Who Should I Start? Lamar Jackson or Trevor Lawrence

Friday, September 13, 5:24 PM

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson posted a QB1-worthy performance on the opening night of the NFL's regular season and he'll aim to be even better in the team's first home game against the Las Vegas Raiders. The two-time MVP will get plenty of running opportunities on top of a bit of an easier matchup to throw the ball. The game script in Week 1 consisted of a lot of short throws, especially to Zay Flowers, but after shaking off some rust, the Ravens offense should be able to find some more open avenues down the field. His average target depth clocked in at 7.5 yards in Week 1 which was down a bit from 8.9 yards per game last season. Look for the passing attack to get in a better rhythm while Jackson's ground game continues to thrive against a weaker run defense. Fantasy managers can consider him a QB1 heading into Week 2.

Thursday, September 12, 5:12 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence struggled in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins. He had 161 passing yards and one touchdown, producing a measly 11.3 fantasy points. In Week 2, Lawrence faces the Cleveland Browns, a defense that held Dak Prescott to 11.5 fantasy points last week. The Browns defense is known for a great pass rush and elite secondary, which allowed the least passing yards per game in the NFL last year. It may be easy for fantasy managers to see 33 points allowed in Week 1 by the Browns and think they should start the Jaguars QB, but context is important. After an Ezekiel Elliot rushing touchdown with five minutes left in the second quarter, the Cowboys didn't score a single offensive touchdown. Similarly, the Jaguars scored zero points entirely in the second half against the Dolphins. Lawrence is firmly entrenched as a QB2 this week, meaning managers should look to the waiver wire to find a higher upside option.