The quarterback landscape has ebbed and flowed so far with inconsistent performances, and we’re just three weeks into the NFL season. Last week, we saw a microcosm of that sentiment: two of our three streamers mostly underwhelmed, a far cry from Week 2, when all our choices lived up to expectations. Daniel Jones was able to eke out a win against a division rival in the Houston Texans, but the team seemed to win despite Jones, who was unable to surpass 250 air yards on 36 passing attempts. Bryce Young also came out firing, putting up 48 passing attempts but finishing barely above a fifty percent completion rate, losing Jalen Coker and some confidence in the process. Our best pick of last week was the mighty arm of Michael Penix Jr., who came in for Cooper Rush and reminded us what potency the Falcons offense has when their weapons can be properly utilized.
In this week’s streamers, we’re going to look at three quarterbacks from our past in new locations, hoping they can right the ship from our early-season woes.
Kirk Cousins, Las Vegas Raiders
| Opponent |
Matchup Rating |
Yahoo Ownership Rate% |
Proj. Pts |
| KC |
4/5 |
14 |
14.41 |
The Las Vegas Raiders are just three games into this NFL season and already seem to be pulling in fans who’ve rightly tampered down expectations for the squad. Kirk Cousins came over during the offseason rather unceremoniously, seemingly as a stopgap to give Fernando Mendoza a chance to start. When the Raiders announced Cousins would be the first behind center, many questioned how this team could compete with an exciting backup chomping at the bit. After 3 games, the Raiders lead the league in pace per play, scoring over 26 points in all three games. While things seemingly couldn’t get much better, Brock Bowers, arguably the best tight end in the NFL, returned this past week from a meniscus trim. Without missing a beat, Bowers ended last week’s game with 10 receptions, 116 yards, and a touchdown. While this matchup on paper is one that would cause many to pause, there are elements under the cover to be exploited by this Raiders squad. Per PFF, the Chiefs are middle of the pack in pass rush, and their inability to quickly get to the quarterback could lead to another long day of Cousins peppering his newly returned security blanket. Ashton Jeanty is also averaging 4 receptions per game and will be available to help alleviate pressure from any scheme that Steve Spagnuolo hits them with.
Kyler Murray, Minnesota Vikings
| Opponent |
Matchup Rating |
Yahoo Roster % |
Proj. Pts |
| MIA |
5/5 |
68 |
18.04 |
Kyler Murray has had a rough couple of years attempting to find his footing, looking to find a home in Minnesota after a rough few years in Arizona. Murray hasn’t shown his ceiling yet this season after leaving Week 1’s matchup against Green Bay with a concussion and taking his role back from Carson Wentz after just one week of concussion protocol. Murray didn’t give us much to write home about in his return for Week 3, averaging under 6 yards per completion on 15 connected throws. An early injury to Justin Jefferson didn’t help the passing game, and Murray clearly was shaking off rust and jitters. The best news to come out of Week 3 was the future matchup on the calendar against the lowly Miami Dolphins, who are reeling from a season-ending injury to De’Von Achane. The Dolphins don’t have much to play for already, save a third-place AFC EAST finish above the Patriots. The ‘Fins have allowed 86 points against, the fifth most in the league, and are below average in pass blocking (30th), coverage (25th), and (28th). Simply put, this is a matchup that could put Murray back on the road to average quarterback yields, potentially finishing this week with a top-8 quarterback finish.
Marcus Mariota, Washington Commanders
| Opponent |
Matchup Rating |
Yahoo Roster % |
Proj. Pts |
| IND |
5/5 |
3 |
13.56 |
Marcus Mariota is one of those quarterback names that reads like a folk hero. If someone had told me that Mariota had been in the league for over 30 years, many would spend at least a few moments pondering the possibility. Mariota seems to come in unassumingly in any situation and puts together a stat line that is above expectations and can lead a team to victory. While the loss of Jayden Daniels leaves many fans in Washington and those who enjoy high-paced football bummed out, Mariota can keep this team churning in a division that has a lot of question marks around it. Don’t count this team out just yet. Mariota was mostly efficient in his game last week, passing just 31 times with under 6 yards per completion on the day, but there are signs of life ahead. Mariota was able to dial it up with long-time Commander Terry McLaurin, finding him for his first touchdown of the year and his first game with over 50 receiving yards on the early season docket.
The matchup coming up is one that’s too juicy to ignore, as it pushed back a couple of other potential streamers in favor of this opportunity. While those who have had the “pleasure” of watching the Colts defense thus far can attest to their poor play, it seems to be slipping under the radar just how pitiful this team has been on defense. The Colts are last in the league in overall defensive ratings, middle of the pack in tackling (16th), and 32nd in coverage. This same Colts team just barely squeaked out a win against a Texans team last week and seems to be faltering without an identity. Mariota could potentially come into this matchup and get you a top-5 finish at a Price Chopper-level cost.
Feature image by Michael Packard (@CollectingPack on Twitter) / Photography by Derick Hingle/ Icon Sportswire
