Who Should I Start? Baker Mayfield or Brock Purdy

Friday, September 5, 8:20 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield looks to build upon his unbelievable performance from 2024. Last season, Mayfield threw for 4,500 passing yards with 41 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in 17 games with the Bucs. The 30-year-old will look to keep the good times rolling against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1. The Bucs are going to be playing shorthanded at wide receiver with both Chris Godwin (ankle) and Jalen McMillan (neck) sidelined. However, Mike Evans is one of the most consistent wideouts in the league. The Bucs also have Emeka Egbuka who figures to slot right alongside Evans as the No. 2 option. There were games last season that Mayfield didn't have Godwin or Evans and still posted QB1 numbers. Fantasy managers need to keep rolling with Mayfield who should be valued as a top 7-8 quarterback coming into the season.

Saturday, September 6, 6:37 AM

Brock Purdy opens the 2025 season against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. In two starts against his division rival last season, Purdy was 39-for-56 (70% completion rate) for 414 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. In five career starts against Seattle, Purdy has nine touchdowns to three interceptions and has averaged 241.6 passing yards per game. With running back Christian McCaffrey (calf) drawing a questionable tag for the season opener, there may be increased reliance on Purdy's arm. Fortunately, wide receiver Jauan Jennings (calf) has been cleared for the game and will join George Kittle and Ricky Pearsall as Purdy's top targets downfield. Fantasy football managers can start Purdy as he still has enough support around him to finish as a low-end QB1.