Can Bo Nix claim the Denver Broncos’ starting QB gig by Week 1?

Like several teams, the Denver Broncos will be evaluating a rookie quarterback throughout the preseason—in their case, Bo Nix.

It will be a pivotal process for Denver, which parted with Russell Wilson in the offseason and has an otherwise solid roster.

The Broncos managed to win eight games in Sean Payton’s first season as head coach, despite some early defensive struggles and a 1-5 start. The hope is that if Nix can solidify the quarterback position, they can begin building toward the playoffs.

However, the Broncos aren’t simply going to hand the rookie the starting job, even if the alternative is starting Zach Wilson or Jarrett Stidham.

Stidham was listed as the starter on Denver’s first unofficial depth chart , with Nix at QB3. The big question is whether the Oregon product can do enough over the next three weeks to win the QB1 role before the regular season.

Do the Kansas City Chiefs have an answer at left tackle on their roster?

The Kansas City Chiefs still employ Patrick Mahomes and therefore have zero questions about their quarterback spot. There is, however, some uncertainty about who will protect his blindside.

Last year’s starting left tackle Donovan Smith remains unsigned, and Kansas City is expected to start with either rookie Kingsley Suamataia or second-year Wanya Morris in his place.

The Chiefs may not even get a look at Morris in the preseason opener, as he suffered a knee injury on Wednesday, according to PJ Green of Fox 4 Kansas City.

Over the next few weeks, though, they must figure out if they have a dependable left tackle on their roster. Otherwise, the Chiefs will have to consider bringing back Smith or another free-agent option such as David Bakhtiari.

Will a clear-cut starter emerge at QB for the Las Vegas Raiders?

The Las Vegas Raiders are one of the few NFL teams holding a true quarterback competition between veterans this offseason.

As a rookie, Aidan O’Connell was a decent enough game manager, but Las Vegas brought in Gardner Minshew II in free agency.

The hope is that one of the two will emerge as an above-average starter who can maximize offensive playmakers like Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers and rookie tight end Brock Bowers. It’s likely to be an open competition throughout the preseason.

“Who goes out first and who goes out second really doesn’t matter,” head coach Antonio Pierce told reporters.

Las Vegas will be hoping to see both quarterbacks perform well in exhibition but for one to emerge as an obvious favorite.

Can the Los Angeles Chargers field a functional offense if Justin Herbert misses time?

While expectations should be tempered for the Los Angeles Chargers’ first season under Jim Harbaugh, his past success likely has plenty of fans thinking about the playoffs.

Undoubtedly, the new head coach will bring some positive changes to the defense, the offensive line and the ground game.

The question is whether the Chargers can get enough out of the passing attack to compete in the division this year. L.A. parted with potent pass-catchers Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Gerald Everett and Austin Ekeler this offseason.

On top of that, quarterback Justin Herbert is dealing with a plantar fascia injury that could linger into the regular season.

The hope, of course, is that Herbert will be ready for Week 1. What the Chargers need to learn during the preseason is whether a quarterback such as Easton Stick, Max Duggan or Luis Perez can help them navigate the early season if needed.