Who Should I Start? Aaron Rodgers or Baker Mayfield

Monday, January 12, 2:51 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers returns to the playoffs for the first time since the 2021 season, and on Monday night, he faces a Texans defense that has given quarterbacks fits all year long. Houston has held opposing quarterbacks 4.1 fantasy points below their season-long average, topped only by the Minnesota Vikings. The 42-year-old Rodgers started the season strongly but has thrown multiple touchdowns in a game only once since Week 9. While it's unlikely he will see anything on Monday night that he isn't mentally prepared for, his physical shortcomings and lack of a supporting cast could leave the Steelers up against it early. In a Wild Card Weekend with 12 teams in action, Rodgers is RotoBaller's QB12 for fantasy playoff leagues.

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.