Who Should I Start? Justin Herbert or Shedeur Sanders

Friday, December 19, 8:45 PM

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert enters Week 16, more than two weeks removed from successful hand surgery, and was a full participant in practice all week. While the Chargers' offense has recently shifted to a low-ADOT, run-heavy approach due to a decimated offensive line that has surrendered 27 sacks in six games, the matchup against the Dallas Cowboys is a significant get-right opportunity. Dallas ranks 30th in EPA/Pass and has allowed the most passing yards and touchdowns in the league this season. With Trey Pipkins (ankle) questionable but potentially returning to stabilize the league's worst PFF-graded unit, Herbert should have more time against a Dallas defense that is just 25th in sack percentage. Despite the team's recent conservative nature, Herbert remains a high-upside play against a defense allowing elite production to opposing signal-callers. He is a low-end QB1 this week.

Saturday, December 20, 6:45 AM

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is coming off his worst game as a starter, and there is little respite in Week 16 against the Buffalo Bills. As an encore to his 33.5 fantasy points showing in Week 14 against the Tennessee Titans, Sanders posted just 3.5 fantasy points against the Chicago Bears in Week 15, completing 18 of his 35 pass attempts for 177 yards and throwing three interceptions. Sanders' 30.3 quarterback passer rating last week was his lowest as a starter this season and the worst rating for all starting quarterbacks in Week 15. The road does not get easier for the late-round rookie as the Bills' defense has held opposing quarterbacks to an average of 13.4 fantasy points per game since Week 8. However, Sanders should have more time in the pocket this week than in previous weeks. Since starting in Week 12, Sanders has faced a 46% pressure rate, the highest in the league, while the Bills' defense boasts a below-average pressure rate of 34.2%. Nonetheless, for Week 16, Sanders is a desperation deep-league Superflex option for fantasy managers, once again.