3-Wide: Is DeAndre Hopkins the best wide receiver in the NFL?
3-Wide is a weekly feature in which theScore's NFL editors debate the hot topics around the league. Grab a cold towel and brace for hot takes.
Is DeAndre Hopkins the best wide receiver in the NFL?
Joe Thomson: Yes. Hopkins is a rare athlete that combines the crisp route-running skills of Antonio Brown with the leaping ability of Julio Jones. His absurd number of targets (137) doesn't feel forced because he's always getting open. Hopkins doesn't have the resume of some veterans, but he is definitely the NFL's most dangerous weapon right now.
David P. Woods: At this second? Hopkins just might be. But if a player's larger body of work must be factored in to any determination of "best," then give me Antonio Brown. He led the league in receiving last year and would likely be in the same position today if not for injuries to Ben Roethlisberger. The absurdly athletic Brown is the NFL's best route-runner. His ability to change direction at full speed is the closest humans have come to teleportation.
Arun Srinivasan: Hopkins is certainly in the discussion, but the NFL's best receiver is Julio Jones. Jones is able to run the complete route tree and can bowl over safeties with his combination of speed, size, and strength. Hopkins should gain credit for playing with subpar quarterbacks throughout his career, and he's on the verge, but Jones, the NFL's leading receiver, remains at the top of the proverbial mountain.
Should Peyton Manning get his starting job back when healthy?
Woods: There are 52 other players on the Broncos, plus dozens of trainers, coaches and front office personnel, all working toward the goal of a Super Bowl title. Based on what Manning has shown this season, Brock Osweiler clearly gives the Broncos a much better chance of achieving that goal. It will be a brutal end to the career of perhaps the greatest passer ever - getting benched in the same game he broke the all-time passing yardage record and never throwing another pass - but Manning won't be the last great player whose career flames out in spectacular fashion.
Srinivasan: It's a difficult proposition, considering the hubris it would take to bench Manning, but the five-time MVP should be relegated to the bench. Osweiler played well in a relatively small sample size, and the Broncos are getting the most out of their offense with him under center. Manning's league-high 17 interceptions are a cautionary tale, and it's time for him to share his cerebral approach to the game with his successor.
Thomson: Manning has shown a lack of zip and accuracy on his passes dating back to last season. The Broncos, a team that's in serious contention in the AFC, need to evaluate Manning on a non-biased basis and determine if he gives them the best chance to win. If he doesn't, he should be benched. As long as Osweiler limits turnovers, this team should make some noise in the playoffs.
Are the Patriots or Panthers more likely to finish the season undefeated?
Srinivasan: Although the Patriots look unstoppable at this juncture, the Panthers appear more likely to go undefeated. New England still needs to play Denver and its top-ranked defense on the road, and will need to escape dates with divisional opponents New York and Miami unscathed. Carolina could glide through its remaining schedule, and its defense always travels well.
Thomson: The Patriots have done it before and have a major mental advantage in that regard. At this point in an undefeated season, the mental hurdle is the biggest, but the Patriots also have the injury bug to deal with. If they can get by the Broncos this week they have a better chance, but I don't think either team will finish undefeated.
Woods: It's the Panthers, but not because they're the better team overall. The Panthers have a much easier schedule, with four games against weak NFC South opponents and only one trip to a cold-weather venue.