Who Should I Start? Jake Haener or Hendon Hooker

Saturday, December 14, 5:19 AM

The New Orleans Saints will give quarterback Jake Haener the start on Sunday against the Washington Commanders. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi confirmed the nomination in comments to the media on Friday. Haener took the reins from Derek Carr (hand, concussion) in Week 14 after Carr injured himself late in the Saints' win over the New York Giants. He only had one dropback in that game, which resulted in a sack for a loss of 10 yards. This will be Haener's first start of the season. During the season, Haener appeared in seven games in 2024, going 14-for-29 for 177 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. The Saints wide receiver corps has been depleted by injuries, limiting the inexperienced Haener's utility to fantasy managers in two-QB leagues who are desperate for their second option.

Sunday, August 18, 9:12 AM

Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker completed 12 of 15 passes for 150 yards in Saturday's preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday. The 26-year-old also rushed five times for 11 yards, including a seven-yard touchdown. Hooker did lose a costly fumble late in the game but otherwise looked calm throughout his time on the field. As of now, Hooker's performance and higher ceiling give him the edge for the backup quarterback position over Nate Sudfeld, though both players had poor performances in their first preseason games last week. Hooker remains a dynasty stash for now and will look to improve on Saturday's performance in the preseason finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers.