Who Should I Start? Mason Rudolph or Justin Fields

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, October 17, 8:36 PM

New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields will be a riskier option than usual for Week 7's meeting with the visiting Carolina Panthers. The 26-year-old has done well for the most part to keep his fantasy value afloat via the run game in 2025. Still, he's likely to be without his primary weapon in the passing game, wide receiver Garrett Wilson (knee), after a fantasy dud against the Broncos in London. Even if Wilson can suit up, it's unclear in what capacity he'll be available after a week's worth of missed practices. Carolina's defense hasn't given up too much yardage and is particularly stout against the run (94.5 yards per game [ninth-fewest]). However, they're yielding the twelfth-most points per contest (24.3), so if Fields can get the offense rolling, there is an opportunity for some fantasy goodness. The fifth-year pro may be relied upon to create more frequently on his own this Sunday, but the loss of Wilson makes him a fringey QB1. Fields is officially RotoBaller's QB12 for Week 7.