Who Should I Start? Luther Burden III or Fernando Mendoza


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
11.9 3.0 0.0 4.3 55.5 0.3

Luther Burden III News

Luther Burden III Looks "Mostly Fine"

Friday, August 21, 5:12 AM

The Chicago Bears were in Cincinnati on Thursday for a joint practice with the Bengals, and while second-year wide receiver Luther Burden III (groin) did not participate as he works his way back from the groin injury that has caused him to miss most of training camp, podcast hosts Adam Hoge and Adam Jahns expressed a lack of concern, saying that Burden looks "mostly fine." After a strong finish to his rookie season, Burden was the star of the opening days of training camp before getting tangled with a teammate and exiting practice on August 8. The hope has since been that he would be ready for the team's regular season opener against the Panthers on September 13. While the groin injury has caused an ADP dip in recent weeks, Burden is still RotoBaller's WR22, as all signs pre-injury pointed to the 22-year-old receiver becoming the focal point of a high-powered Bears offense.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
16.1 12.7 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

Fernando Mendoza News

Fernando Mendoza Throws Pick-Six in First Preseason Start

Friday, August 21, 6:50 AM

Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza got his first professional start in Thursday night's preseason matchup with the Texans, and on the team's opening drive, he threw an interception to rookie linebacker Wade Woodaz that was returned 80 yards for a touchdown. Playing the entire first half, the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft led four more drives, resulting in a field goal and three punts before Aidan O'Connell took over in the second half and managed a come-from-behind victory. Along with a handful of starters, veteran Kirk Cousins was given the night off following a productive joint practice with the Texans, but after the game, head coach Klint Kubiak declined to name a starter for the regular season. "We got another week. I don't want anyone to be comfortable in their job... It should always be that way for all positions. So, let's keep going." Barring an unforeseen surprise, Mendoza will begin his rookie campaign backing up Cousins. Still, he has reportedly impressed behind the scenes and could find the field earlier than initially projected, making him an intriguing late-round pick in superflex leagues as RotoBaller's QB29.


Luther Burden III vs. Fernando Mendoza

Still trying to decide between Burden III and Mendoza? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Luther Burden III is projected to score 11.9 points this week while Fernando Mendoza is projected to score 16.1 points.