ers numbers: While Pittsburgh’s ground game has struggled to support its quarterbacks, San Francisco’s ground game has done a great job helping Jimmy Garoppolo. The 49ers rank fourth in the league with 357 rushing yards, thanks to an offensive line that ranks sixth in run blocking grade. The Steelers' run defense is solid, allowing 4.0 yards per carry (11^th best) and ranking second in run defense grade.

Inside 49ers roster: Among active non-quarterbacks or specialists, only Larry Fitzgerald has played more games with the team that drafted him than Joe Staley’s 176. Staley, who has started all 176 of those contests, has not missed more than three games in a season since 2010. The 49ers’ left tackle stalwart suffered a broken leg in Week 2, and although he has thus far avoided IR, San Francisco’s experienced line will be less seasoned for at least a month. Sixth-round rookie Justin Skule is slated to start against the Steelers.

New Orleans at Seattle, 4:25 p.m. ET

Inside Saints numbers: In Week 2, Teddy Bridgewater struggled to move the ball in relief of the injured Drew Brees, averaging 5.5 yards per attempt. Across his 53 pass attempts as a Saint over the past two seasons, Bridgewater has averaged 9.1 yards per completion and 5.3 yards per attempt. Not great figures. He may have time to make big plays in Week 3, as Seattle’s defense has only six QB hits, third fewest in the league.

Inside Saints roster: Brees’ impact on the Saints has been borderline immeasurable, with the NFL’s all-time leading passer improving the franchise’s playoff-win total from one (in 29 pre-Brees years) to nine in his 13 seasons in New Orleans. Brees has never missed more than one game in a season as a Saint, so how the team looks with Bridgewater will be fascinating. The former Vikings starter has never been a prolific passer, but at $7.25M, the former first-rounder is the NFL’s highest-paid backup. This points to Sean Payton’s confidence in his second-year pupil, who took New Orleans' contract offer over a Miami offer to become starter. 

Inside Seahawks numbers: Seattle has allowed only 115 rushing yards, fourth fewest in the NFL. In Week 2, the Saints only gained 57 yards on the ground despite needing to establish the run game following Brees’ exit. Look for linebacker Bobby Wagner to make plays –- he has averaged a whopping 13 tackles over his past two meetings against the Saints.

Inside Seahawks roster: Second-year tight end Will Dissly flashed as a receiver as a rookie (156 yards, 19.5 per catch) in four games before a season-ending injury. In Week 2, he had two touchdown grabs during a 50-yard day in Pittsburgh. The Seahawks have just one skill-position player, Tyler Lockett, earning more than $3M in a season. The rest are rookie-deal cogs. Dissly regaining his stride after tearing a patellar tendon last season is a notable development for a young aerial attack.

Los Angeles at Cleveland, 8:20 p.m. ET

Inside Rams numbers: The Rams' defense has been stellar, shutting down Cam Newton, Drew Brees and Teddy Bridgewater. Los Angeles' defense has a 67.3 passer rating, third best in the league. It will take on a struggling Baker Mayfield, whose Browns offense ranks 27^th in team passer rating (73.4).

Inside Rams roster: The 2018 Rams’ experienced offensive line -– which consisted of Andrew Whitworth, Rodger Saffold, John Sullivan, Austin Blythe and Rob Havenstein -– enabled their machine-like offense to function. Saffold and Sullivan are gone, and Blythe is out with a sprained ankle. After going to Super Bowl LIII with five linemen with at least three years’ experience, the Rams' Week 3 unit will likely include three second-year blockers who mostly sat out 2018. Jamil Demby, a 2018 Rams sixth-rounder, will join left guard Joe Noteboom and center Brian Allen against a high-end Browns defensive front.

Inside Browns numbers: Cleveland’s offensive line was much improved against the Jets in Week 2. It should be able to give Mayfield more time against the Rams. L.A. has only eight quarterback hits, tied for the 10 lowest total in the league.

Inside Browns roster: In training camp, Cleveland trotted out a staggeringly deep skill-position arsenal. Duke Johnson and Kareem Hunt backed up Nick Chubb at running back, and David Njoku, Antonio Callaway and Rashard Higgins supplemented Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry at receiver. Status changes involving Johnson (now a Texan), Hunt (suspended), Njoku (concussion), Callaway (suspended) and Higgins (knee) have thinned Mayfield’s options. While it’s a good thing GM John Dorsey traded for Beckham, the Browns not having key auxiliary help may make matters difficult against the Rams’ No. 5 DVOA defense.

MONDAY

Chicago at Washington, 8:15 p.m. ET

Inside Bears numbers: Chicago’s defense is not quite playing up to its elite talent level, and the Week 3 matchup could be more intriguing than one would expect. The Case Keenum-led Redskins offense ranks 11^th in offensive EPA (31.22). Keep an eye on the pass-rush battle. Washington has allowed a sack rate of 2.4 percent, tied for the fourth lowest, and the Bears' defense has posted a sack rate of 8.0 percent, seventh best in the league.

Inside Bears roster: Mitch Trubisky’s trajectory not mirroring those of fellow 2017 first-rounders Deshaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes obviously puts the Bears in a difficult spot.  The Bears' quarterback enters Week 3 28th in QBR, after finishing third in that metric in 2018. Mahomes and Watson are zooming toward mammoth 2020 extensions. While the Bears would be thrilled if their investment was on that track, Trubisky not being in position to command what Mahomes and Watson will should allow the Bears to keep him on a rookie deal through next season (at $9.23 million).

Inside Redskins numbers: Washington’s pass defense was carved up by Carson Wentz and Dak Prescott to the tune of a 124.8 passer rating, the fifth-worst mark in the league. A pressing issue is the pass rush. Washington ranks 29^th in sack rate (2.8 percent) and 28^th in quarterback hits (six). 

Inside  Redskins roster: Few players in NFL history have enjoyed better timing than Josh Norman, who parlayed a dominant 2015 contract year into a market-setting cornerback deal months later. Norman’s five-year, $75M contract has never matched up to his one-Pro Bowl resume, and it’s now one of multiple albatrosses on Washington’s payroll (along with Alex Smith’s pact). The 31-year-old corner has given up two deep touchdowns in two games and is almost certainly in his final Redskins season. Washington can move on from Norman and save $12.5M next year.