Who Should I Start? Brandon Allen or Baker Mayfield

Friday, November 29, 10:13 PM

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brandon Allen could get a second consecutive start filling in for starter Brock Purdy (shoulder) when the 49ers play at the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Friday that he expects Purdy to play, but "lots of things could happen between now and then." In last week's 38-10 loss to the Packers in Green Bay, Allen completed 17-of-29 attempts for 199 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. In 10 career starts, Allen has only provided two fantasy-useful performances: A two-touchdown, 193-yard, zero-interception performance in his first career start with Denver back in 2019 and a two-touchdown, 371-yard, zero-interception game with the Bengals in 2021. A large snowstorm is predicted on Sunday in Western New York, and although most of the snow is supposed to fall before kickoff, it could still be windy. Even in perfect weather, the career-backup Allen would not be a recommended fantasy starter against a good Buffalo passing defense.

Monday, December 23, 12:19 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield completed 31 of 43 pass attempts for 303 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception during Sunday's Week 16 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. He also took four sacks and rushed for 42 yards. Finally, Mayfield fumbled once, but he was able to pick up the loose ball. All in all, Mayfield had a solid showing, but it wasn't enough to propel Tampa Bay over Dallas. The 29-year-old ranks as a top-six fantasy quarterback this season with his 3,920 yards, 37 total touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. Fantasy managers should view him as a top option among quarterbacks when he takes on a subpar Carolina Panthers defense in Week 17, coinciding with most fantasy leagues' championships.