JSALSA Feature Articles

​The backup quarterback battle in Buffalo is quietly taking shape, with Shane Buechele and Kyle Allen competing to be the primary option behind Josh Allen. But let's be clear: Josh Allen is not in a situation like we’ve seen with other franchises. His job is completely secure, and there is no quarterback controversy in Buffalo.

​Josh Allen proved once again last season why he is an elite, top-tier quarterback. He became even more dynamic on the ground, rushing for a staggering 14 touchdowns, on top of throwing for over 20 touchdowns in the air. He isn't a quarterback who depends on the talent around him; rather, he makes the talent around him look elite.

​Having James Cook returning as the lead running back will continue to help Allen immensely. Just by being a dominant presence in the backfield, Cook forces defenses to respect the run, which naturally opens up the passing game.

​Buffalo's offensive line presents an interesting paradox. On paper, they gave up over 40 sacks last year. Yet, according to Pro Football Focus, they were still ranked as the number three offensive line in pass protection. Continuity is going to be a huge factor here, as the Bills only lost one starting offensive lineman this offseason.

​Josh Allen is coming back into a great situation up front. The overarching question is: will Allen just stack the exact same type of season (even if it means rushing for another 14 touchdowns), or can he help his offensive line by finding ways to take more calculated risks downfield without taking unnecessary sacks?

​With Sean McDermott out, the biggest variable in Buffalo is the coaching change. How does Joe Brady handle the transition to head coach? To my understanding, Brady will still be calling the offensive plays. It is going to be fascinating to see how he balances his new head coaching duties while continuing to design schemes that put Josh Allen into great situations.

​It’s going to be very interesting to see what Josh Allen does this year under Brady's full leadership. He is, without a doubt, a top-five quarterback in this league. If he is available in your fantasy draft, he is an automatic take. He is going to get you points, and he is going to get you stats.

​The Carolina Panthers managed to sneak into the playoffs last season by winning the NFC South despite an 8-9 record. A massive reason for that breakthrough was Bryce Young's steady upward development, paired with a drastically improved offensive line and a career year from running back Rico Dowdle. But with Dowdle leaving in free agency for Pittsburgh, Carolina's offense faces a fresh set of challenges in 2026.

​Behind Young, the Panthers brought in Kenny Pickett as the primary veteran backup, alongside intriguing undrafted rookie Haynes King. While King is competing with Pickett for roster positioning and third-string duties, Pickett’s presence adds an interesting layer of veteran insurance.

​Even with Bryce's upward trajectory, questions linger. Despite being a former No. 1 overall draft pick, Young still has to prove unequivocally that he is the long-term answer in Carolina. If Young stumbles or struggles to adapt to the loss of Dowdle in the run game, Pickett gives the Panthers a tested option capable of stepping in.

​The bright spot for whoever is under center—and the main reason Bryce Young looks primed to solidify his grip on the starting job—is the continuity up front. Four out of the five starting offensive linemen return from last year's top-12 protection unit, providing rare stability for a young quarterback.

​Furthermore, there is essentially zero drop-off in the wide receiver room, returning 100% of their top perimeter targets from last season. Early reports out of training camp suggest that Young has fully taken command of the offense and the locker room heading into the preseason.

​The Panthers enter 2026 with an intact offensive line, a stable receiver core, and a division title to defend. However, without Dowdle anchoring the backfield, the weight falls heavily on Bryce Young's shoulders. Young has the starting job locked down for now, but he must prove that last season's playoff appearance was just the beginning of his evolution.

​The Chicago Bears do not have a quarterback competition. Caleb Williams is indisputably the franchise guy. In his first two NFL seasons alone, he has put up remarkable production for a young passer—throwing for 47 touchdowns and nearly 7,500 passing yards. Behind him, Chicago holds a stable room with reliable backups like Tyson Bagent and developmental rookie Miller Moss, but there is zero question about who runs this team.

​A massive catalyst for Williams' sophomore success was the turnaround upfront. Chicago's offensive line went from a liability in 2024 to an elite, top-three protection unit last season, drastically cutting his sack total from 68 down to just 24. Fortunately for Williams, the Bears are returning four out of their five starting linemen, preserving the continuity that allowed him to thrive. In addition, lead running back D'Andre Swift is back to anchor the backfield and provide dual-threat relief out of the backfield.

​The biggest area for growth in Year 3 comes down to down-to-down consistency. While Williams expanded his stat sheet in Year 2—boosting his touchdown total by 7 (up to 27) while keeping his interceptions virtually flat at just 7—his overall completion percentage dipped from 62.5% as a rookie down to 58.1%.

​To elevate this offense further, efficiency on early downs is paramount to avoid wasting 1st and 2nd down possessions.

Life After DJ Moore

The primary storyline surrounding Williams entering Year 3 is navigating the departure of star receiver DJ Moore. Moore was Williams' primary safety blanket during his first two seasons. However, last year's scheme under Ben Johnson already began laying the groundwork for this transition—Williams distributed the ball far more evenly across his targets, with his wide receivers and tight ends finishing with remarkably similar production profiles.

The Verdict

Taking a true WR1 out of the equation will test Williams' processing and ball placement. But if he can pair his top-tier 3rd-down clutch factor (115.4 clutch rating) with better 1st and 2nd down efficiency to push his baseline completion rate back above 63%, Caleb Williams won't just be leading a playoff contender—he'll be pushing into the top tier of NFL quarterbacks.

C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans entering the 2026 season are pretty much a wild card. But C.J. Stroud is, without a doubt, the franchise quarterback—a true franchise quarterback despite somewhat of an awkward situation in Houston. Since being in Houston, he’s posted a 28–18 record, played in the majority of games, and maintained over a 63% completion rate. Davis Mills is firmly set as the backup, but C.J. Stroud is the guy.

​His trajectory over his first three years brings up a very interesting conversation:

• ​Sack Totals: In his sophomore season, Stroud got sacked 52 times. Last year, the offensive line improved to more middle-of-the-pack, allowing him to be sacked just 23 times.
• ​Rookie-to-Junior Trend: Since his rookie season, his production numbers have gone down each year—from his rookie year, to sophomore, to junior. The big question is: Will he have a fourth-year peak or rebound from the slump?

​Last year, his offensive line was not elite, but it got the job done—with the exception of a terrible run game:

• ​Interior Line Overhaul: The offensive line only returns its two tackles. The centers and guards are being replaced in an effort to take an offensive line that was middle-of-the-pack with a terrible run offense into a possible higher tier.
• ​DeMeco Ryans' Defense: Luckily, competition makes everybody better. Head coach DeMeco Ryans—a defensive-minded coach—has one of the better defenses in the NFL with a very good front seven that will make sure this offensive line is tested and ready for the season.
• ​Explosive Pass Catchers & Backfield: Tank Dell, the electric and explosive wide receiver, was not available last year and is projected to be back this season. Pair that with a newly rebuilt running back room featuring David Montgomery and Woody Marks. Plus, Dalton Schultz comes back after an 82-catch, nearly 800-yard receiving season in a reliable tight end room, alongside Nico Collins.

​C.J. Stroud has a lot to prove. If we're going to talk about a wild card team, a wild card quarterback, and a wild card situation with a new offensive coordinator, the Texans are it. In the last three years, they've been in a "bear market" as far as offense goes. Is this the year that C.J. Stroud and the Texans rebound and explode upwards?

​​​For so many fans, the great Tony Dungy’s Hall of Fame legacy and the childhood memories of watching Peyton Manning win a Super Bowl define the Indianapolis Colts. The big question heading into this season is this: Can we fall in love with Daniel Jones leading a Super Bowl push in Indy?

The Quarterback Situation: Daniel Jones is the Guy

The former New York Giants quarterback had an incredible season in Indianapolis last year, completing passes at a highly efficient clip all the way up until his season-ending injury. After a brutal string of injuries hit the roster, the Colts entered a downward spiral, but underneath the surface, they still looked like one of the most improved teams in football.

Heading into 2026, the organization is undoubtedly continuing in the direction of Daniel Jones. He is a proven 60%+ completion passer who is coming off a massive career-high season where he hit 68% of his passes. Assuming he fully bounces back from the injury, he gives this offense the stability it desperately needs.

The Anthony Richardson Reality

The question of whether Anthony Richardson can still become a franchise quarterback remains, but right now, it is highly doubtful. Unless Richardson experiences major developmental growth, he is on the outside looking in.

While it is possible he might get some specialized opportunities—and if something major clicks, his raw physical skill set could totally unlock this Indianapolis team in ways we haven't seen—that feels like a long shot. Right now, Daniel Jones is the guy. Sadly, Richardson is currently looking like one of the worst fourth overall draft picks in NFL history.

Elite Weapons & Surrounding Cast

The only major change the Colts truly need this year is better luck in the injury department. Outside of health, the infrastructure around Jones is incredibly strong:

The Offensive Line: This highly regarded unit is only replacing two players (the starting center and a guard). The most critical piece of the puzzle—All-Pro left guard Quenton Nelson—is returning to anchor the trenches.

The Wide Receivers: The entire core of the passing attack is back, featuring Michael Pittman Jr., deep-threat Alec Pierce, and slot weapon Josh Downs.

Backfield & Tight End: Former rushing champion Jonathan Taylor returns to lead the backfield, paired with ascending tight end Tyler Warren.

Playcalling Consistency: There are no offensive coordinator changes, keeping the same system in place to maximize the returning talent.

The Verdict

The Colts have a top-tier offensive line, a stacked skill position group, and an incredibly efficient quarterback in Daniel Jones ready to resume his career resurgence. If they can stay away from the injury bug that ruined their momentum last season, Indianapolis has the firepower to be one of the most dangerous, well-rounded teams in the AFC.

The Jacksonville Jaguars do not have a quarterback competition entering this season. Trevor Lawrence will be the guy. The offense last season under Trevor averaged an impressive 27 points a game. He was able to rush for 9 touchdowns, throw for 29 touchdowns, complete roughly 60% of his passes, and hit the 4,000-yard passing mark.

I would have to say that this is another wild card team, and Trevor Lawrence is a wild card quarterback. The numbers he showed last year proved he can ball. When you look at the stats throughout his NFL career, it shows you he can be a true franchise quarterback despite some questionable moments. However, those questionable moments are not entirely his fault.

The Wide Receiver Room: Dropped Opportunities

Jacksonville is returning a wide receiver core that is pretty good, but it also had the highest drop percentage in the NFL, accounting for 40 dropped passes (according to Pro Football Focus). That is a lot of missed opportunities. Luckily for the Jaguars, the majority of those drops came from breakout rookie Brian Thomas Jr., so you can write that off as a rookie learning curve and an opportunity to improve.

The Backfield Transition & Offensive Line

The biggest challenge for Trevor Lawrence will not be wide receivers dropping the ball or any quarterback taking command. It is the loss of Travis Etienne, their 1,000-yard running back from last season (and let's not forget they traded Tank Bigsby a couple of seasons ago). It is going to be incredibly interesting to see how Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen take command of the run game.

They will be running behind an offensive line that is returning everybody. It's not necessarily elite, but it's also not the worst—they are firmly a middle-of-the-pack offensive line.

The Bold Prediction: Unleashing Brenton Strange

The Jaguars are still, regardless, a wild card team. While they retained Grant Udinski as offensive coordinator rather than hiring a new one, this continuity should actually help Trevor Lawrence. Considering he lost his premier running back, the offense needs to get Brenton Strange more involved inside the game.

Strange is a nice, reliable tight end averaging 11.7 yards a catch, but he had under 50 catches last season. Is there any way we can get that number into the 80s? I think it is very possible. Travis Etienne is no longer on the roster, and he accounted for over 60 targets last year while holding the second-highest catch rate among Lawrence's weapons. Who had the highest? Brenton Strange, with a 78% catch rate on 59 targets according to PFF.

The Verdict

It is going to be a fun season in Duval. If I have to guess the wildest thing that could happen—outside of the Jaguars winning the Super Bowl—it is that if he stays healthy, Brenton Strange is going to have 800 yards receiving, possibly 1,000. That aspect of the offense breaking out is going to make Trevor Lawrence look even more elite. Having the Jaguars being that really explosive offensively could make them run at things in the AFC.

The New England Patriots do not have a quarterback competition. Instead, they enter the season as one of the most exciting teams in the NFL with a genuine opportunity to contend for a Super Bowl. Drake Maye is the undisputed starter. Tommy DeVito serves as the backup, and we have already seen him play a solid preseason game—leading a smooth touchdown drive even though the game ultimately ended in a tie, giving confidence to his coaching staff. Everyone in New England is hoping DeVito will not be needed during the regular season and that the offensive line gets its act together after a putrid pass-protection performance last year.

​The Offensive Line & Ground Attack

Four starting offensive linemen return from last season, accompanied by new additions and positional adjustments upfront. While pass protection remains the biggest question mark for Drake Maye, the positive side of this offensive line is its run blocking. Despite their pass-protection struggles, they were highly effective on the ground:

• ​TreVeyon Henderson produced a standout 900-yard season.
• ​Rhamondre Stevenson added a productive 600-yard rushing season.
• ​Team Rushing: The Patriots averaged nearly 128 rushing yards per game last season.

​Playmakers & Passing Game Arsenal

Having a top-tier ground attack will make life much easier for Maye in the passing game. Even though Stefon Diggs is no longer on the team, the receiving corps is loaded with weapons:

• ​A.J. Brown joins the squad alongside Romeo Doubs.
• ​DeMario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte return to provide receiver depth and continuity.
• ​Hunter Henry remains a reliable safety valve at tight end for quick check-downs.

​

Area for Growth & Final Verdict

This New England Patriots team should feature a top-tier NFL offense, but the number one factor in securing that is the offensive line. In fairness to the line, however, not all of last season's pressure fell solely on the blocking. Drake Maye must continue developing as a quarterback—some of those sacks were self-induced by holding the ball too long in clean pockets. Being an aggressive risk-taker is fun until an unnecessary hit leads to a long-lasting injury that knocks you out for the season. If Maye balances his risk-taking with quicker processing, this offense will be dangerous.

​While the New Orleans Saints enter camp with a quarterback room featuring Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Zach Wilson, this is undeniably Shough’s team to command until proven otherwise through injury or performance.

• ​The Starter: Tyler Shough holds the reins as the starter heading into the season. He has a massive opportunity to see what he can do, prove he can consistently produce, and run Spencer Rattler and Zach Wilson out the door to lock down the long-term job.
• ​The Competition: Spencer Rattler is looking for any window of opportunity to push for snaps, while former first-round pick Zach Wilson is competing to take over and potentially maximize what could be his last real shot at a starting role in the NFL.

​Regardless of who is taking snaps, the Saints feature an evolving backfield and a primary target in the passing game:

• ​Running Back Room: While Alvin Kamara is still helpful, his production is beginning to age out as a runner and receiver. That led New Orleans to acquire former Clemson star Travis Etienne Jr. from Jacksonville to revitalize the ground game and take pressure off the quarterback.
• ​Pass Catchers: Star wideout Chris Olave returns as the engine of the receiving corps, providing a vital #1 target to keep the offense explosive.

​The Saints' offensive line features multiple former first-round draft picks who perform decently in run blocking, but pass protection remains a glaring question mark:

• ​The Raw Sacks: New Orleans surrendered 45 total sacks across the season.
• ​The Line's Responsibility: According to Pro Football Focus, 22 of those sacks were directly the fault of the offensive line, alongside roughly 165 total pressures allowed.
• ​Pass Protection Disparity: The line is neither the absolute worst nor the best in pass protection. Whoever is under center must navigate a shaky pocket and get the ball out efficiently.

​The New Orleans Saints find themselves in a wild-card quarterback situation similar to teams like Arizona, Tennessee, and Atlanta—a QB room full of mystery. Unless you feel completely confident in Tyler Shough as the definitive answer, this is a quarterback situation to stay away from until more data shows who the true alpha is.

 All right, so the first week of the NFL preseason is over. The Cardinals have technically played two games, but as far as quarterbacks go, Carson Beck and Haynes King really showed out. Unfortunately, those two quarterbacks both got a little banged up, so sadly we weren't able to see whether they could stack consistency. Haynes King had the game-winning touchdown for Carolina, and Carson Beck looked like the dark-horse quarterback that I think everybody on our team believes he can be. It's an interesting situation with Gardner Minshew and Jacoby Brissett, where Gardner Minshew took advantage of the fact that Carson Beck wasn't available and really gunslung a West Coast-style offense. If you go back and look at that game, there were a lot of quick dumps. It's also worth noting that Kedon Slovis is starting to become a dark horse. He hasn't had a lot of time to shine, but when he's been on, he's been on. Regardless of whatever competition level anybody wants to say he's playing against, he's finding a way to get the ball to his guy.

​The biggest winners, though, happen to be Ty Simpson, the quarterback for the Rams—he played a really good game, throwing two touchdowns on pretty good volume—and Joe Fagnano, who was also able to shine on pretty decent volume as well. Both quarterbacks led their teams to a win against their respective preseason opponents. Joe Fagnano for Baltimore was undrafted. Now we see why Diego Pavia was probably run out of Baltimore. Joe, a former UConn Husky, looks the part of an NFL quarterback. He's not going to take over Lamar Jackson's job, but if we can see what he can do in the next preseason game—it's all about stacking consistency—he might turn out to be an absolute steal at the quarterback position as an undrafted player for Baltimore.

​I hope we'll be able to see Haynes King and Carson Beck again, because those two quarterbacks in the Hall of Fame Game really put on a show, showing they're very capable of being backups and, if the opportunity presents itself, making a push to be a starter.

​A preseason honorable mention, though, goes to Deshaun Watson for putting on a show in Cleveland. Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders are probably not going to play whatsoever unless Deshaun Watson gets hurt, because the way Deshaun Watson played in that preseason game really put a silence to all the talk about whether he would be able to play, considering he's barely had time on the field over the past few seasons.

​We haven't talked about Tennessee yet, but we will get to them sometime throughout this week. It's worth noting that as far as the preseason is concerned, their quarterback room has been pretty underwhelming. Their starter did not have a great start, nor did his projected backups.

​Overall, keep in mind that we're still in the preseason, but it is very nice to have NFL football back—even if it's just preseason, and even if we are just talking speculation based on what happened last season and what we believe is going to happen this season. There are some very good quarterbacks in this league, and if this preseason showed anything between Carson Beck, Haynes King, Ty Simpson, Fernando Mendoza, and Joe Fagnano, the quarterback class from this previous draft cycle is really good. Even the undrafted players are really good, and there's going to be some competition and opportunities within the future of this league.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers head into 2026 as a premier safe-pick contender in the NFC South. Baker Mayfield remains the unquestioned leader under center, bringing high-energy playmaking and intermediate accuracy. With new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson installing a West Coast system, Tampa Bay's offense is set up to remain dynamic even as it transitions past the Mike Evans era.

• ​The New WR1 (Emeka Egbuka): Drafted 19th overall in 2025 out of Ohio State, Egbuka delivered an immediate impact with 68 receptions for 938 yards and 6 TDs as a rookie. With Mike Evans gone, Egbuka steps into the primary wideout role, giving Mayfield a smooth route-runner capable of winning at all three levels.
• ​Chris Godwin's Availability: Godwin’s health remains the key hinge point for the wide receiver room. If he stays available to draw coverage away from the outside, Tampa Bay maintains a lethal 1-2 punch; if he misses time, Egbuka will carry a heavy target load alongside second-year target Jalen McMillan and rookie Tez Johnson.
• ​Cade Otton’s Reliability: Tight end Cade Otton provides a high floor as Mayfield's safety valve. Having produced 49 receptions for 480 yards last season, Otton is positioned as a candidate for a 55+ reception campaign if Godwin misses action or if defenses double-team Egbuka in high-leverage situations.

​The primary objective for Zac Robinson is revitalizing a rushing attack that saw efficiency drop off last year:

• ​Bucky Irving’s Production Dip: After a stellar 2024 rookie campaign (1,122 rushing yards, 5.4 YPC), Irving’s efficiency dropped to 3.4 yards per carry (588 yards on 173 carries) behind a struggling run block unit. Restoring his efficiency back above 4.0 YPC is non-negotiable for offensive balance.
• ​The Kenneth Gainwell Dark-Horse Addition: Free-agent signee Kenneth Gainwell steps into the pass-catching and rotational role vacated by Rachaad White. Gainwell brings dual-threat reliability on 3rd downs, offering a change-of-pace spark alongside power runner Sean Tucker (7 rushing TDs in 2025).
• ​Baker’s Scramble Threat: Mayfield’s mobility remains a major asset—he averaged 6.6 yards per scramble when extending plays outside the pocket, punishing defenses for losing lane discipline.
• ​Top-Tier Blocking Core: The offensive line remains an elite pass-blocking unit, featuring All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs, Luke Goedeke, and Graham Barton. The focus for 2026 is converting that top-3 pass protection grade into better initial push at the line of scrimmage.

​The Buccaneers are a safe-pick team with high upside. The combination of Baker Mayfield and Emeka Egbuka forms a dangerous core, and even if the rushing attack doesn't fully reach its 2024 peak, a rotation of Bucky Irving, Kenneth Gainwell, and Sean Tucker provides enough backfield versatility to keep Tampa Bay competing for the division crown

​​The Tennessee Titans have officially entered a full-blown new era under head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. Cutting former second-round pick Will Levis during final roster cuts officially clears all background noise—this franchise is 100% committed to Cam Ward as their cornerstone signal-caller.

​With Mitchell Trubisky operating as the backup, Daboll’s offense focuses entirely on raising Ward’s floor and unlocking a vertical passing game through key free-agent and draft additions.

• ​Clearing the Room: Wiping away the Levis experiment removes any lingering QB competition drama. Ward enters Year 2 with total command of the huddle and zero distraction behind him.
• ​Rushing Floor: Ward’s dynamic dual-threat ability gives the Titans a versatile dimension out of the pocket, making a 400-to-500-yard rushing floor highly realistic as he extends plays in Daboll’s heavy-motion system.

​Tennessee overhauled its pass-catchers to provide Ward with legitimate intermediate and downfield options:

• ​The Wide Receiver Trio: Veteran Calvin Ridley returns to anchor the outside, paired with free-agent addition Wan'Dale Robinson (reunited with Daboll after his breakout with the Giants) and 1st-round pick Carnell Tate out of Ohio State. While Tate’s preseason had hiccups, his raw size, speed, and collegiate pedigree provide high-upside vertical potential.
• ​Tight End Shift: With Chig Okonkwo out of the picture, Texas rookie Gunnar Helm and free agent Daniel Bellinger (another former Daboll asset in New York) take over the room, offering immediate blocking leverage and red-zone target options.

​The ground game remains Tennessee’s largest obstacle to offensive balance:

• ​Backfield Volume Ceiling: Both Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears remain dynamic dual-threat options out of the backfield, but given recent production trends and heavy rotation, neither back topping 800 rushing yards is a fair projection unless upfront run blocking improves dramatically.
• ​Offensive Line Trench Work: Anchored by JC Latham, Peter Skoronski, and Dan Moore Jr., the line must drastically improve on last season's abysmal 1.2 yards before contact (YBC) per carry.
• ​Pass Protection Goal: While the line surrendered heavy overall pressures last year, isolating sacks directly charged to the front five vs. Ward's own scrambling/coverage sacks is step one. Giving Ward a clean pocket without taking 50+ total team sacks is non-negotiable for his year-two leap.

​The Titans are pulling no punches: by waiving Will Levis, they have handed the keys entirely to Cam Ward. If the offensive line can boost its run blocking past 1.2 yards before contact and keep Ward upright, Brian Daboll’s scheme has enough vertical firepower in Ridley, Tate, and Robinson to give Tennessee a surprisingly high ceiling.

 The Washington Commanders enter 2026 as one of the most intriguing "mystery teams" in the NFC. While they aren't a consensus dark horse due to high variance and injury risks, they carry a high ceiling if Jayden Daniels stays healthy and new offensive coordinator David Blough hits the ground running.

​The front office took clear action this offseason, prioritizing protection and intermediate playmaking to give Daniels an elite environment to bounce back from his injury-shortened sophomore year.

• ​The 1A / 1B Dynamic: Terry McLaurin remains the soul of the passing attack, but the addition of Stefon Diggs completely transforms how defenses must play Washington. Diggs will immediately challenge McLaurin for target leadership, giving Daniels two established route-runners who win at all three levels.
• ​The TE Upgrade: Bringing in Chig Okonkwo (alongside third-year TE Ben Sinnott) gives the offense a dynamic athletic safety valve in the middle of the field.
• ​Depth & Development: Behind McLaurin and Diggs, Luke McCaffrey handles primary slot duties, while former first-round pick Treylon Burks and rookie Antonio Williams push for rotational snaps.

• ​Upfront Continuity: Washington returns over 80% of its core offensive line snaps, anchored by guards Sam Cosmi and Nick Allegretti.
• ​Sack Attribution: Analytics charged the offensive line with only 15–21 sacks allowed directly attributable to line breakdown. The overall sack count was inflated by backup QB play and coverage holds during Daniels' absence.
• ​Tackle Upgrades: With Laremy Tunsil locked in at left tackle, Daniels has elite blindside protection to keep him clean for a full 17-game slate.

• ​Primary Runner (Jacory Croskey-Merritt): Croskey-Merritt (aka "Bill") proved he is a legitimate NFL starter, delivering 805 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns on 4.6 yards per carry as a rookie. He anchors the early-down workload heading into Year 2.
• ​The Pass-Game Complement (Rachaad White): Free-agent signee Rachaad White arrives to handle passing-down and 3rd-down duties. White isn't taking away Croskey-Merritt's main workload; rather, his presence gives Daniels an elite receiving safety valve out of the backfield to help open up 1-on-1 vertical routes for McLaurin and Diggs.

​Washington is a classic "boom-or-bust" wild card. If Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin, and Stefon Diggs stay healthy for a full 17 games behind a re-tooled line, Washington’s offense can challenge anyone in the NFC East. However, if injuries strike the skill corps again, their volatility could easily keep them in the middle of the pack.