The quarterback depth charts may have changed a bit after the first week NFL preseason games.

NFL head coaches vying for the quarterback title are unlikely to reveal it with two preseason games to go, but first impressions are telling. Bo Nix, for example, quickly proved he’s ready for more action with the Denver Broncos’ starting lineup after his impressive debut (15 of 21 passes for 125 yards, one touchdown, and a 102.3 passer rating) against the Indianapolis Colts.

Broncos coach Sean Payton could have a difficult decision when it comes to choosing between Jarrett Stidham and Nix.

Speaking of tough decisions, football experts may have a hard time naming a division champion in the AFC South when the final predictions come in the coming weeks. Yes, the Houston Texans are the favorites, but the Colts are becoming a popular dark horse.

There was also further news related to the lengthy contract disputes surrounding wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and Brandon Aiyuk.

For this week’s Fact or Fiction, let’s analyze the latest news from the NFL.

Bo Nix will win the starting spot as quarterback for the Broncos

Manzano’s view: Fact

Payton wisely kept the Nix hype at bay by not singling out his rookie quarterback after Sunday’s game. Instead, Payton praised all three quarterbacks who played, including Stidham and Zach Wilson.

The race for the Broncos’ starting job in Week 1 appears to be between Nix and Stidham, who may have a slight edge. But after Nix produced four scoring drives against the Colts, the 2024 first-round pick may have earned a preseason start and more first-team action.

If Nix continues to operate Payton’s offensive scheme well, there should be no reason not to use him in the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 8. Nix had a few rushed throws against Indianapolis, but he read the field well and gave his playmakers opportunities to move the chains. The rookie’s determination was on display when he threw a 1-yard touchdown to wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. on a third-and-goal attempt in the second quarter.

And that’s why I think Payton will name Nix the starter after the preseason: My colleague Albert Breer recently highlighted Payton’s quote praising the Broncos’ 2024 draft classand said it could be as good as the ones he had with the New Orleans Saints in 2006 and 2017.

Those were special draft years with a lot of success. Payton wouldn’t have made that comparison if he didn’t at least believe that the 12th pick of this year’s class has what it takes to be a great quarterback. Payton can prove that by letting Nix open the season as the starter.

Colts will put pressure on Texans in battle for AFC South title

Manzano’s view: Fact

Anthony Richardson had a quiet return to the fieldbut the fact that he is available for the opening game of the preseason against the Broncos was reason enough for me to say that the Colts will challenge the strong Texans for the AFC South title.

Richardson quickly proved last season that he can develop into a star quarterback if he avoids injuries. The 2023 first-round pick’s rookie season was cut short by a shoulder injury and he suffered other injuries in the four games he played.

Had Richardson stayed healthy, he might have been able to challenge CJ Stroud for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Stroud’s Texans defeated the Colts without Richardson in the final game of the regular season to clinch the division.

If Richardson stays healthy, it could come down to the final weeks again – there’s that “if” again. Indianapolis may not have as many stars as Houston, but there’s a lot of good in what coach Shane Steichen and GM Chris Ballard have built with a balanced roster. And the Colts could have an impressive draft class headlined by edge rusher Laiatu Latu and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.

I’m not ready to say the Colts will beat the Texans in the battle for the division crown, but I have their Week 1 clash marked as one of the best games of the week.

Cowboys will not re-sign CeeDee Lamb before the regular season

Manzano’s view: fiction

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones may have caused problems in Lamb’s contract negotiations after telling reporters there was no rush to finalize a deal with the star quarterback.

Jones may have been joking or a poor way of saying that an extension will come about at some point, but regardless of the intent, there was enough damage that Jones had to clarify his words after saying the team misses Lamb.

The Cowboys continue to unnecessarily complicate this situation, which should have been resolved last summer or this offseason, but Jones’ words should not be enough to derail contract negotiations.

The Cowboys know Lamb is one of the best wide receivers in the league and is critical to their 2024 Super Bowl hopes. It would be shocking if Dallas went into the season without Lamb, especially if the team can’t get a deal done with Dak Prescott and/or Micah Parsons. Going into the regular season without signing at least one of the big three players would be a monumental disaster for the organization.

Brandon Aiyuk should agree to a transfer to the Steelers

Manzano’s view: fiction

Aiyuk may prefer to stay with the San Francisco 49ers if winning is more important to him than becoming one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the league. And if reports of this deadlock between the 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers are true, staying there may be a no-brainer.

The Steelers are regularly in the playoff race, but have plenty of issues on offense. There are doubts about quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, and the offensive line could have ups and downs after what it showed in the season opener against the Texans. Plus, it’s been a while since the Steelers were serious Super Bowl contenders, in part due to the stagnant offense over the past few seasons.

If the star-studded 49ers don’t have an offer that comes close to that of the New England Patriots, over 30 million US dollars annuallythen the best solution might be for the team to promise not to put the franchise tag on him after the offseason in order to have another chance to win the Super Bowl together.

A dynamic season culminating in the Lombardi Trophy could be enough for Aiyuk to surpass the $35 million mark annually and earn even more guaranteed money on the open market.

Jonathan Taylor will get more players to wear Guardian Caps in games

Manzano’s view: Fact

I visited seven teams during my NFL training camp tour over the past two weeks. Of those teams, only the Los Angeles Chargers players wore the Guardian Caps, whose skullcaps look more like game-day helmets, leading me to believe not many players will use them during the regular season.

But then Colts running back Jonathan Taylor used the helmet with the extra padding designed to prevent concussions in a game against the Broncos, becoming the first high-profile player to benefit from the new rule that allows players to wear Guardian Caps during games.

Perhaps more players will follow Taylor’s example and prioritize safety over fashionable game-day attire. The huge helmets look odd, but that shouldn’t be a problem when it comes to safety, especially if it doesn’t prevent players from performing at their best. We’ll soon find out if Taylor has started a trend.