Who Should I Start? Kirk Cousins or Justice Hill

Friday, May 10, 3:58 PM

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (Achilles) is working his way back from a Week 8 Achilles tear from last season, and reports out of Atlanta suggest he is making great progress. "Kirk is every day improving," Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said. "He's been doing all those things, he's been throwing, he's been out there pretty much full-go. Now, we got him in a limited basis, obviously 'cause he's still in his rehab and his treatment and all those types of things." The 35-year-old signal-caller has not been dropping back behind an offensive line or facing a rush, but he's evidently looked good on his dropbacks and reps with his new wide receiver group. Despite Atlanta selecting Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Cousins remains the clear starter in 2024 as long as he holds up. The four-time Pro Bowler has thrown for at least 4,000 yards seven times in his nine-year career as a starter, while the Falcons have not had a 4,000-yard passer since Matt Ryan in 2020. If Cousins isn't limited by his major injury, he'll remain a fringe QB1 option surrounded by Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts, Darnell Mooney, and company.

Saturday, January 20, 8:35 PM

Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill emerged as the leader in the Baltimore backfield during the Divisional Round, rushing 13 times for 66 yards and making two catches for 11 yards in the team's commanding 34-10 victory over the Texans. His 13 carries matched a season-high, and his 66 rushing yards marked his highest in a game all season, surpassing his previous best of 48 yards. Dealing with injuries to running backs J.K. Dobbins and later Keaton Mitchell throughout the season, Hill seized the opportunity that came his way. Baltimore is set to host the AFC title game next week against either the Chiefs or Bills, both of whom rank below average in DVOA against the run. They are both in the bottom half in points allowed to running backs this year, and the Ravens are likely to continue relying on whoever the hot hand is in their backfield.