Who Should I Start? Derek Carr or Baker Mayfield

Thursday, December 26, 6:10 PM

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (hand) was listed as a non-participant in practice yet again on Thursday. Carr fractured his left (non-throwing) hand in the Week 14 win over the New York Giants but has missed the last two contests. The 33-year-old veteran signal-caller is battling hard to try and play before the end of the regular season, but with just two games left, it's unlikely we'll see Carr again. Rookie Spencer Rattler has been in over his head the last two weeks as the replacement for Carr, but to be fair, he has very little to work with on a banged-up offense. Rattler is on track to make his third straight start this Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders if Carr is ruled out, which he likely will be on Friday's final injury report. If Carr doesn't make it back the next two weeks, he'll finish with a disappointing 2,145 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions in 10 starts.

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.