Who Should I Start? Jake Browning or Bailey Zappe

Thursday, February 29, 2:22 PM

The Cincinnati Bengals announced on Thursday that quarterback Jake Browning has been issued a tender, which assures the team that they will retain his exclusive rights for the 2024 season. Browning now has the option of signing the team's tender offer or negotiating a long-term deal with the club. The 27-year-old made his NFL debut in 2023 for the Bengals and was forced into a starting role due to injuries to Joe Burrow. Browning ended up appearing in nine games (seven starts) and acquitted himself well with a league-high 70.4% completion percentage with 1,936 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He's fully expected to be Burrow's top backup for the 2024 season, but he won't be on the fantasy radar again unless Burrow misses more time due to injury.

Sunday, January 7, 4:55 PM

New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe completed just 12 of 30 passes (40 percent) for 88 yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions during Sunday's loss to the New York Jets. He also rushed for 13 yards. Snow and wind contributed to a very shaky game for Zappe, who took over as the Patriots' starting quarterback during the second half of the season. He finishes 2023 having amassed 1,272 passing yards, seven total touchdowns, and nine turnovers. Key questions face the Patriots this offseason, especially at quarterback and head coach. Both Zappe and Mac Jones find themselves on the hot seat as the Patriots, who have clinched a top-three draft pick, could look to select a new signal-caller.