Almost half of the National Football League teams have started at least two quarterbacks in the 2022 season. Several have started three, such as the San Francisco 49ers (Trey Lance, Jimmy Garoppolo and Brock Purdy) and the New York Jets (Zach Wilson, Joe Flacco and Mike White). Some changes came as a necessity due to injury (like when Cooper Rush started in place of Dak Prescott in Dallas) and others have come as a result of poor play (such as Taylor Heinicke continuing to start even after Carson Wentz returned from injury). Don’t miss our weekly look at the quarterback matchup as you consider your NFL betting choices for Week 16.
NFL News: Week 16 QB Matchups
→ Thursday, December 22
Jacksonville Jaguars (-1.5) at N.Y. Jets (O/U 38.5) (8:15 pm ET, Prime Video)
Trevor Lawrence has finally caught up with the speed of NFL football, although the coaching of Doug Pederson has likely helped him much more than the nonsense that Urban Meyer conducted last season. The Jets will have Zach Wilson, as Mike White (ribs) is still not medically clear, but which Wilson will show up?
→ Saturday, December 24
Buffalo Bills (-8.5) at Chicago Bears (41.5) (1:00 pm ET, CBS)
At some point, Justin Fields will start torching opponents in Chicago, but the team needs to get him some skill players beyond Devin Singletary, and the team also needs a defense. Josh Allen continues to deliver, week after week.
New Orleans Saints (+3) at Cleveland Browns (31.5) (1:00 pm ET, CBS)
It will be interesting to see whether the Saints keep Andy Dalton as the starting quarterback next season, even though his ceiling is quite clear. We don’t know, yet, what Deshaun Watson’s ceiling in Cleveland will look like.
Houston Texans (+7) at Tennessee Titans (38.5) (1:00 pm ET, CBS)
Houston’s quarterback duo of Jeff Driskel and Davis Mills mystified the Dallas Cowboys two weeks ago (although the Cowboys have never been known for terrific adjustments) and almost led the way to a win against Kansas City. Ryan Tannehill has guided the Titans to four straight losses.
Seattle Seahawks (+9.5) at Kansas City Chiefs (49.5) (1:00 pm ET, CBS)
Geno Smith vs Patrick Mahomes is a matchup that could lead to some crazy numbers in terms of points and yardage, because neither defense is shutdown quality.
N.Y. Giants (+3.5) at Minnesota Vikings (47.5) (1:00 pm ET, FOX)
Daniel Jones eked out the win over Washington last week, but he also had some help from the officials. Kirk Cousins is feast or famine, but he was all feast after halftime last week.
Cincinnati Bengals (-3.5) at New England Patriots (40) (1:00 pm ET, FOX)
Joe Burrow is looking like a Super Bowl quarterback once again after leading that late comeback against Tampa Bay. Mac Jones found himself on a poster when he got stiff-armed while attempting to tackle Raiders linebacker Chandler Jones on one of the most bizarre plays in recent memory.
Detroit Lions (-2.5) at Carolina Panthers (44.5) (1:00 pm ET, CBS)
Jared Goff and Sam Darnold are both playing with an abundance of confidence. Even though Goff has the slightly better cast of skill players around him, Darnold’s ability to put the ball into tight windows has the Panthers on the edge of playoff consideration.
Atlanta Falcons (+7) at Baltimore Ravens (37.5) (1:00 pm ET, FOX)
Desmond Ridder threw for just 97 yards last week, and the Baltimore defense will not help him advance much up the learning curve. The Ravens are likely to have Tyler Huntley back at quarterback, and he should have more room to operate against the Atlanta defense.
Washington Commanders (+7.5) at San Francisco 49ers (39.5) (4:05 pm ET, FOX)
Taylor Heinicke’s limitations emerged against the Giants – he doesn’t have a cannon arm, and he can’t impose his will on scrambles. This week he gets to play against a third-string quarterback – but that guy’s name is Brock Purdy, who has done nothing but win.
Philadelphia Eagles (+6) at Dallas Cowboys (46.5) (4:25 pm ET, FOX)
The Eagles are set to start Gardner Minshew after Jalen Hurts sprained his shoulder against Chicago. If Dak Prescott keeps throwing back-breaking interceptions for Dallas, though, will that matter?
Las Vegas Raiders (+2.5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (39.5) (8:15 pm ET, NFL Network)
We just don’t know which Derek Carr will show up this week, but the Raiders have started to win a bit more. Kenny Pickett has already gone through the concussion protocol twice this season, but he is set to come back and start this week. His progress so far this season has been impressive, but you have to wonder how many concussions he will take before he starts to think about retirement.
→ Sunday, December 25
Green Bay Packers (NL) at Miami Dolphins (NL) (1:00 pm ET, FOX)
After the Packers throttled the Rams on Monday night, it looks like Aaron Rodgers has the job firmly in hand. Tua Tagovailoa should be able to put up big numbers against the Packers, though.
Denver Broncos (NL) at L.A. Rams (NL) (4:30 pm ET, CBS)
Russell Wilson was clear from the concussion protocol for Week 15 but was still held out for his safety. He should return against the Rams. Baker Mayfield looked a little lost at times against Green Bay, and he won’t have much time in the pocket against Denver.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-4.5) at Arizona Cardinals (41.5) (8:20 pm ET, NBC)
Tom Brady had the Buccaneers up, 17-3, on Cincinnati, but things changed in the blink of an eye, as the Bucs turned the ball over on four straight possessions. Colt McCoy is in the concussion protocol, which could mean that Trace McSorley will get the start.
→ Monday, December 26
L.A. Chargers (-3.5) at Indianapolis Colts (46.5) (8:15 pm ET, ESPN)
Justin Herbert has the Chargers sniffing the playoffs, while Matt Ryan just got a second ignominious title. Not only did he quarterback the team that gave up the largest lead in Super Bowl history, but this past weekend, he “led” the Colts from a 33-0 lead to a 39-36 overtime loss.
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