Who Should I Start? Joe Flacco or Baker Mayfield

Sunday, November 23, 9:38 AM

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco will get one more opportunity to start after Joe Burrow (toe) was ruled out for Sunday's Week 12 contest against the New England Patriots. While Burrow was trending in the right direction for this week, the Bengals have ultimately decided to keep him on injured reserve for at least a few more days. As a result, Flacco will remain installed as Cincinnati's starting quarterback for Week 12. He's coming off an uninspiring 199-yard clunker against the Steelers, and although he has five touchdowns over his last two games, he also has four turnovers during that span. To make matters worse, he'll be without Ja'Marr Chase (suspension), shifting Tee Higgins to the top receiver role. New England's defense has been strong this season, but it's best at stopping the run. The Patriots have allowed the ninth-most passing yards, seventh-most passing touchdowns, and 12th-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2025. This matchup and situation are best defined as "good, not great." That sentiment is reflected in RotoBaller's ranking of Burrow as the overall QB17 this week.

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.