Bradley Locker· Sep 23, 2026
Locker presents PFF's Week 3 adjusted power rankings for the 2026 season, with Buffalo first, Seattle rising to second and Chicago plummeting to 26th amid quarterback injuries. He also expects Kyler Murray back in Week 3, Michael Penix Jr. returning Thursday night, and Jameis Winston taking over as the Giants' starter for most or all of the season.
“The Bears fall with a projected QB3: Injuries to Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent, coupled with a questionable defense, have knocked Chicago well outside of the top 10.”
published in writing · Pro Football Focus · read the original →
4 checkable claims — 2 availability calls, 1 depth chart call and 1 power ranking — 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
Jameis Winston · 2026 season9 calls from 8 pundits between 1 and 2. Bradley Locker 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
4 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
“The performance of Murray, who will return in Week 3 in Tampa Bay, will reveal more about the Vikings' long-term chances.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
“the return of Michael Penix Jr. on Thursday night could offer a boost”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsJameis WinstonNew York GiantsSep 23, 2026
Jameis Winston to be 1st on the depth chart
“the knee injury suffered by Jaxson Dart, one which figures to make Jameis Winston (56.8 PFF passing grade in Week 2) the starter for much, if not the rest, of the season”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Power RankingsSep 23, 2026
“Below is PFF's adjusted power rankings based on the signature holistic model, weighing overall team performance with remaining strength of schedule. 1. Buffalo Bills ... 32. Miami Dolphins”
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.
- Patricia TrainaRoster Spot Calls · Paulson AdeboHit · 100Traina projects the Giants' initial 53-man roster position by position, naming who makes the team and who lands on the practice squad, including keeping Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Evan Neal (with a possible trade), Dalen Cambre over Braxton Berrios, Lucas Patrick as backup center, and Dominic Zvada as the kicker.
- 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.
- Bob FolgerRoster Spot Calls · Zaire BarnesHit · 100Reviewing the Giants' defense and special teams in the preseason game against Miami, Folger states he has little doubt linebacker Zaire Barnes will make the roster, largely on the strength of his special teams play.
More availability calls
The same kind of call, about other players and teams.
- John GreenAvailability Calls · Ladd McConkeyPendingPreviewing Bills-Chargers in Week 3, Green expects Chargers slot receiver Ladd McConkey to be available despite a rib injury.
- Brendon NelsonAvailability Calls · Sam DarnoldPendingNelson expects Sam Darnold to return and play the entire game against Washington in Week 3, rather than being limited or rested, unless it becomes a blowout. He also doubts Seattle trades Drew Lock, arguing the big offer won't materialize and Seattle should keep him as quarterback insurance.
- Alain PoupartAvailability Calls · Chop RobinsonPendingPoupart says right tackle Austin Jackson's contract situation makes it no better than a coin flip — and probably worse — that he is back with the Dolphins next season, and suggests Miami may turn to a younger option at right tackle if his struggles continue. He also indicates edge rusher Chop Robinson will return to the lineup against Kansas City in Week 3.
- Pat FitzmauriceAvailability Calls · Zay FlowersPendingA Week 3 half-PPR start/sit and tiered rankings column offering weekly lineup advice across quarterback, running back, wide receiver and tight end. The only non-weekly claim is that Ravens receiver Zay Flowers will be held out another week with a hamstring injury.
- Michael MooreAvailability Calls · Caleb DouglasPendingIn a Week 3 injury roundup, Moore forecast several availability calls: DJ Moore, Caleb Douglas, Rico Dowdle, Nico Collins, Zay Flowers and Puka Nacua are expected to miss Week 3, while Jalen Coker and Brock Bowers should play, with Jaylen Warren taking on a near-workhorse role in Pittsburgh.
- John MiddlekauffAvailability Calls · Sam DarnoldPendingReacting to the Packers' blowout loss at Lambeau, Middlekauff said Green Bay's own pick (now owned by the Jets) will land somewhere between 7 and 12 overall, picked Cincinnati to beat Pittsburgh and expected Seattle and Kansas City to roll over Washington and Miami. He also guessed Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss would run about a 4.48-4.50 forty, said Seattle won't trade Drew Lock, and expected Sam Darnold to play in Week 3.