Who Should I Start? Jalen Hurts or Anthony Richardson

Tuesday, January 16, 10:36 AM

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 25 of 35 passes for 250 yards and one touchdown, adding one carry for five yards during the team's 9-32 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 25-year-old didn't make many mistakes but was unable to put the team into scoring range consistently without A.J. Brown (knee). Over half of Hurts' passing yards went to DeVonta Smith. The Eagles' offense was in shambles at the end of the year and could not get things turned around by the start of the playoffs. There are bound to be plenty of changes to the coaching staff and roster come September, but Hurts will remain a top-five fantasy quarterback because when he is healthy and has his full complement of weapons, he is as good as any other.

Tuesday, May 7, 11:29 PM

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (shoulder) is progressing well and itching to get back to normal football activities, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. "Richardson feels he's full go at this point," Fowler said during an appearance on SportsCenter. "He's been throwing for a while now. He's gradually grown to where he can throw full time with minimal restrictions. The Colts could be deliberate. They could hold him out for OTAs, 11-man work, minicamp, but the feeling is he wants to get started." These comments suggest that Richardson is pushing to return in a full capacity but Indianapolis may choose to take a more cautious approach in the final stage of his recovery and rehabilitation. Regardless, he should be back to 100 percent in time for the preseason and Week 1 of the regular season. He can be a QB1 in fantasy football as long as he stays healthy. That's easier said than done given that Richardson's physical playing style made him more susceptible to big hits and injuries as a rookie. However, Richardson reportedly might tone down his physicality in 2024, which could lead to him finishing more games (even if it equates to slightly fewer rushing yards and touchdowns, as well as more sacks). He should be treated as a fringe top-12 quarterback heading into fantasy drafts.