Garrett Podell· Sep 23, 2026
Podell ranks all 32 current NFL starting quarterbacks entering Week 3 of the 2026 season, with Josh Allen first, Patrick Mahomes second and Case Keenum last. He also expects Kyler Murray and Michael Penix Jr. to return to action in Week 3 and Case Keenum to possibly start for the Bears.
“No reason to remove Allen from the top spot this week.”
published in writing · CBS Sports · read the original →
3 checkable claims — 2 availability calls and 1 depth chart call — each graded on its own rather than as one all-or-nothing bet.
It names 6 players and teams, each linked to their own record.
None of them have settled yet — they grade once their results are in.
Of the 1 unsettled call enough other pundits have weighed in on, this one lands below the rest of the room.
Where this call stands in the room
Case Keenum · 2026 season5 calls from 4 pundits between 1 and 1. Garrett Podell said 1. the room's median is 1. not settled yet
Every dot is a call somebody published on the same question. Where the dots land says where this take sits, not whether it is right — nothing here is settled yet. Hover a dot for the name and number; click it to read that take.
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Who this take is about
3 checkable claims in this take
Each one is scored on its own against the published methodology. A pundit naming several outcomes is graded on each, not on all-or-nothing.
- Availability CallsKyler MurrayMinnesota VikingsSep 23, 2026
“Kyler Murray returns from his concussion in Week 3 with the Vikings out to a 2-0 start to 2026. ... He'll have a chance to bounce back against the 0-2 Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsCase KeenumChicago BearsSep 23, 2026
Case Keenum to be 1st on the depth chart
“Case Keenum may find himself as the Chicago Bears' starting quarterback on "Monday Night Football" against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
“Michael Penix Jr. will make his 2026 season debut under the bright lights at Lambeau Field on "Thursday Night Football."”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
What others said about the same people
- Fox SportsDepth Chart Calls · Michael Penix Jr.Hit · 100Fox Sports states that a healthy Tua Tagovailoa will serve as Atlanta's backup quarterback in Week 3, with Michael Penix Jr. handling the starting duties against Green Bay.
- Fox SportsRoster Spot Calls · J.J. McCarthyHit · 100FOX Sports projects Kyle McCord as Miami's backup behind starter Malik Willis, Mitchell Trubisky as Tennessee's primary backup behind starter Cam Ward, and J.J. McCarthy making the Vikings' 53-man roster.
- Nathan JahnkeRoster Spot Calls · Carson WentzHit · 100An unsigned PFF preseason recap makes numerous depth-chart, roster and usage projections across the league, based on Week 3 preseason playing time — including Roman Wilson winning Pittsburgh's third receiver job, Luke McCaffrey's roster spot being in danger, Charlie Kolar as the Chargers' top tight end, and Kendre Miller as the Saints' RB2.
- Nathan JahnkeRoster Spot Calls · Carson WentzHit · 100PFF's preseason fantasy recap makes a series of depth-chart, roster and usage projections based on final-week preseason snap counts, including Ja'Kobi Lane locking down the Ravens' third receiver role, Luke McCaffrey's roster spot being in danger, Kyle Pitts facing reduced 12-personnel usage, Kendre Miller as the Saints' RB2 and Emmett Johnson as the Chiefs' backup running back.
- Mike MoraitisRoster Spot Calls · Josh BlackwellHit · 100Moraitis names seven Bears as trade candidates before roster cuts, predicting Kiran Amegadjie and Jedrick Wills are on the roster bubble and likely to be traded, while Ozzy Trapilo avoids an injured list, and listing several players as locks for the 53-man roster.
- Trevor RipleyRoster Spot Calls · Jacob ThomasHit · 100Ripley expects UDFA safety Jacob Thomas to earn a roster spot with the Vikings after a strong preseason showing, believes Jay Ward will start opposite Metellus, and thinks Theo Jackson's roster spot is safe despite losing his starting job.
More availability calls
The same kind of call, about other players and teams.
- Rich HribarAvailability Calls · Zach ErtzPendingPreviewing the Week 3 Monday night game, Hribar expects Caleb Williams to sit, doubts Tyson Bagent clears concussion protocol in time, and therefore has Case Keenum starting at quarterback for Chicago; he also expects Zach Ertz to play for Philadelphia in his first week back.
- Ezekiel TrezevantAvailability Calls · Treydan StukesPendingReviewing the Raiders' Week 3 depth chart, he expects both safeties Treydan Stukes and Isaiah Pola-Mao to be on the field Sunday, and sees the rest of the unit largely settled.
- Jared DubinAvailability Calls · Sam DarnoldPendingDubin suggests Sam Darnold's glute injury may cost him just one game, with a return possible for Seattle's Week 3 game against Washington.
- Colin CowherdAvailability Calls · Brock BowersPendingThe co-host (identified only as "Mitchell") made his own Week 3 picks, including blowout wins for Seattle and San Francisco, Cincinnati 27-17, Detroit 37-13, Denver 24-21 over the Rams, and predicted Jonah Coleman takes over the Broncos' running back role.
- Michael David SmithAvailability Calls · Brian BurnsPendingSmith expects Giants pass rusher Brian Burns' low ankle sprain to sideline him for at least the coming week's game.
- Blaine GrisakAvailability Calls · Maximus PulleyPendingGrisak expects newly signed safety Maximus Pulley to see special teams action right away for the Rams in their upcoming game against the Denver Broncos, given the team's special teams struggles.