Who Should I Start? Mason Rudolph or Cameron Ward

Friday, August 22, 10:43 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph completed six of his eight pass attempts for 36 scoreless yards and an interception in Thursday night's 19-10 preseason win over the Carolina Panthers. Rudolph took the field for the team's first three offensive possessions and could not get much of anything going. The Steelers punted twice in the first quarter before Rudolph opened the second period with an ill-advised throw to Ke'Shawn Williams that Carolina picked off. Rudolph's brief showing was quickly outshined by teammate Skylar Thompson, who led Pittsburgh on three straight scoring drives. Nonetheless, the 30-year-old Rudolph should be expected to maintain QB2 duties heading into the regular season as the most experienced backup on the roster, especially if rookie Will Howard (finger) is placed on IR.

Friday, September 12, 10:59 AM

Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cameron Ward struggled in his first NFL game, completing 12 of 28 pass attempts for just 112 yards and zero touchdowns against the Denver Broncos. Ward will face another excellent pass defense in Week 2 in the Los Angeles Rams, who held the Houston Texans offense to nine points and Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud to 188 passing yards in Week 1. Ward, who was sacked six times in Week 1, may have a tough time avoiding negative plays once again in Week 2. The Rams have a dominant front four led by star edge rusher Jared Verse, and the Titans will be without starting right tackle JC Latham (hip) due to a hip injury. Ward has some long-term fantasy appeal, but he should not be started in Week 2, even in Superflex leagues.