Who Should I Start? Carson Wentz or Justin Fields

Monday, September 15, 3:23 PM

With Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) looking unlikely to play in Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals due to a high-ankle sprain that he suffered in Sunday night's loss to the Atlanta Falcons, veteran signal-caller Carson Wentz is now in line to start this Sunday. Wentz, a former first-rounder by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2016, hasn't been a full-time starter since 2021 with the Indianapolis Colts. Since then, he's appeared in only 13 games, making nine starts for the Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Rams, and Kansas City Chiefs. The 32-year-old has gone 201-for-319 for 2,036 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in that span. McCarthy could easily miss multiple weeks, making Wentz a candidate for a waiver-wire pickup in superflex leagues. With All-Pro wideout Justin Jefferson as his WR1 and with Jordan Addison being available as soon as Week 4, Wentz could have a decent run for fantasy managers as a short-term fill-in at the QB position.

Monday, September 15, 10:01 AM

Zack Rosenblatt, senior writer at The Athletic, reports that New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields is in the concussion protocol, according to head coach Aaron Glenn. Fields exited the game in the fourth quarter with a concussion, and the Jets ended up losing to the Buffalo Bills 30-10 on Sunday. Fields struggled mightily before his departure, completing an abysmal three of 11 passes for 27 yards. He provided fantasy managers with a boost on the ground, rushing for 49 yards on five attempts, but the Jets' offense struggled against a Bills defense that had just allowed 40 points to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1. Fields will have to progress through the NFL's protocol for head injuries to play in Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If Fields isn't cleared for Week 3 action, Tyrod Taylor would be in line to start in his place and would be a QB2. If Fields can suit up, he will remain a low-end QB1 due to his rushing upside.