Who Should I Start? Malik Willis or Jake Haener

Saturday, September 28, 2:01 PM

Even if Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis doesn't start in Week 4 against the undefeated division-rival Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, head coach Matt LaFleur could possibly use Willis in some packages to keep the Vikings on their toes. If Jordan Love (knee) returns for the first time since spraining his left knee in the Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil, he won't be 100 percent. The Vikings are preparing to see both Love and Willis on Sunday. Long-time NFL QB Chase Daniel is firmly against the Packers pushing Love to play this week, especially against an ultra-aggressive Vikings D. "You want to know the worst-case situation for the Packers? Love gets destroyed in the pocket and re-aggravates the knee. Play this smart for the long term and play the hot hand. Malik Willis can win this game for you," Daniel said.

Friday, October 18, 4:40 AM

New Orleans Saints quarterback Jake Haener was probably not expecting to be on the field for Thursday's game against the Denver Broncos. Even with Derek Carr (oblique) needing more time to heal, Spencer Rattler (hip) was the expected starter and it was made clear by the team that the rookie would be given a long leash. As it so happened, Rattler himself was forced to the sidelines after falling awkwardly when he was sacked with just over four minutes left in the game. The play resulted in a fumble that the Broncos returned for a touchdown, putting Haener under center on short notice. The second-year quarterback from Fresno State looked better than he did when he relieved Carr in Week 5. Haener completed 3-of-4 passes for 38 yards and a touchdown, the first of his career. It is too soon to tell if Rattler's injury is enough to keep him out of action but if he is held out of Week 8 then Haener would be the next man up. Whoever draws the start won't have it easy as the Saints next face the Los Angeles Chargers, who have allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game in 2024.