Will Caleb Williams have best rookie debut? Impact players? QBs under pressure?

As the NFL’s 105th season commences, history reminds us that almost anything is possible. Just consider that for 34 straight seasons, at least four teams have made the playoffs after not making it the year before. In 20 of the past 21 seasons, at least two teams have won their divisions the season after missing the playoffs. And in 19 of the past 21 seasons, at least one team has gone from worst to first in its division.

So does that mean some surprise team will stop the Kansas City Chiefs from three-peating? Let’s take it one step at a time, starting with the FOX Sports NFL experts answering five burning questions heading into Week 1.

What would success look like this season for the three rookie quarterbacks — Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix — making their NFL debuts this weekend?

Greg Auman: C.J. Stroud set the bar unfairly high for a rookie last season. If Williams, Daniels or Nix can lead his team to the playoffs, let alone a playoff win, it’ll be one of the better stories of the season. Stroud had 23 touchdowns against five interceptions as a rookie. None of this year’s starting trio is likely to do that. If any of them throw for 20-plus touchdowns with single-digit interceptions, call it a success.

For this week, we’ll set the bar low. Consider that 32 first-round picks have made their first career start in the past 10 years, and just six of them have thrown multiple touchdowns and avoided multiple interceptions in their debut. That’s less than 20%. Now, the six aren’t exactly an endorsement for “this proves you’ll be an NFL superstar.” The list includes Zach Wilson in 2021, Kyler Murray and Daniel Jones in 2019, Sam Darnold in 2018, Carson Wentz in 2016 and Marcus Mariota in 2014. Only half of them are still starting quarterbacks in 2024.

For this week, how about just win? First-round picks in their first career starts have lost 10 straight games. That’s Anthony Richardson, Stroud, Bryce Young, Kenny Pickett, Jordan Love, Trey Lance, Justin…


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Publish date : 2024-09-05 14:34:43

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