Who Should I Start? Andy Dalton or Cameron Ward

Friday, October 24, 6:16 PM

Andy Dalton is making his first start of the 2025 season for the Carolina Panthers. Regular starter Bryce Young is listed as doubtful to start in Week 8 with an ankle injury. This week, Dalton faces Buffalo's run-funnel defense. The Bills have allowed 13.6 fantasy points per game to QBs over the last four weeks, which is fourth-best in the league. That number may be skewed because the Bills also rank 30th in fantasy points per game allowed to running backs in that span. The backup quarterback for Carolina started in five games for the team last season. In those outings, he registered 13 fantasy points on average, with two of those performances being under five points each. He passed for 989 yards, seven touchdowns, and six interceptions in those starts. Compared to 2024, Dalton has better receivers, such as standout rookie WR Tetairoa McMillan, and improving second-year receiver Xavier Legette. Because the Panthers may lean on the running game, Dalton may only be an adequate QB2 to start in Superflex formats.

Friday, October 24, 9:14 PM

Tennessee Titans quarterback Cameron Ward has been playing better lately, but is still off to a slow start to his rookie campaign. Over the last three games, Ward has thrown for over 220 yards in each of those contests. The biggest problem is that Ward has thrown an interception in each of the last five contests. The 23-year-old is also missing his top wide receiver in Calvin Ridley (hamstring) again this weekend. It's hard to imagine Ward having much success against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 8. Due to bye weeks, fantasy managers might have no choice but to start Ward. However, he should be viewed as a low-end option.