Who Should I Start? Aaron Rodgers or Baker Mayfield

Friday, December 26, 8:16 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (left wrist) is listed on the team's injury report but practiced in full all week and does not carry an injury designation ahead of a Week 17 divisional showdown with the Cleveland Browns. Still, his status as the starter will be worth monitoring. The Green Bay Packers are set to host the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, and if the Ravens lose, Pittsburgh will clinch the AFC North title before Sunday's contest kicks off. In that scenario, the Steelers could opt to start Mason Rudolph and rest Rodgers ahead of the playoffs. If Rodgers does play, he could struggle to provide fantasy value on the road against a Cleveland defense that has surrendered the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Additionally, he will be without his top wide receiver, as DK Metcalf begins a two-game suspension following an altercation with a fan in Week 16. Desperate fantasy managers could view Rodgers as a low-end QB2 if he starts, but this situation is best avoided if possible.

Sunday, December 28, 8:18 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield completed 33 of his 44 pass attempts for 346 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions during Sunday's Week 17 loss against the Miami Dolphins. He also rushed for 16 yards, took three sacks, and lost a fumble. The Buccaneers had an opportunity to gain ground on the Panthers in the NFC South, but instead, they were upset by the Dolphins in Miami. Mayfield racked up the passing yards and touchdowns to salvage his fantasy performance, but the three turnovers were a main reason why Tampa Bay lost. He has six turnovers over his last three games and will look to turn things around with the NFC South title on the line in Week 18. Mayfield ranks as a mid-to-high QB2 as he prepares to face the Carolina Panthers.