Nov 26, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco (15) on the sidelines during the second half against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. credits: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY SportsNov 26, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco (15) on the sidelines during the second half against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. credits: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
NFL preseason is heating up, and we’re getting closer to our first look at new-look teams this season.
Lots of teams are having positional battles across the league, but the most important ones are at quarterback. Four teams have wide-open QB battles to sort out before Week 1.
I’d be shocked if any of these teams made the playoffs — but it’s still interesting to see who will be under center for all 32 NFL teams.
New Orleans Saints: Spencer Rattler, Tyler Shough, Jake Haener
Aug 25, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler (18) reacts to passing a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn ImagesAug 25, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler (18) reacts to passing a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Of all the QB competitions, this one seems like it’s the closest to being decided.
Reports from New Orleans have made it seem like Spencer Rattler is starting to pull ahead of the pack. This has always seemed like the most likely outcome.
Tyler Shough was the toolsy second-round pick in this last draft, but he’s struggled in camp so far. Jake Haener has a pretty low ceiling, so the Saints are probably trying to see what they have with their other two options.
I’m guessing Rattler will be the starter in Week 1, and if things go south, the Saints can try out Shough and simultaneously tank for a true QB1.
New York Giants: Russell Wilson, Jaxson Dart, Jameis Winston
Jun 18, 2025; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) warms up during minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn ImagesJun 18, 2025; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) warms up during minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
This one seems straightforward. It’s Russell Wilson’s to lose.
Head coach Brian Daboll announced that Jameis Winston is currently the QB2, but any person with a genuine love of football wants to see Winston start at some point this year. Especially if the Giants are going to be bad — they could at least be fun if Winston plays.
Then there’s Dart. The Giants used a first-round pick on him, but he’s going to be a bit of a project. I doubt Dart gets into any real game action this season, but the Giants’ coaching staff still seems pleased with his progression so far.
Wilson’s the starter unless something drastic happens.
Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) passes to Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (1) on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The pass fell incomplete. PHOTO USA TODAY SPORTS IMAGESIndianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) passes to Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (1) on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The pass fell incomplete. PHOTO USA TODAY SPORTS IMAGES
The least accurate QB in NFL history versus Danny Dimes.
Richardson has struggled so badly early on in training camp that Daniel Jones has an actual chance to be the Colts’ QB1 to start the season.
This would be a massive mistake.
The league knows what Daniel Jones is. He might even be better than Anthony Richardson. I just can’t quit on Richardson, though.
When you watch Richardson throw those cross-body bombs 60 yards downfield and make insane plays with his legs, you just can't deny the talent is there. If the Colts are going to stink anyway, I think you just have to give Richardson one last shot at QB1.
I kinda think the Colts agree — and Richardson will end up as the starter.
Cleveland Browns: Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders, Tyler Huntley
After the injury to Kenny Pickett, the Browns thought, “Yeah, let’s add another QB into this mess,” with Tyler Huntley.
Flacco is getting the most QB1 reps early on in camp, but reporters seem to speak most highly about fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders. Sanders’ draft partner, Dillon Gabriel, has not looked anywhere close to being an NFL QB, so he’s quickly fallen to the back of the pack.
With Huntley and Pickett, there’s no chance either one of them is the Week 1 starter. This is the Cleveland Browns we’re talking about, so one — or more realistically, both — could be starters at some point this year.
If the Browns want to take a massive risk, I think they’ll finally start giving more first- and second-team reps to Sanders. For now, Flacco will most likely be the starter, as he’ll be able to run Kevin Stefanski’s offense to the highest potential.