Who Should I Start? Andy Dalton or Baker Mayfield

Tuesday, February 18, 4:15 PM

The Carolina Panthers and quarterback Andy Dalton agreed on a two-year, $8 million deal on Tuesday that includes $6 million guaranteed and has a maximum value of $10 million, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The veteran signal-caller will remain in Carolina, where he's developed a close relationship with starter Bryce Young. Dalton, 37, ended up making five starts for the Panthers in 2024 after the team benched Young following his slow start. In his six appearances in his second year in Carolina, the Red Rifle completed 66.3% of his 160 pass attempts for 989 yards, seven touchdowns and six interceptions before suffering a thumb injury in a car accident that gave the Panthers a reason to go back to Young to end the year. Young looked the best he has in his young career to close out 2024, so Dalton will be entrenched as his backup entering the 2025 season.

Monday, January 13, 12:10 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield completed 15 of 18 pass attempts for 185 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions during Sunday's playoff loss to the Washington Commanders. He also took one sack and rushed for 23 yards. It was an uncharacteristically quiet showing for Mayfield, who hadn't completed fewer than 18 passes since Week 2 of the regular season. With that said, fantasy managers and bettors have to be pleased with his high completion rate and overall clean performance as he didn't turn the ball over. Mayfield finished the 2024 campaign with the NFC's most passing touchdowns, but he also led the whole league in interceptions. His high passing output keeps him in the mid-range QB1 conversation for 2025 fantasy football.