Who Should I Start? Baker Mayfield or Jalen Hurts

Friday, August 15, 12:52 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield will not suit up for Saturday's preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Head coach Todd Bowles said Mayfield's strong performance in Friday's practice made additional reps this weekend unnecessary. The veteran signal-caller is coming off a career year, finishing as the QB4 in fantasy football last season. With Chris Godwin returning to full health alongside Mike Evans, Mayfield has a strong supporting cast to build on his 2024 success. Fantasy managers should view him as a solid mid-round quarterback option and a value pick once the elite tier of signal-callers is off the board.

Saturday, August 16, 12:51 PM

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is not expected to play in the team's second preseason game on Saturday against the Cleveland Browns, according to Tim McManus of ESPN. Tanner McKee also isn't expected to suit up, paving the way for Dorian Thompson-Robinson to make his first start of the preseason. Kyle McCord should also see reps under center. Hurts also sat out last week's preseason opener, so his last chance to play in the preseason will come next Friday against the New York Jets. The 27-year-old didn't crack 3,000 passing yards in 2024 for the first time as a starter, but it didn't help that he sat out two games due to injury. The Eagles relied more on the ground with running back Saquon Barkley tearing it up, but Hurts still scored double-digit touchdowns on the ground for the fourth straight year. For his rushing TD prowess alone, he should be considered a top-five fantasy QB.