Who Should I Start? Drake Maye or Matthew Golden

Saturday, October 4, 9:29 AM

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has been playing some of the best football of his young career and should be deployed as a mid-range QB1 in most leagues during Week 5. He takes on the Buffalo Bills this week, and while that's a tougher matchup, it should at least lead to some garbage-time opportunities, if not steady, consistent production in a potentially close game. The Bills have actually been relatively soft this year, allowing the most rushing touchdowns and 13th-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, as well as just one interception. That bodes well for Maye, who is the overall QB4 so far while contributing 988 passing yards, 98 rushing yards, nine total touchdowns, and two interceptions. Maye should be started in most fantasy leagues this week given his extreme success and relatively favorable matchup.

Tuesday, October 7, 3:45 PM

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden has seen an incremental upward trajectory over the past several weeks for the Packers and for fantasy managers. Golden is coming off his best week yet, with a season-high six targets, plus five receptions for 58 yards. He's also starting to see the field regularly with route shares of 82 percent and 72 percent in his last two games. In addition, Golden's first-read target shares have increased substantially, going from three total first-read targets in the first two weeks of the season to nine in the next two contests. Interestingly, Golden was used much more in the slot in Week 4, flipping his role with Dontayvion Wicks, who had been used in the slot more since Jayden Reed (clavicle, foot) was injured. That could prove to be a launching point to get Golden in more jet motion and use him in space for YAC opportunities. After the Packers' bye in Week 5, Green Bay hosts the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6. With the continued upward climb of Golden, he's a big-time upside flex play for fantasy managers this week.