Who Should I Start? Gardner Minshew or Cam Ward

Friday, June 6, 3:50 PM

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Gardner Minshew II (collarbone) has been throwing during voluntary organized team activities. Minshew broke his collarbone in 2024 while with the Las Vegas Raiders and was limited to 10 games (nine starts), in which he threw for 2,013 yards, nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his only year in the desert. Now that he's recovered from the injury, the 29-year-old signal-caller is expected to open the 2025 season as the backup to starter Patrick Mahomes, with Bailey Zappe likely being named the third-stringer. Minshew was a first-time Pro Bowler in 2023 with the Indianapolis Colts, but he'll be off the fantasy radar completely in his seventh season in the NFL as long as Mahomes stays healthy.

Saturday, July 5, 11:05 PM

Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward apparently isn't expecting to be handed the reigns heading into his inaugural campaign. "Cam's not gonna expect it to just be given to him," said offensive tackle JC Latham while speaking of the competition between the rookie and Will Levis. "Will's not just gonna sit over here and say, 'oh, we drafted him, go ahead take it.' Like both of them taking the challenge of trying to really earn the spot and really fight for the spot. It's made them better." Ward, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has already received praise, especially for his work ethic and leadership. However, it's unknown if his efforts will earn him the right to take over under center come Week 1. With that in mind, Ward's redraft stock isn't as favorable even if he jumps to the top of the depth chart, considering he'll presumably have some growing pains in his first season. On the other hand, he'll likely be the first quarterback off the board in most rookie drafts, even more so for dynasty managers who are willing to be patient as it relates to his development.