Who Should I Start? Gardner Minshew or Shedeur Sanders

Friday, December 19, 4:16 PM

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Gardner Minshew replaced Patrick Mahomes after he suffered his season-ending knee injury against the Los Angeles Chargers last week. Minshew completed three of his five pass attempts for 22 yards and an interception in the loss. It was a difficult spot for the backup to be thrust into, but he should have the opportunity to bounce back this week against the Tennessee Titans. The Titans have given up the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season, putting Minshew in an advantageous situation this week. The last time Minshew started a game was over a year ago when he was a member of the Las Vegas Raiders. The 29-year-old completed 25 of 42 pass attempts (60%) for 230 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in a loss to the Denver Broncos. Minshew has proven to be a capable starter when given the opportunity, but the Kansas City offense should still take a hit without Mahomes at the helm. Minshew is ranked QB26 in our RotoBaller rankings, making him a backend QB2 option in Superflex and 2QB leagues this week.

Saturday, December 20, 6:45 AM

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is coming off his worst game as a starter, and there is little respite in Week 16 against the Buffalo Bills. As an encore to his 33.5 fantasy points showing in Week 14 against the Tennessee Titans, Sanders posted just 3.5 fantasy points against the Chicago Bears in Week 15, completing 18 of his 35 pass attempts for 177 yards and throwing three interceptions. Sanders' 30.3 quarterback passer rating last week was his lowest as a starter this season and the worst rating for all starting quarterbacks in Week 15. The road does not get easier for the late-round rookie as the Bills' defense has held opposing quarterbacks to an average of 13.4 fantasy points per game since Week 8. However, Sanders should have more time in the pocket this week than in previous weeks. Since starting in Week 12, Sanders has faced a 46% pressure rate, the highest in the league, while the Bills' defense boasts a below-average pressure rate of 34.2%. Nonetheless, for Week 16, Sanders is a desperation deep-league Superflex option for fantasy managers, once again.