Who Should I Start? Joe Flacco or Fernando Mendoza


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
1.7 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Joe Flacco News

Joe Flacco One of 2026's Most Trustworthy Backups

Saturday, June 20, 5:14 AM

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco began his 2025 campaign with the Cleveland Browns, and through four starts, he threw six interceptions to only two touchdowns, scored fewer than 5.3 fantasy points per game, and looked as if his time in the NFL was coming to an end. Following a rare in-division mid-season trade, he started six games for the Bengals in place of an injured Joe Burrow and immediately became a viable fantasy option while elevating the entire Cincinnati offense. He finished as the QB7 or better in three of those games, and in signing a one-year deal this offseason to return to the Bengals, he remains a must-roster backup in superflex dynasty leagues and raises the floor of receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, as well as running back Chase Brown. With Joe Burrow RotoBaller's QB5 for 2026, any appearance by Flacco still represents a worst-case scenario, but at 41 years old, the 19-year veteran is more than capable of preventing a complete bottoming out if called into action.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
16.1 12.7 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

Fernando Mendoza News

Fernando Mendoza to Serve as Raiders QB2

Wednesday, September 2, 9:51 AM

The Las Vegas Raiders named veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins as their Week 1 starter on Wednesday, and while some late training camp rumblings hinted at Fernando Mendoza potentially starting his career as the third quarterback behind Aidan O'Connell, the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft will serve as the team's primary backup, according to The Athletic's Sam Warren. Mendoza appeared in all three of the Raiders' preseason games, turning in a mixed bag on his way to a 56.5% completion percentage and two interceptions to his one touchdown. The Raiders face a daunting schedule to begin the year, a fact that could lead to early calls from fans to put the rookie on the field, but also a landmine that the coaching staff must navigate with the ultimate goal of setting Mendoza up for long-term success. Equipped with the tools and mindset to eventually become the face of the franchise, Mendoza is RotoBaller's QB29 and not a player who needs to be drafted as anything more than a third quarterback in 2026 superflex leagues.


Joe Flacco vs. Fernando Mendoza

Still trying to decide between Flacco and Mendoza? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Joe Flacco is projected to score 1.7 points this week while Fernando Mendoza is projected to score 16.1 points.