Who Should I Start? Jake Haener or Shane Buechele

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.

Wednesday, January 29, 9:32 PM

According to Alec White of the team, the Buffalo Bills have re-signed quarterback Shane Buechele (neck) to a one-year deal. The Texas native spent the entirety of the 2024 season on injured reserve with a neck injury he sustained in the preseason and was previously a member of the Bills' practice squad in 2023. Buechele went undrafted out of SMU in 2021 and was signed by Kansas City, though he never recorded a snap. He'd then get a year off in 2022 before finding his way to Buffalo the following season. The 27-year-old's collegiate profile is nothing of note, brandishing one season with more than 3,100 passing yards and 23 touchdowns. However, his familiarity with Buffalo's system makes him a valuable emergency option should anything happen to the players ahead of him. He'll now attempt to work his way to their 53-man roster in 2025.