Who Should I Start? Aidan O'Connell or Drake Maye

Monday, October 21, 1:18 PM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (thumb) will be placed on Injured Reserve after fracturing his right thumb in the Week 7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, according to sources. O'Connell was making his second start of the year on Sunday but will now be out for four to six weeks and will miss at least the next four games after going on IR. He'll have a chance to return this season, but the earliest O'Connell can return would be in Week 13 against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs on Dec. 8. In his two starts, O'Connell went 33-for-50 for 279 yards with a TD and an interception. Gardner Minshew II will now take over as Vegas' starter, but he's nothing more than a low-upside, low-end QB2 in superflex fantasy leagues. After relieving O'Connell on Sunday, Minshew went 15-for-34 for 154 yards with three interceptions and also lost a fumble.

Sunday, October 20, 6:31 PM

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye completed 26 of 37 passes for 276 yards, two touchdowns, and zero turnovers during Sunday's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. He also rushed for 18 yards and two sacks. The rookie No. 3 overall pick has looked impressive through his first two starts, tallying 519 passing yards, five touchdowns, two interceptions, and one lost fumble during that span. With that said, matchups with the Texans and Jaguars haven't exactly pitted him against dominant defenses. The 22-year-old will get a more true test next week against the New York Jets, especially with pass rusher Haason Reddick set to make his 2024 debut. Maye ranks as a mid-range fantasy QB2 going forward.