Who Should I Start? Mac Jones or Jake Haener

Friday, December 20, 9:38 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones is a better-than-usual fantasy option in Week 16 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Jones had a good outing last week against the New York Jets, giving him a good fantasy outing in two of the last three weeks. However, it is still hard to trust Jones beyond two QB/Superflex leagues given his overall body of work. The Raiders do serve as a plus matchup, but the Jaguars offense has struggled for the most part this season. Despite all of the injuries to the Jacksonville receiving core, Brian Thomas Jr. has been dominant as a rookie, and Brenton Strange caught 11 passes in the place of Evan Engram, giving him good enough options to succeed at least. It is hard to trust Jones in an important fantasy playoff matchup, but there are worse options in Week 16.

Saturday, December 14, 5:19 AM

The New Orleans Saints will give quarterback Jake Haener the start on Sunday against the Washington Commanders. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi confirmed the nomination in comments to the media on Friday. Haener took the reins from Derek Carr (hand, concussion) in Week 14 after Carr injured himself late in the Saints' win over the New York Giants. He only had one dropback in that game, which resulted in a sack for a loss of 10 yards. This will be Haener's first start of the season. During the season, Haener appeared in seven games in 2024, going 14-for-29 for 177 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. The Saints wide receiver corps has been depleted by injuries, limiting the inexperienced Haener's utility to fantasy managers in two-QB leagues who are desperate for their second option.