Who Should I Start? Joe Burrow or Justin Fields

Thursday, May 22, 1:41 PM

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is 100% physically this offseason. "I feel great," Burrow said. "This is the best that I've felt in the offseason. Just like every year, trying to get better, trying to get stronger, faster, healthier. Try to find ways that you can optimize your health throughout the whole season, not hurt as much. I'm in a good spot." Last year at this time, Burrow was worried about his "football mortality" and was recovering from surgery he had on his right wrist that impacted him early on. The 28-year-old posted career-highs in completion percentage (71%), passing yards (4,918) and TD:INT ratio (43:9) in 2024 despite missing out on the playoffs. Rushing prowess isn't part of Burrow's game, but the passing volume should be there to give him top-five QB upside in fantasy with excellent aerial targets.

Wednesday, May 21, 2:28 PM

New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields was "late on throws" during Wednesday's practice session, according to team reporter Nick Faria. While early offseason practice reports should be taken with a grain of salt, this is not a promising sign, as Fields has struggled with accuracy and processing during his young NFL career. In 50 career games, Fields has completed just over 61% of his passing attempts for 7,780 yards, 45 touchdowns, and 31 interceptions. His inability to develop into a high-level passer ultimately caused the Chicago Bears to move on from him, and he was benched for Russell Wilson early last season with the Steelers. That said, Fields is one of just three quarterbacks (Lamar Jackson, Michael Vick) in NFL history to rack up 1,000 rushing yards in a single season, so he could be a value at his QB2 cost in fantasy drafts. As long as Fields remains the starter in New York, his rushing floor and ceiling will keep him on the fantasy radar and in contention for a QB1 finish. At the same time, New York's pass-catching group is weak behind Garrett Wilson, and Fields could limit the overall ceiling of the passing attack.