Who Should I Start? Jared Goff or Baker Mayfield

Wednesday, December 24, 8:16 PM

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff has played solid football all season long, completing 68.6% of his pass attempts for 4,036 yards, 32 touchdowns, and five interceptions across 15 games. Goff's production has ramped up to another level in recent weeks, as he's attempted 129 passes and thrown for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns without an interception over his last three games. However, Goff and the Lions will face a very difficult matchup in Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings. Entering the week, Minnesota ranks second in the NFL in total passing yards allowed (2,790) and tied for second in passing touchdowns allowed (14). In their Week 16 win over the New York Giants, the Vikings allowed Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart to throw for just 33 yards on 13 pass attempts. In his first matchup of 2025 against Minnesota in Week 9, Goff was sacked a season-high five times. Fantasy managers in single-quarterback formats may want to avoid Goff if possible in Week 17.

Sunday, December 28, 8:18 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield completed 33 of his 44 pass attempts for 346 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions during Sunday's Week 17 loss against the Miami Dolphins. He also rushed for 16 yards, took three sacks, and lost a fumble. The Buccaneers had an opportunity to gain ground on the Panthers in the NFC South, but instead, they were upset by the Dolphins in Miami. Mayfield racked up the passing yards and touchdowns to salvage his fantasy performance, but the three turnovers were a main reason why Tampa Bay lost. He has six turnovers over his last three games and will look to turn things around with the NFC South title on the line in Week 18. Mayfield ranks as a mid-to-high QB2 as he prepares to face the Carolina Panthers.