Who Should I Start? Andy Dalton or Cole Payton


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
1.0 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Andy Dalton News

Eagles Acquire Andy Dalton From Panthers

Wednesday, March 18, 11:46 AM

The Philadelphia Eagles are acquiring veteran quarterback Andy Dalton from the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2027 NFL draft, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. The Panthers were expected to move on from Dalton this offseason, especially after adding Kenny Pickett as Bryce Young's backup. Now that Philly has the 38-year-old Dalton to back up starter Jalen Hurts, the Eagles could look to trade current third-stringer Tanner McKee. The Red Rifle is as experienced as they come as a backup QB. He was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round in 2011 out of TCU, and he's started 169 of the 179 games that he's appeared in over his 15 years in the league. In the last three years in Carolina, Dalton completed 64.7% of his passes for 1,643 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 13 games (seven starts). Dalton will now back up Hurts in 2026 in his 16th year in the league with his sixth different team.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Cole Payton News

Can Cole Payton Develop into a High-Value Dynasty Handcuff?

Friday, June 19, 5:50 AM

Eagles quarterback Cole Payton currently sits fourth on the Philadelphia depth chart behind Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee, and Andy Dalton, but his long-term fantasy upside is as high as any of the non-first-round quarterbacks selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. Both McKee and Dalton are in the final year of their contracts, and while the former could potentially seek greener pastures elsewhere in 2027, the soon-to-be-39-year-old Dalton may choose to call it a career after his 16th season in the league. Ironically, it is the lefty Payton who is perhaps best equipped to run an offense similar to the one helmed by Hurts, serving as the only other dual-threat quarterback on the roster after rushing for more than 2,000 yards and 30 touchdowns during his collegiate career at North Dakota State. At 6'3" and 223 pounds, and with the luxury of developing behind the scenes, Payton could eventually grow into one of the most fantasy-relevant backup quarterbacks in the league and is a must-stash player in superflex dynasty leagues.


Andy Dalton vs. Cole Payton

Still trying to decide between Dalton and Payton? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Andy Dalton is projected to score 1.0 points this week while Cole Payton is projected to score 0.0 points.