Who Should I Start? Jake Haener or Xavier Legette

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.

Monday, December 23, 4:33 PM

Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette (groin) is progressing, and head coach Dave Canales "likes the strides he's making." However, Canales also said Legette needs to make significant improvement to be ready to go for Week 17 against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. The Panthers want to get the rookie receiver back on the field, but they aren't going to rush him back, either. It's sounding like Legette could be fighting an uphill battle to be active in Week 17, but we'll have a better idea of his status once the team resumes practicing on Wednesday. The 23-year-old was injured in the Week 15 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and was inactive for the Week 16 win over the Arizona Cardinals. If Legette is able to return in Week 17, he should be avoided in fantasy lineups in championship matchups, as he hasn't been a top-50 wideout in his first year in the NFL in 2024.