Sleeper Quarterbacks
Gardner Minshew II, Las Vegas (vs Carolina)
Minshew led the Raiders to a big fourth-quarter comeback win in Baltimore last week, and Luke Getsy should be trusting the passing game even more in the game plan this week. Davante Adams and Brock Bowers add value to their targets. The running game hasn't gotten on track. Andy Dalton could keep this game competitive and keep the Raiders from going into boa constrictor running game mode in the second half. There are a lot of ways for Minshew to have solid QB2 value against a team that was waving the white flag in the first two weeks of the season.
Deshaun Watson, Cleveland (vs NY Giants)
Watson's passing has been mostly close to the line of scrimmage, but that could have been a product of the Browns being without their starting tackles. If one or both of Jedrick Wills and Jack Conklin return this week, that could give Watson more time to throw downfield. The Giants pass defense is not imposing, so this could be among the better weeks Watson puts up this year.
Andy Dalton, Carolina (at Las Vegas)
Dave Canales was hired for his offensive mind and ability to get good play out of his quarterbacks. Bryce Young made it impossible to see whether Canales had affected any positive change in the first two games. Dalton is a consummate professional, and he will breathe life into this offense. The Raiders defense isn't an easy draw, but this could be a breakout game for the Panthers' passing attack.
Skylar Thompson, Miami (at Seattle)
There's no doubt that there will be a dropoff from Tua Tagvailoa to Thompson, the only question is how far? On the glass half full side, Thompson has been studying under Mike McDaniel for three years, and he still gets to throw to Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and De'Von Achane. The Dolphins quick, fast receivers also match up well with the Seahawks long physical corners. It's still a road game in a tough place to play, but Thompson could outperform low expectations.