Who Should I Start? Josh Johnson or Jalen Hurts

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.

Friday, December 26, 11:10 PM

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts helped out fantasy managers last week with two passing touchdowns and his biggest day on the ground since Week 4, tallying 40 rushing yards. Hurts may have to rely on his legs some more in his upcoming game against the Bills, as Buffalo allows just 167.1 passing yards per game this season, which is the second-fewest in the league. Luckily, the Bills let Browns QB Shedeur Sanders scramble all around them last week as the rookie led his team with 49 rushing yards. While it may be tough to get it going through the air, Hurts has shown he can score in more ways than one with his eight rushing touchdowns this season. In this high-octane clash of Super Bowl-hopefuls, expect Hurts to bring his A-game. Especially with his five passing touchdowns in his last two games, consider him a solid QB1 despite the slightly intimidating matchup.