Who Should I Start? Joe Flacco or Drake Maye

Friday, August 15, 3:19 PM

Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco has officially been ruled out for the team's second preseason contest on Saturday against the Carolina Panthers, according to Browns beat writer Noah Monroe. Flacco and Tyler Huntley are the team's only healthy QBs at the moment, with rookies Dillon Gabriel (hamstring) and Shedeur Sanders (oblique) and Kenny Pickett (hamstring) nursing injuries. Deshaun Watson (Achilles) is on the PUP list and isn't expected to play all year. The 40-year-old Flacco is healthy, and the Browns want to keep it that way, especially since he's fully expected to be named the Week 1 starter in time. Gabriel might make the start on Saturday, but either way, Huntley should play the majority of the game against Carolina. Flacco will have limited weapons in his second stint in Cleveland and is a low-end QB2, at best, in superflex fantasy leagues.

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.