Who Should I Start? Joe Flacco or Derek Carr

Saturday, November 1, 12:19 PM

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco (shoulder) is planning to play in his team's Week 9 matchup against the Chicago Bears, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Flacco has an AC joint sprain in his right shoulder, which could certainly impact his performance, but the veteran is at least going to give it a go in Week 9. In three starts for Cincinnati this season, Flacco has completed 64.3% of his pass attempts for 784 yards, seven touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He's also averaging over 40 pass attempts per start with the Bengals, which makes him an appealing high-volume fantasy option. Cincinnati may opt for a more run-heavy game plan in Week 9 to try to protect Flacco. Still, he profiles as a solid fantasy QB2 in a favorable matchup against Chicago. If Flacco is unable to finish the game, the Bengals would likely be forced to turn to backup quarterback Jake Browning.

Friday, June 6, 12:23 PM

Former New Orleans Saints and Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (shoulder) made a surprising decision to hang up his cleats and retire from the NFL this offseason. "That part was tough because I didn't want to have surgery and just sit there and it sounds crazy but just take the Saints money," Carr said. He had two seasons left on the four-year, $150 million deal he signed with the Saints in 2023, although he gave up the $30 million salary he was set to earn in 2025. The four-time Pro Bowler was dealing with a right-shoulder injury that was going to require surgery and leave his availability uncertain for the start of the regular season this fall. Carr said the Saints wanted him to keep playing, but he couldn't commit to another season. With Carr now gone, the Saints will have a QB competition this summer, primarily between rookie second-rounder Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler.