Training camp QB battle predictions: Projecting starting quarterbacks for Steelers, Vikings, Broncos, more

Most NFL teams (27) know who their starting quarterback will be for Week 1 of the 2024 regular season. Many of those top QBs are established veterans or high-drafted rookies.

But there are still a handful of teams trying to figure out who will lead their offenses when the games start to count, be it a youngster or older bridge option after heated competitions in the preseason.

While Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels are set to be fast-tracked as rookies, that's not the case for four QBs taken after them in the first round in 2024. Elsewhere, you have two battles where veteran newcomers are trying to maintain an edge over recent draft picks.

Not counting Michael Penix in Atlanta and adding up those other uncertain QB situations, there are five key battles in all — Steelers, Patriots, Raiders, Vikings, and Broncos. Here's projecting the winners for those battles, from Russell Wilson vs. Justin Fields to Bo Nix vs. the field.

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NFL training camp quarterback battles

Pittsburgh Steelers: Russell Wilson vs. Justin Fields

This is a battle based only on the fact both Wilson and Fields started for their respective teams last season. Coach Mike Tomlin has made it pretty clear the Steelers are going with Wilson as the preferred complement to a team that will lean much on the defense and running game.

After seeing the disappointment with youngster Kenny Pickett, the Steelers need to roll with the accomplished. seasoned, and marquee veteran over Fields, who comes with more youthful variables. Fields, 25, may end up panning out well in Arthur Smith's run-heavy offense, but in the short term, Wilson, 35, gives Pittsburgh a much better chance to become a stronger playoff team.

Prediction: Barring injury, Wilson has already won the job.

New England Patriots: Drake Maye vs. Jacoby Brissett

Now it gets more interesting. While the Maye is working to be the first starting QB for post-Bill Belichick rookie coach Jerod Mayo, the Patriots may opt to take it slower given they do not have the offensive profile to contend in the AFC regardless.

Brissett was drafted by the Patriots and is returning for the first time since his rookie 2016 season, but more important, he knows the offense from having played for the Browns under new Patriots coordinator Alex Van Pelt. Around that Cleveland stop in 2022, Brissett's one-year stints with the Dolphins and Commanders further proved he can adapt well to any scheme and situation as a 31-year-old backup.

Maye will be given the chance to perform well enough for the job, but despite some inevitable struggles, Brissett just might give the 38-year-old Mayo more comfort.

Prediction: Let's go with Brissett to win for Week 1 but for Maye to make his first start in October after a tough early schedule.

Las Vegas Raiders: Garnder Minshew vs. Aidan O'Connell

Jimmy Garoppolo didn't last long as the bridge QB last season, tied with the firing of his former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels as head coach. That allowed the Raiders to get a long look at O'Connell through 10 starts as a rookie fourth-round pick.

O'Connell flashed at times as a big-armed pocket passer, but there was nothing in his evaluation to say he should be their franchise QB in Year 2. Minshew, like Brissett, is working to be the next Ryan Fitzpatrick with the cerebral skills to pick up an offense quickly.

Minshew followed Shane Steichen from the Eagles to the Colts and went from an OK Jalen Hurts fill-in to a shaky Anthony Richardson sub.  He's far removed from rookie "Minshew Mania" with the Jaguars.

Minshew would be best off being a valuable backup who can start a few games in a pinch. Minshew's skills, leadership qualities, and intangibles would prove valuable, as he has the right makeup to bridge better in Luke Getsy's new run-leaning offense than Jimmy G did with McDaniels.

Prediction: Project Minshew as the winner, with a midseason toggle to O'Connell coming before the team takes a first-round QB in 2025.

Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy vs. Sam Darnold

The Vikings would like McCarthy, the No. 10 overall pick, to earn the job before simply trusting him with the full-time keys to Kevin O'Connell's passing game. O'Connell and quarterbacks coach Josh McCown will do well to accelerate McCarthy's development, but Sam Darnold has the early edge based on his connection with old teammate McCown and coming from an adjacent style of offense, Kyle Shanahan's 49ers.

The fact McCarthy is behind in a pass-happier scheme after being drafted from a run-heavy, defensive-minded Michigan team is not surprising. It also won't be surprising when he accelerates his development through his rookie year based on his arm and athletic gifts.

The Vikings, after a tricky home opener at the Giants in Week 1, also host the 49ers and Texans back-to-back before seeing Jordan Love's Packers and Aaron Rodgers' Jets before a Week 6 bye.

Prediction: With a rough start in store for the team with Darnold taking some lumps, it would align for McCarthy to get his first shot by Week 7's home game vs. the Lions.

Denver Broncos: Bo Nix vs. Jarrett Stidham vs. Zach Wilson

Nix, as the No. 12 overall pick, might also seem challenged to start given he has competition from two young veterans, but he's in much better position to win the job for Week 1 in Denver than either Maye in New England or McCarthy in Minnesota.  There's no reliable bridge option behind Nix — only two AFC East castoffs

Stidham started for the Broncos under Sean Payton at the end of last season because he was the only alternative to Russell Wilson. Zach Wilson was a worthy flier to see what he can still do post-Jets, but he's starting over after proving not to be starter material filling in for Rodgers last season.

Nix has a lot of college playing experience, and his natural accuracy traits can help him execute the offense well enough for Payton and Joe Lombardi. There's no winning upside to playing either Stidham or Wilson, short- or long-term.

Prediction: Nix has few obstacles to starting right away. Unless he falls flat and looks lost in camp and preseason, Nix will be out there in Week 1 in Seattle.