Who Should I Start? Jake Haener or Bryce Young

Friday, October 18, 4:40 AM

New Orleans Saints quarterback Jake Haener was probably not expecting to be on the field for Thursday's game against the Denver Broncos. Even with Derek Carr (oblique) needing more time to heal, Spencer Rattler (hip) was the expected starter and it was made clear by the team that the rookie would be given a long leash. As it so happened, Rattler himself was forced to the sidelines after falling awkwardly when he was sacked with just over four minutes left in the game. The play resulted in a fumble that the Broncos returned for a touchdown, putting Haener under center on short notice. The second-year quarterback from Fresno State looked better than he did when he relieved Carr in Week 5. Haener completed 3-of-4 passes for 38 yards and a touchdown, the first of his career. It is too soon to tell if Rattler's injury is enough to keep him out of action but if he is held out of Week 8 then Haener would be the next man up. Whoever draws the start won't have it easy as the Saints next face the Los Angeles Chargers, who have allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game in 2024.

Monday, November 18, 12:17 PM

Carolina Panthers second-year quarterback Bryce Young will start in Week 12 versus the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, according to head coach Dave Canales. The Panthers were non-committal on their QB situation heading into their bye in Week 10, but they will stick with last year's first overall pick instead of turning back to veteran Andy Dalton. The 23-year-old was benched for Dalton after his first two starts this year, but he has looked better while starting each of the team's last three games while leading Carolina to back-to-back victories. In his last three starts, Young has completed 62.5% of his 88 pass attempts for 521 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions. He'll be looking to build on that in Week 12, but a breakout is unlikely to come against one of the defenses in the league this week as the Chiefs look to bounce back after their first loss in 2024.