The Carolina Panthers are looking to fill their backup quarterback position, a need that has risen in importance following Bryce Young's impressive second half of the season. The team is reviewing various candidates from the open market, considering their fit alongside their starting QB. Their top choice appears to be Andy Dalton, who has established a solid rapport with Young and the coaching staff, making him a logical and familiar option for a seamless transition.

Other potential candidates include Taylor Heinicke, a veteran with prior ties to the Panthers, and Trey Lance, a former first-round pick who is seen as a project in need of development. Justin Fields is a tempting option as a dual-threat quarterback, and Jacoby Brissett could provide stability given his experience.

With competition heating up, the Panthers have several intriguing choices, but it remains to be seen who will ultimately fill the role.

Despite the ongoing wildfires in Southern California, both Los Angeles NFL teams, the Rams and Chargers, conducted outdoor practices while preparing for their playoff games. Smoke was evident at the Rams' facility, with some players opting for masks due to air quality concerns.

The Rams are set to host the Minnesota Vikings at SoFi Stadium, although the NFL remains prepared to relocate the game to State Farm Stadium in Arizona if necessary. Rams coach Sean McVay expressed optimism about playing at SoFi but acknowledged the fires' impact on their community.

Meanwhile, the Chargers are gearing up for their game against the Texans and managed to hold a shortened practice. Coach Jim Harbaugh reported the practice was adapted to account for the poor air quality, with players adjusting well.

As the Atlanta Falcons prepare for their pivotal matchup against the Carolina Panthers, questions surrounding quarterback Michael Penix Jr.'s future continue to dominate discussions. According to Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox, Penix's performance in Week 18 will significantly impact whether the Falcons pursue competition for the QB1 position in the offseason. With only two starts under his belt, Penix has struggled, tallying just one touchdown pass against two interceptions and a passer rating of 73.2.

Knox warns that a poor showing against the Panthers could sour the Falcons' outlook and potentially alter their quarterback strategy heading into 2025. However, some analysts argue that despite the pressure, the Falcons' commitment to Penix as their future starter remains unchanged. The team drafted him at No. 8 overall and is expected to move forward with him as the presumed starter regardless of the outcome on Sunday.

The NFL's annual playoff race often highlights star quarterbacks, but injuries to key players like Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa raise questions about backup options for playoff contenders. As teams gear up for the postseason, the effectiveness of their second-string quarterbacks could be crucial in navigating the challenges posed by injuries.

In a recent ranking of backup quarterbacks for projected playoff teams, Carson Wentz of the Kansas City Chiefs tops the list. Despite a rocky career, his experience and skill set make him a valuable asset for a team with championship aspirations. Following Wentz is Jimmy Garoppolo, who, although yet to play a snap for the Los Angeles Rams, brings significant playoff experience from his time with the San Francisco 49ers.

Other notable backups include Justin Fields of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who has shown promise in a limited role, and Kenny Pickett, who has faced challenges stepping in for Jalen Hurts with the Philadelphia Eagles. Malik Willis of the Green Bay Packers and Teddy Bridgewater of the Detroit Lions also feature prominently, showcasing their adaptability in run-heavy schemes.

As the rankings continue, players like Marcus Mariota and Davis Mills represent the diverse skill sets that backups bring to their teams. The list also highlights the importance of experience, with veterans like Taylor Heinicke and Mitch Trubisky adding depth to their respective rosters. Ultimately, the ability of these second-string quarterbacks to perform under pressure could determine the playoff fate of their teams.

The Los Angeles Chargers find themselves in a pivotal position as they approach the final week of the regular season. With a 10-6 record, they have a chance to secure the fifth seed in the AFC playoffs, contingent on the outcome of the Cincinnati Bengals versus Pittsburgh Steelers game. If the Bengals win, the Chargers will have a meaningful matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, aiming to improve their playoff positioning. Head coach Jim Harbaugh emphasized the importance of winning, referencing safety Derwin James's sentiment that '11 wins sounds better than 10.'

Historically, Harbaugh has a track record of prioritizing wins even when playoff berths are secured, as seen during his tenure with the San Francisco 49ers. He noted that the Chargers are focused on moving up in the playoff rankings, highlighting the potential benefits of securing a home playoff game in the divisional round. The Chargers are looking to avoid past mistakes, such as last season's finale against the Denver Broncos, which resulted in an injury to wide receiver Mike Williams, affecting their playoff performance.

In terms of player availability, safety Elijah Molden is confirmed to be out due to a broken fibula, while there is hope for Alohi Gilman's return from injured reserve. Harbaugh's decisions regarding player rotations and snap counts will be closely watched as the Chargers aim to solidify their playoff standing.