Who Should I Start? Philip Rivers or Justin Herbert

Saturday, December 27, 12:47 PM

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers is set to make his third start of the 2025 season in Week 17 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Since being called out of retirement in early December, the 44-year-old has held his own. Across two games, Rivers has completed 66.1% of his pass attempts for 397 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. While Rivers offers zero production upside with his legs, he proved he could still be efficient as a passer by averaging 7.9 yards per attempt in Week 16 against the San Francisco 49ers. In Week 17, Rivers will face a Jaguars defense that ranks 18th in the NFL in total passing yards allowed (3,492) and 27th in passing touchdowns allowed (26). Jacksonville ranks 6th in the NFL in yards per carry allowed (4.1), so Indianapolis may be forced to turn to the air more often than they would like. With the potential for a pass-heavy game script, Rivers profiles as a low-end fantasy QB2 option in Week 17.

Monday, December 29, 4:47 PM

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said on Monday that quarterback Justin Herbert won't play on Sunday in the Week 18 regular-season finale on the road against the division-rival Denver Broncos, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. Harbaugh said that other starters with "the most bruises" and need "the most healing" won't play either. Herbert has been playing through a fractured left hand for weeks, but he's been practicing in full and hasn't missed any time. The Bolts are electing to give the 27-year-old signal-caller some extra rest before the start of the postseason. With Herbert sitting this Sunday, backup Trey Lance will be thrust into a starting role, and it remains to be seen what other offensive skill players the Bolts might rest. With a win this weekend, the Broncos would clinch the top seed in the AFC and a bye in the first round of the playoffs.