Who Should I Start? Justin Herbert or Darnell Mooney

Friday, December 5, 9:19 AM

NFL Insider Tom Pelissero reported that Justin Herbert (hand) was not only limited in practice on Thursday, but mentioned Herbert's goal is to play on Monday Night Football against the Philadelphia Eagles and that he is trending in the right direction to do so after undergoing surgery to stabilize a fracture in his left hand on Monday. For now, it appears he needs the swelling to go down and a few more obstacles to overcome, but fantasy managers who were worried about Herbert's availability for Monday night after seeing the injury in Week 13 should view Pelissero's report as encouraging news. The Eagles rank middle-of-the-pack against opposing quarterbacks, but one thing Herbert has done a lot this season is use his legs. With the injury to his hand and his efforts to prevent re-injury or take additional hits, it's possible Herbert does not run as much, limiting some of his upside for Week 14. Combined with the tough matchup, fantasy managers may want to consider other options if available. Regardless, Herbert still provides low-end QB1 fantasy value leading up to Week 14.

Wednesday, December 3, 12:18 AM

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney failed to take advantage of Drake London (knee) being out of the lineup in Week 13 against the New York Jets, recording just two receptions for 25 yards on five targets. The 28-year-old easily had his best game of the season in Week 12 against the Saints with London out, hauling in all three targets for 74 yards and a touchdown, but he didn't find the same success on Sunday despite a favorable matchup. It's been a disappointing year for the former Chicago Bear, as he has yet to record five or more catches in a game after doing so seven times in 16 games last year. The Atlanta offense isn't as effective with Kirk Cousins under center in place of Michael Penix Jr., either, but Mooney was still expected to take on a larger role in London's absence. Mooney is just a fringe top-40 option at wide receiver at this point in the season, especially with London potentially returning as early as Week 14 against the Seattle Seahawks. Mooney is probably only worth a starting lineup spot in fantasy football this weekend if London misses another game.