Who Should I Start? Josh Johnson or Bailey Zappe

Friday, January 2, 1:19 PM

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn officially named Josh Johnson as the team's starting quarterback for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, according to Tashan Reed of The Washington Post. Veteran Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) will miss a second straight game to close out the year. Even though the Eagles will be resting key starters this weekend, Johnson will be hard-pressed to help fantasy managers without left tackle Laremy Tunsil (oblique) available. The 39-year-old signal-caller made his first start of the year in last week's Christmas Day loss to the Dallas Cowboys and went 15-for-23 passing for 198 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Even in two-QB leagues this weekend, fantasy managers should have better options to choose from than Johnson.

Saturday, November 22, 1:01 PM

The Cleveland Browns have elevated quarterback Bailey Zappe from the practice squad to the active roster ahead of their Week 12 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. With quarterback Dillon Gabriel (concussion) sidelined by a concussion, Zappe will serve as Cleveland's QB2 in Week 12 behind rookie Shedeur Sanders. Across 15 career NFL games (nine starts), Zappe has completed 62.1% of his pass attempts for 2,223 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. He last appeared in an NFL game with Cleveland in 2024. Gabriel is not expected to face an extended absence, so Zappe's time on the active roster could be limited to one week.