Who Should I Start? Mike Evans or Jake Haener

Monday, December 23, 12:31 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans caught just five of his eight targets for 69 yards during Sunday's Week 16 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Evans was the Buccaneers' leading receiver, but managers would have liked to see him rack up a little more production or find the end zone with a potential berth in the fantasy championship on the line. For the veteran receiver, all eyes are on the 1,000-yard mark. Evans has eclipsed 1,000 yards in each of his first 10 NFL seasons, but he's not a lock to reach that threshold in 2024. The 31-year-old needs 182 yards over his final two games to achieve the big milestone. From a fantasy perspective, he should continue to be viewed as a low-end WR1 option heading into next week's battle with a subpar Carolina Panthers defense.

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.