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 season14 calls from 12 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
- Chris SimmsScore Predictions · Minnesota VikingsHit · 90Simms went through the entire Week 3 slate with straight-up winners and predicted final scores, taking Jacksonville, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Detroit, Houston, Carolina, Kansas City, Seattle, the Giants, Baltimore, New Orleans, Minnesota, San Francisco, Denver and Philadelphia. He also expected Zay Flowers and Puka Nacua to sit, Kyler Murray to play, and said Marvin Harrison Jr. projects as no better than a good No. 2 or high-end No. 3 receiver.
- Connor RogersGame Outcome Picks · New York GiantsHit · 100Rogers picked Detroit, Houston, Carolina, Kansas City, Seattle and the Giants to win their Week 3 games, saying the Chiefs win by two touchdowns and the Giants by a field goal.
- Sam MonsonGame Outcome Picks · Minnesota VikingsHit · 100Monson picked the Chargers to beat the Bills outright (jokingly crediting Buffalo's gray 'Nickel City' jerseys), took the Vikings to win outright in Tampa, and said Seattle would destroy Washington. He also reiterated his Super Bowl pick of Denver over the Rams, called the Dolphins destined for the No. 1 overall pick, and said the Saints are a worst-to-first candidate in the NFC South.
- Carter BahnsRoster Spot Calls · Jeshaun JonesMiss · 0A CBS Sports piece expects suspended Vikings receiver Jeshaun Jones to lose his roster battle and be cut by the Aug. 30 deadline, given Minnesota's established receiver group.
- Adam CarlsonTrade and Signing Calls · J.J. McCarthyHit · 100Carlson names three Vikings he expects could be traded before the end of September: quarterback J.J. McCarthy, wide receiver Jordan Addison and linebacker Ivan Pace.
- Greg AumanTrade and Signing Calls · J.J. McCarthyHit · 100Auman argues no quarterback is likely to replicate Sam Darnold's turnaround this season, but names five candidates. He expects Miami to hold a very high pick in the 2027 draft, and thinks J.J. McCarthy will eventually be traded for a late-round pick or cut by the Vikings.
More availability calls
The same kind of call, about other players and teams.
- Ralph VentreAvailability Calls · Christian BenfordPendingVentre expects Christian Benford's toe injury to sideline him for at least the Week 4 game against New England, and believes the Bills will have to add a cornerback to the 53-man roster this week — likely by moving Benford to injured reserve — with practice squad rookie Kani Walker the most likely player elevated.
- Fox SportsAvailability Calls · Jayden DanielsPendingWith surgery ruled out, Washington's outlet speculates Jayden Daniels avoids injured reserve and, if he isn't back for the Week 4 game in London, returns either in Week 5 against the Giants or Week 6 against the 49ers.
- Jordan DajaniAvailability Calls · Baker MayfieldPendingDajani writes that, based on the injury timeline, Baker Mayfield should be available to return for Tampa Bay's Oct. 25 game against the Carolina Panthers.
- Evan TarraccianoAvailability Calls · Garrett WilsonPendingIn his Week 3 studs and duds recap, Tarracciano says Drake London becomes a mid-tier WR1 now that Michael Penix Jr. is back, maintains Chase Brown should still be ranked as an RB1 despite a slow start, and expects Garrett Wilson to be fine after a concussion evaluation and play in Week 4.
- Kelly KirbyAvailability Calls · Breece HallPendingKirby suggested Breece Hall's leg injury casts doubt on whether he will be available for the Jets in Week 4, making Braelon Allen a priority pickup.
- Nick WrightAvailability Calls · Mansoor DelanePendingWright argued Justin Herbert has always been supporting-cast dependent rather than elite, said the Bills are the likely winner over the Chargers, and then gave straight score predictions for five Week 3 games, calling Seattle the best team in the NFL with the league's best defense.