Photo: USA Today Sports

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Top 5 Passing Matchups

Minnesota vs LA Chargers

The Minnesota Vikings have certainly turned heads with one of the most explosive passing offenses in the NFL during the opening two weeks of the season. Justin Jefferson, their star wide receiver, is on an incredible pace that would see him amass a mind-boggling 170 receptions and an astonishing 2,626 receiving yards if he keeps it up. This remarkable performance has shone brightly amidst the Vikings' unfortunate 0-2 start, where they narrowly lost two closely contested games. Jefferson's incredible production is not the only bright spot, though. Rookie Jordan Addison has showcased his deep-threat capabilities, consistently averaging 66 receiving yards per game. Adding to the offensive firepower, tight end TJ Hockenson ranks second among NFL tight ends in receiving yards, accumulating 101 yards through the first two games. The Vikings' running game has struggled to gain traction, resulting in an increased reliance on the passing attack, with an average of 44 passing attempts per game compared to 38 last season.

The Los Angeles Chargers have had a dismal start to the season, particularly in their secondary, which has allowed a staggering 356 passing yards per game on average. While this statistic may be somewhat inflated due to Tua Tagovailoa's 466-yard passing performance, the Chargers' defensive backs were unable to contain Ryan Tannehill in Week 2, as he threw for 246 yards while completing an impressive 20 of 24 passes. The team's cornerbacks, JC Jackson and Asante Samuel Jr, have both encountered early-season struggles. In addition, star pass-rusher Khalil Mack, now 32 years old, has yet to record a sack this season and has only managed two in his last 13 regular-season games. It is clear that this defensive unit must make significant improvements to prevent the Chargers from falling to an 0-3 record, and these adjustments should be a top priority as they prepare for the upcoming critical matchups.

Tampa Bay vs Philadelphia

Baker Mayfield has found a promising home with the Buccaneers, and he's displayed a more controlled and efficient style of play in the early part of the season. Through two games, Mayfield has resembled his earlier career form, avoiding turnovers and making smart decisions. He's completed 69% of his passes, averaging 245 yards per game with no interceptions. The Buccaneers, who are off to a 2-0 start and surpassing expectations, might have a competitive edge in the NFC South with a game manager like Mayfield rather than a quarterback attempting to do too much. Mike Evans is coming off a standout Week 2 performance with 171 receiving yards, including a 70-yard touchdown. Chris Godwin provides a reliable target for Mayfield, averaging 54 yards per game.

The Eagles' secondary has struggled significantly in the early part of the season. After allowing just 207 passing yards per game in 2022, they've surrendered an average of 340 yards and 3.5 passing touchdowns per game in 2023. The unit underwent significant changes, losing key players like Avonte Maddox to injury and reshaping the safety position with new acquisitions. After a record-breaking season in 2022, the Eagles have faced issues generating a pass rush in 2023, recording only four sacks through two games. While rookie Jalen Carter has shown promise, the defense lost Javon Hargrave, a premier interior pass rusher, which has hurt this defense so far this season. Additionally, the defensive line has several aging players, such as Brandon Graham at 35 and Fletcher Cox at 32, raising concerns about durability and effectiveness.

Carolina at Seattle

Bryce Young's likely absence in Week 3 due to an ankle injury raises intriguing questions for the Carolina Panthers. The rookie quarterback has had a less-than-stellar start to his NFL career, averaging just 149 passing yards per game and showing signs of discomfort in the pocket. This unexpected break could offer Young a valuable opportunity to step back, gather himself, and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the NFL game. In his place, the Panthers are expected to turn to veteran quarterback Andy Dalton. While Dalton may assume a game manager role, his experience and poise under pressure could provide a welcome boost to the offense. This, in turn, might lead to increased production for key offensive players, such as wide receiver Adam Thielen, tight end Hayden Hurts, and rookie wideout Jonathan Mingo. Dalton's ability to read defenses and make quick decisions, honed over years in the league, could bring much-needed stability to the Panthers' offensive unit.

The Seattle Seahawks are grappling with an increasingly worrisome secondary. In the opening two weeks of the 2023 season, the Seahawks have conceded an average of 328 passing yards per game, raising questions about the once-stout defense. Last season, Seattle's secondary was marked by its ability to overachieve despite not being the most physically gifted group on paper. However, this year, things appear to have taken a different turn. Second-year cornerback Coby Bryant, a 4th-round draft pick, has struggled, particularly when defending slot receivers. He has faced challenges against slot receivers such as Amon-Ra St. Brown and Puka Nacua, both of whom have exceeded the 100-yard mark in their respective matchups against the Seahawks. Additionally, the safety duo of Julian Love and Quandre Diggs has been underwhelming, ranking as one of the least effective tandems in the NFL this season. The potential absence of Tariq Woolen, arguably the team's top cornerback, due to a chest injury further compounds Seattle's secondary woes.

Baltimore vs Indianapolis

The Baltimore Ravens, currently holding a 2-0 record, haven't quite found their explosive offensive rhythm this season. Injuries have played a significant role in their early struggles, with Mark Andrews missing Week 1 and the loss of J.K. Dobbins for the season in Week 1 casting a shadow over the team. However, amidst these challenges, rookie Zay Flowers has emerged as a bright spot, consistently delivering over 60 receiving yards in each of his first two games, leading the team with a total of 140 receiving yards this season. On the flip side, Odell Beckham Jr has faced a slow start and is also nursing an ankle injury that could potentially keep him sidelined for this week.

The Indianapolis Colts are grappling with significant issues in their secondary. The unit underwent notable changes compared to 2022, and the early results in 2023 have not been promising. They've relied on two undrafted second-year players, Darrell Baker Jr and Dallis Flowers, alongside the serviceable Kenny Moore. Unfortunately, this revamped secondary has struggled to contain opposing passing attacks, allowing an average of 313 passing yards per game in their first two matchups. Notably, they surrendered a whopping 384 yards to rookie C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans' offense. While the secondary faces its fair share of challenges, the Colts have managed to generate a formidable pass rush, currently ranking fifth in the NFL with eight sacks. This defensive strength could play a pivotal role as they prepare to face the Baltimore Ravens. DeForest Buckner and Kwity Paye lead the charge in the pass-rushing department, each recording two sacks so far this season. Their ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks may be a key factor in the upcoming matchup.