Who Should I Start? Philip Rivers or Lamar Jackson

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.

Sunday, December 28, 12:44 PM

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (back) is likely to return in Week 18 next Sunday against the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers. Jackson suffered a back bruise in the Week 16 loss to the New England Patriots and was held out of Saturday night's blowout win over the Green Bay Packers. The two-time MVP's back injury doesn't seem too serious, but the Ravens will probably only start him next weekend if the Steelers lose to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday to force a winner-take-all division battle in the Week 18 regular-season finale next weekend. If Jackson does return next weekend to face the Steelers, expect the Ravens to continue to lean heavily on running back Derrick Henry, who went over 200 rushing yards with four touchdowns against Green Bay. Jackson has been a big disappointment in 2025 for fantasy managers while battling through various injuries. He'll be more of a low-end QB1 in DFS if the Ravens are still playing for something in Week 18.