Who Should I Start? Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye

Friday, August 8, 3:53 PM

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and the starters on offense are not expected to play in Friday's preseason opener against the New England Patriots. The Athletic's Nicki Jhabvala writes that it will be the Josh Johnson and Sam Hartman show. Daniels and the starters presumably will see their most preseason work next week on Aug. 18 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Veteran backup Marcus Mariota is dealing with a lower-leg injury and did not travel with the team this weekend. Daniels played about as well as any QB last year, but what made it really impressive is that it was his first year in the league. The 24-year-old former second overall pick out of LSU looked to have the "it" factor as a playmaker with both his arms and legs. Daniels finished as the QB5 in fantasy in 2024 and has quickly jumped into the top-five rankings at the position.

Saturday, August 9, 12:26 AM

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye completed three of his five pass attempts for 12 yards during Friday's preseason opener against the Washington Commanders. He also registered two carries, 16 rushing yards, and a rushing touchdown. The touchdown came on Maye's second and final drive of the game, as he scrambled into the end zone to put the Patriots ahead by two scores. On a less positive note, Maye did take a sack and lose a fumble in the preseason opener. Nevertheless, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about the former Tar Heel in his second pro season. Not only should he benefit from a new coaching regime led by Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels, but he'll also have a full season, offseason, and training camp under his belt. The blend of playing experience and quality coaching will serve Maye well. The same can be said of his rushing skills and New England's offseason additions, both in the trenches and among the offensive skill positions. Maye is currently being drafted as a mid-to-low QB2 in most fantasy leagues, but there's a legitimate chance that he finishes among the top 10 quarterbacks in fantasy points this year. As long as Maye continues to make strides this preseason, he should be a hot commodity in fantasy drafts given his rushing ability.