Who Should I Start? Aaron Rodgers or Baker Mayfield

Sunday, January 11, 9:49 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers' future is uncertain, but the team views the 2025 season as a success and would welcome his return in 2026, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. The Steelers finished the regular season with a 10-7 record for the third year in a row, largely thanks to Rodgers' steady quarterback play. At 42 years old, Rodgers could retire, and his future might depend on how far the Steelers advance in the playoffs this month, as well as whether head coach Mike Tomlin returns for the 2026 campaign. However, if he does commit to another season, it sounds like the Steelers would like to bring him back. Rodgers is an impending free agent, so Pittsburgh might have to bid against other NFL teams for his services. He has shown that he's capable of continuing to start in the NFL, as he completed 65.7% of his passes for 3,322 passing yards, 24 passing touchdowns, and seven interceptions this year. Pittsburgh faces the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs on Monday night.

Thursday, January 1, 2:43 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (knee, shoulder) practiced in full for the second straight day on Thursday and has been cleared to play in Saturday's Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Carolina Panthers. Mayfield is nursing knee and shoulder injuries, but he will be active as the Bucs look to win the NFC South this weekend with a win over Carolina and a loss by the Falcons to the Saints. The 30-year-old won't be a very inspiring QB1 option for fantasy managers still playing for something in Week 18, although he is coming off a 346-yard passing effort with two touchdowns in last week's loss to the Miami Dolphins. In the first meeting against the Panthers two weeks ago, Mayfield threw for only 145 yards with a touchdown and an interception. After four straight games without multiple passing TDs, Mayfield has two TD passes in two of his last three games.