Who Should I Start? Derek Carr or Drake Maye

Wednesday, December 25, 9:57 PM

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (left hand) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimation. The Saints' didn't hold a practice, but if they had, Carr would not have participated. The veteran quarterback is reportedly still regaining strength in left hand after suffering a fracture against the New York Giants back in Week 14. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi recently relayed that Carr didn't want to be shut down for the final two games of the regular season, but the 33-year-old is at the mercy of his injury and recovery. Spencer Rattler was the Saints' quarterback against the Green Bay Packers in Week 16, completing just 15 passes for 153 yards while taking three sacks and losing a fumble. The rookie's poor performance wound up in a 34-0 Saints loss, with New Orleans being the first team held scoreless in 2024. Rattler will remain the Saints' starter if Carr is unable to play against his old team, the Las Vegas Raiders, in Week 17.

Monday, December 23, 2:27 AM

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye completed 22 of his 36 pass attempts for 261 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception during Sunday's Week 16 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He also took two sacks, rushed six times for 30 yards on the ground, and was charged with a lost fumble. There's a lot to unpack from Sunday's divisional loss, but let's start with the good news. Maye nearly out-dueled Josh Allen in this contest, pulling his Patriots out to an early 14-0 lead before Buffalo stormed back and managed to hold off a late comeback effort. The rookie signal-caller had his first multi-touchdown game and highest yardage total since Week 11, as well as his best fantasy showing since Week 7. On a less positive note, turnovers continue to be an issue for Maye, who was charged with two on Sunday. His interception was a costly mistake in the end zone, where the No. 3 pick deserved all the blame for throwing to a lurking defender, ending a scoring drive. His fumble was even more costly as it led to a Bills touchdown, but he doesn't deserve all the blame. Backed up against his own end zone, Maye faced heavy pressure, panicked, and dumped the ball off to Rhamondre Stevenson. However, in the mayhem, Stevenson was unable to catch the ball, and it bounced into the end zone. Officials decided the throw was a lateral, which Buffalo promptly recovered for six points and a huge scoring swing. Evidently, there is a lot that Maye will need to clean up before returning to the field against the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday, but he also showed flashes of progress that should make fans and fantasy managers optimistic. He will check in as a high-end fantasy QB2 for next week's contest against the Bolts.