Who Should I Start? Baker Mayfield or Trevor Lawrence

Thursday, January 1, 2:43 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (knee, shoulder) practiced in full for the second straight day on Thursday and has been cleared to play in Saturday's Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Carolina Panthers. Mayfield is nursing knee and shoulder injuries, but he will be active as the Bucs look to win the NFC South this weekend with a win over Carolina and a loss by the Falcons to the Saints. The 30-year-old won't be a very inspiring QB1 option for fantasy managers still playing for something in Week 18, although he is coming off a 346-yard passing effort with two touchdowns in last week's loss to the Miami Dolphins. In the first meeting against the Panthers two weeks ago, Mayfield threw for only 145 yards with a touchdown and an interception. After four straight games without multiple passing TDs, Mayfield has two TD passes in two of his last three games.

Sunday, January 4, 6:00 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence completed 22 of his 30 pass attempts for 255 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, and zero interceptions during Sunday's Week 18 win over the Tennessee Titans. He also rushed for 11 yards and took two sacks. Lawrence put together another terrific outing as the Jaguars cruised to victory, clinching the AFC South title. The former No. 1 pick was pulled from the game early in the fourth quarter so that he could stay healthy for the playoffs, and he handed the reins of the offense to Nick Mullens. Lawrence has been spectacular all season long, especially over the last six weeks. Through his final six regular-season games, he amassed 1,600 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns, 149 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns, and just one turnover. He's firmly in the mix to be a top-five quarterback in 2026 fantasy drafts.