Who Should I Start? Andy Dalton or Justin Herbert

Thursday, August 21, 6:05 PM

Carolina Panthers backup quarterback Andy Dalton (elbow) is being held out of the team's preseason finale on Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to Panthers beat writer Darin Gantt. Starter Bryce Young will also be held out, leaving QB duties on Thursday to Jack Plummer and Bryce Perkins, who was just signed on Monday. The 37-year-old Dalton suffered a muscle strain in his right elbow in the team's second preseason tilt last Saturday against the Houston Texans. While the injury isn't considered overly serious, Dalton is strictly focused on being available for the club's Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday, Sept. 7, against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Red Rifle is purely a backup at this point in his career. In six games (five starts) played last year in Carolina when Young was benched, he threw for 989 yards, seven touchdowns and six interceptions.

Friday, October 17, 5:45 PM

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert bounced back in Week 6, leading an impressive, game-winning drive against the Miami Dolphins with only 40 seconds remaining. However, the Chargers' offensive line remains uncertain, with tackle Joe Alt (Doubtful) and guard/tackle Trey Pipkins (Out) weakening the protection. Despite this, Herbert is set for a pass-heavy game against the 5-1 Indianapolis Colts, whose injured secondary recently allowed Arizona Cardinals backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett to throw for 320 yards and two touchdowns. The Colts rank 22nd in Opponent Passing Yards per Game, and this offensive showdown should force Herbert to rely more on his arm, especially with the possible return of wide receiver Quentin Johnston. The volatility of the matchup, along with line injuries, slightly lowers his floor, but his expected volume keeps him solidly in the QB1 range. RotoBaller projects Herbert as QB8 this week, making him a strong start in all formats.