The 2020 NFL season promises to be one like no other. The absence of preseason games and suspicions regarding safety has created more questions than answers. However, alongside the uncertainty, the quarterback landscape changed massively this offseason with the legendary Tom Brady leaving the New England Patriots for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brady’s transition, Patrick Mahomes‘ record-breaking contract, and generational rookies have produced multiple intriguing quarterback matchups ahead of the 2020 season.
Most Intriguing Quarterback Matchups in 2020
1. Tom Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) against Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints)
The two quarterbacks with the most touchdowns and passing yards in NFL history will face off twice during the regular season in 2020. Drew Brees has the most touchdowns in NFL history with 547 while Brady sits second with 541. Brady and Brees will match up in Week 1 and Week 9 of the season and may be the matchup that decides the division title. In previous meetings, Brady has the advantage with two victories over Brees’ saints in 2013 and 2017. However, the lack of an off-season may work in Brees’ favor with Brady having no pre-season games to learn the offense.
Brady will have more offensive weapons in Tampa Bay with the returning Rob Gronkowski and the wide receiver tandem of Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. Whereas, Brees and company will be hoping two wins against Tampa Bay will lead them to another division title after Brees signed a two-year deal in March.
2. Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals) against Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins)
From quarterbacks who have dominated for decades to two rookies who haven’t played a single snap in the NFL. The two top-five draft picks will face off in Week 12 of the regular season in Miami. Joe Burrow is coming off arguably the greatest college season ever. 60 touchdowns and over 5,000 yards made Burrow the number one pick in the 2020 draft by the Bengals. Burrow will have weapons in Cincinnati with A.J Green and rookie Tee Higgins. Though, the Bengals offensive line will have to be much improved for Burrow to shine in the NFL even with his elite pocket awareness.
Opposingly, Tua has no guarantees of starting in Miami on Week 12 after being plagued by injuries. Miami still has Ryan Fitzpatrick who Tua will hope to beat out for the starting job in 2020. During college, Tua was viewed as a Heisman Trophy contender before his hip dislocation in 2019. After an overhaul in Miami during the draft and free agency, Tua may fit perfectly with a new look Dolphins. If Tua is healthy and both players adapt to life in the NFL, this rookie matchup could be a standout in week 12.
3. Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs) against Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens)
The past two NFL MVPs will match up in Week 3 when the Chiefs travel to Baltimore. Mahomes got the better of Jackson in Week 3 of the 2019 season in a 33-28 victory. On the road to the Super Bowl, both Mahomes and Jackson were destined to meet in the AFC Championship game before the Ravens were defeated by the Titans leaving fans craving a 2020 rematch.
Mahomes will be looking for back-to-back Super Bowls and reclaim his MVP title off Jackson in 2020. In this match-up, Mahomes would love to recreate his 2019 season performance where he threw three touchdown passes and will have star receiver Tyreek Hill in 2020 as he was absent for the last meeting. Jackson, on the other hand, is in search of his first career win over the Chiefs after two unsuccessful attempts. With another matchup this year, Mahomes against Jackson may be the quarterback rivalry for years to come.
