Four Rookie Quarterbacks Start in Week 8

Four rookie quarterbacks started in Week 8 games, as we were shown a glimpse of how the NFL landscape will look with the next batch of young passers. Cowboys QB Ben DiNucci is probably not a mainstay, but three of the first six picks from the NFL Draft have officially taken the mantle of starter for their respective teams.
Burrow: Rookie Record in Sight
The top pick in the draft, Joe Burrow, picked up the second win of his young career, a 31-20 victory over the Tennessee Titans at home. Burrow finished 26 of 37 passing for 249 yards and two touchdowns, advancing Cincinnati to 2-5-1 at the halfway point of the season.
Burrow outplayed Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill and continues to show the elusiveness and strength that made him the first overall pick in the draft. Burrow is on pace to break the rookie passing yard record, previously set by Andrew Luck at 4,374.
Tagovailoa: First Game, First Win
Fifth overall pick Tua Tagovailoa made the first start of his NFL career, and he came away with his first win to boot. Tagovailoa was named the starter during the Dolphins bye week, taking over for grizzled veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick.
The Alabama product didn’t have the most impressive stat sheet, but he didn’t need it when his defense and special teams each scored a TD in the 28-17 win over the Los Angeles Rams.
Tagovailoa finished 12 of 22 for 93 yards, one touchdown, and protected the ball without any turnovers.
Herbert: The Real Deal
Justin Herbert has looked to be the real deal since taking over for an injured Tyrod Taylor in Week 2. The sixth pick from this past draft filled the stat sheet on Sunday, albeit in a loss. Herbert completed 67% of his passes for 278 yards, three touchdowns, two interceptions, and an additional 21 rushing yards.
The Chargers blew a 21-point fourth-quarter lead to the Broncos on Sunday, ending in a 31-30 last-second defeat. Herbert has played well, leading the Chargers to the third overall offense, but the team is 2-5, and Herbert has just one win as a starter.
Still, the University of Oregon passer is tied for the most passing touchdowns in a player’s first six games, with 15, and seems poised to have a strong future in the league.
DiNucci: A Different Tier
Cowboys quarterback Ben DiNucci isn’t in the same group as the three first-rounders above him as a 7th round choice from James Madison. Forced into action after Andy Dalton’s injury, DiNucci looked skittish in the pocket en route to a 23-9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night.
DiNucci completed just over half his throws for 180 yards, tacking on an additional 22 rushing yards.
Rookie of the Year Odds
Herbert and Burrow are co-favorites to win Rookie of the Year at +100. If Burrow continues his offensive output and picks up a few more wins for Cincinnati, the award should be his.
Tua gave his draft-mates a six-game headstart and would have to end the year on a historic pace to become a real candidate to win the award. His odds are currently listed at +2000.