Who Should I Start? Josh Johnson or Bailey Zappe

Wednesday, December 24, 12:39 PM

Washington Commanders quarterback Josh Johnson will make the start on Christmas Day on Thursday versus the division-rival Dallas Cowboys, according to The Athletic's Nicki Jhabvala. Jeff Driskel will serve as the backup with Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) unable to play following his injury on Saturday night in the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Normal starter Jayden Daniels (elbow) has already been shut down for the rest of the year. This will be Johnson's first NFL start since Week 17 of the 2021 season with the Baltimore Ravens. The 39-year-old journeyman went 5-for-9 passing for 43 yards and an ugly interception in Week 16 after taking over for the injured Mariota. The matchup this week against Dallas' porous defense is friendly, but Johnson still won't be much more than a desperation QB2 option for fantasy managers in superflex leagues with everything on the line in championship matchups.

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.