Who Should I Start? Aaron Rodgers or Fernando Mendoza


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
20.4 4.9 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

Aaron Rodgers News

Aaron Rodgers Won't Play in Second Preseason Game

Wednesday, August 19, 7:46 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy said that veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers and backup Mason Rudolph will not play in the team's preseason contest against the New York Jets on Friday, according to Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. McCarthy added that Will Howard and rookie Drew Allar will play. "I saw what I need to see from Mason last week," McCarthy said. Rodgers also sat out the preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers last week, with Rudolph getting some run before Howard and Allar entered the game. The 42-year-old Rodgers has had enough reps in his Hall of Fame career and will be ready to go for Week 1 of the regular season without any preseason action. In what is expected to be the 22nd and final year of his career, Rodgers will be a low-end QB2 with limited upside in fantasy in an offense that is expected to remain pretty run-heavy under McCarthy. In his first year in Pittsburgh in 2025, Rodgers led the team to the postseason but finished as the QB19, throwing for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 16 regular-season starts.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
16.1 12.7 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

Fernando Mendoza News

Fernando Mendoza Throws Pick-Six in First Preseason Start

Friday, August 21, 6:50 AM

Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza got his first professional start in Thursday night's preseason matchup with the Texans, and on the team's opening drive, he threw an interception to rookie linebacker Wade Woodaz that was returned 80 yards for a touchdown. Playing the entire first half, the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft led four more drives, resulting in a field goal and three punts before Aidan O'Connell took over in the second half and managed a come-from-behind victory. Along with a handful of starters, veteran Kirk Cousins was given the night off following a productive joint practice with the Texans, but after the game, head coach Klint Kubiak declined to name a starter for the regular season. "We got another week. I don't want anyone to be comfortable in their job... It should always be that way for all positions. So, let's keep going." Barring an unforeseen surprise, Mendoza will begin his rookie campaign backing up Cousins. Still, he has reportedly impressed behind the scenes and could find the field earlier than initially projected, making him an intriguing late-round pick in superflex leagues as RotoBaller's QB29.


Aaron Rodgers vs. Fernando Mendoza

Still trying to decide between Rodgers and Mendoza? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Aaron Rodgers is projected to score 20.4 points this week while Fernando Mendoza is projected to score 16.1 points.