KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - OCTOBER 16: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills reacts after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 24-20 at Arrowhead Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jason Hanna/Getty Images)

Just five short years ago, Josh Allen was in the exact same spot a lot of young quarterbacks find themselves in early in their careers. After hearing about his accuracy issues at Wichita State, which helped drop his stock to the middle of the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Allen couldn’t shake those issues his rookie year.

He tossed 15 interceptions and completed 52 percent of his passes. While he had his moments, he also had moments of consistent struggle.

‘Would Josh Allen ever figure it out in Buffalo?’ That was the question then.

Five years later, Allen is the best of what has turned out to be a rather mediocre quarterback class in 2018. Dubbed the next great QB class (a-la 1983 or 2004), it has been anything but.

– Baker Mayfield is on his second team and is benched by Carolina.
– Sam Darnold is on his second team after flaming out with the Jets, and has joined Mayfield on the bench in Carolina.
– Josh Rosen is nowhere in the NFL.
– Lamar Jackson, after an MVP year in 2019, has been a steady, consistent presence for the Baltimore Ravens.

Only Josh Allen has been the best of them all. He has thrown for over 4,000 yards and 35+ touchdowns in each of the last two years, and is well on his way to 4,000-plus yards and 35-plus touchdowns again this year. The Bills are 6-1, and are heavy favorites to win Super Bowl XLVII.

When asked about what it was like and what Jets quarterback Zach Wilson is going through, Allen said, “”I think it’s a guy trying to make a play, and I was at that same position,” Allen said. “I threw three picks against the Patriots my second year, and that’s kind of the game where it all clicked for me, after that game. So you can take that for what it is.”

If anyone knows what its like to struggle early in a career the way Wilson is, it’s Allen. Wilson is trying to shake off a reputation in the NFL of being inaccurate and indecisive. In 19 games he tries too hard to make plays with his feet and arm when his first read is covered. In short, he’s trying to do too much.

That indecisiveness was on full display last week against New England, when Wilson threw three interceptions in a 22-17 loss. He has taken heat all week with many questioning whether the Jets got the right guy.

The only way Wilson can change that narrative is to make things simple for himself, and he needs help too.

Allen had Brian Daboll, who is working wonders as Giants head coach, as his offensive coordinator. Wilson has Mike LeFluer. Can LeFluer simplify things? Can he be a QB whisper at this point? Both need to figure it out if things are going to change in the right direction. After 19 starts it’s still early in Wilson’s career. He just needs the kind of support that Allen got.

Now both Wilson and Allen meet for only the second time on Sunday.

Let’s check out our six must watch games!

  • Buffalo Bills (6-1) (-11.5) @ NY Jets (5-3)

    zach wilson Jets

    EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 30: Zach Wilson #2 of the New York Jets reacts before a game against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium on October 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)


    The fans will be ready to jump all over Zach Wilson the moment he throws an incompletion on Sunday. Let’s face it, Jets fans are antsy. They have seen this movie too many times when it comes to quarterbacks, and many are already giving Wilson with the “bust” label after last week’s 22-17 loss to New England.

    Wilson’s decision making has been an issue, especially on a team that looks ready to contend. The defense is sixth in total defense, 10th in passing defense, and 10th in points allowed per game at 19.9. With Sauce Gardner and crew back there, they give the Jets a punchers chance.

    Plus the Jets skill positions are loaded, even with Breece Hall and tackle Alijah Vera Tucker out. Still it comes down to the QB, and that is why the Jets will struggle. This is bad match-up for the Jets. The Buffalo Bills are tops in league on both sides of the ball, and Josh Allen and this top ranked Buffalo Bills offense is going to give the Jets all they can handle.

    This could get ugly fast.

    PICK: BILLS 31 – JETS 13.

  • Indianapolis Colts (3-4-1) @ New England (4-4)

    New England Patriots

    EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 30: Devin McCourty #32 of the New England Patriots celebrates an interception during the second half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

    The Patriots have to be feeling good after their 22-17 win over the Jets. Not only was it a bounce back effort for New England’s defense, but it was a nice rebound for quarterback Mac Jones. A week ago Jones was under the gun in a potential quarterback battle with Bailey Zappe.

    Now it’s Jones job for sure.

    On the flip side it’s going to be tough for the Colts on Sunday. Not only is dynamic running back Jonathan Taylor out with an ankle injury, but quarterback Sam Ehlinger is making only his second professional start. Bill Belichick loves to send his defense after young rookie QB’s. This will be no different.

    PICK: PATRIOTS 24 – COLTS 13

     

  • Minnesota Vikings (6-1) (-3.0) @ Washington Commanders (4-4)

    Minnesota Vikings

    MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – OCTOBER 30: Johnny Mundt #86 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates a touchdown during the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 30, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)

    If you put aside the story that embattled owner Daniel Snyder might finally sell the Washington franchise, this is a compelling match-up. The Commanders have won three straight since Ron Rivera’s exploded at reporters for his handling of Carson Wentz. The Commanders are now piloted by Taylor Heinicke, who has been solid when called upon. Wentz is on the IR with a finger injury.

    In all honesty, Washington has struggled to find a true franchise quarterback since they let Kirk Cousins slip away to this week’s opponent the Vikings. This is not to say that Cousins is a world beater, but still.

    Cousins has the Vikings cooking at 6-1.  While Cousins has been solid under center, the running of Dalvin Cook (4.9 yards per carry) and receiver Jordan Jefferson (14.5 yards per catch) have been the stars.

    Vikes have won five in a row. This could be a dangerous spot on the road against a game Washington squad.

    PICK: Upset Special: COMMANDERS 24 – VIKINGS 22

  • LA Rams (3-4) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5)

    Tom Brady

    TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 23: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts in the fourth quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 23, 2022 in Tampa, Florida.

    Two teams that expected a lot, lot more this season. This has been a disappointing start for both the Rams and Buccaeers, and both look at this game as a chance to kick-start a turnaround.

    The Rams have won three-straight in this match-up head-to-head, including last January’s divisional playoff game won by the Rams 30-27 on a last second field goal. LA has also won its last two played in Raymond James Stadium.

    This figures to be a little different. While both teams need to win this game, the Buccaneers HAVE to win this game. They have lost three straight, and five of six. Tom Brady is starting to look his age, and the Bucs just aren’t that good. If Tampa is going to do anything in the NFC South, this is a must have at home.

    PICK: BUCCANEERS 27 – RAMS 24

  • Tennessee Titans (5-2) @ Kansas City Chiefs (5-2) (-12.5)

    Mahomes Chiefs

    NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 24: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

    Even though they are both 5-2, it feels like the Chiefs are on another level as compared to the Titans. Sure the Titans can run the football with the great Derrick Henry, but they could be playing without starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill (ankle). The Titans also struggle defensively against the pass this season, which favors Patrick Mahomes and crew.

    The Chiefs dropped 44-points on San Francisco a couple weeks ago, and after a bye week are well rested and might be ready to hit their stride.

    PICK: CHIEFS 34 – TITANS 17.

  • Baltimore Ravens (5-3)(-2.0) @ New Orleans (3-5)

    Lamar Jackson ravens

    TAMPA, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 27: Isaiah Likely #80 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates his touchdown with teammate Lamar Jackson #8 during the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on October 27, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)


    The Ravens fly into New Orleans having won their last two, and stand in first place in the AFC North at 5-3. While it hasn’t been pretty, the Ravens will get some help this week with the addition of defensive end Roquan Smith to a defense that has underwhelmed at times this year.

    The Saints are coming off a 24-0 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, but they will be without receiver Michael Thomas for the rest of the year, and are already challenged at quarterback. Why? When your quarterbacks are Andy Dalton, Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill, it isn’t good. Expect the Ravens to pull away late. They have the better quarterback: Lamar Jackson; better offense, and better defense.

    PICK: RAVENS 27 – SAINTS 17.

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