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, February 2, 2:32 PM

According to Bill Barnell of ESPN.com, the Detroit Lions could release quarterback Hendon Hooker during the offseason. Barnwell noted that since the team re-signed veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater late in the season, it appears that the Lions do not view Hooker as a potential starting quarterback. Hooker was selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He did not see the field during his rookie season but was able to log 32 snaps this past season. Hooker went 6-for-9 with 62 yards. He added two yards on five rushing attempts. Seeing that the team did not want to enter the postseason with Hooker as the No. 2 option is a telling sign. In addition, the Lions also signed Jared Goff to a four-year extension last May, signaling him as the QB1 for the foreseeable future. Hooker only carries low-end stash value in deeper superflex dynasty formats, as he could be given an opportunity to compete for a backup role elsewhere.