Who Should I Start? Sam Howell or Cole Payton


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Sam Howell News

Sam Howell, Joe Milton III to Compete for Backup Role

Sunday, April 5, 9:39 PM

Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks Sam Howell and Joe Milton III will compete for the backup role behind Dak Prescott this summer, head coach Brian Schottenheimer told Todd Archer of ESPN.com. The Cowboys acquired Milton last offseason in hopes that he could offer a strong, accurate arm in case Prescott went down. Prescott was healthy for all 17 contests, but when Milton did get into the game, he struggled. He had three turnovers and just one touchdown across parts of four games. Perhaps because of his subpar results on the field, Dallas brought in Howell during the offseason. It appears that the Cowboys have a specific vision for their backup quarterback, as Howell offers mobility and a strong arm similar to Milton. The fantasy implications here are minimal, as we expect Prescott to start the full season unless he gives us a reason to believe otherwise.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Cole Payton News

Can Cole Payton Develop into a High-Value Dynasty Handcuff?

Friday, June 19, 5:50 AM

Eagles quarterback Cole Payton currently sits fourth on the Philadelphia depth chart behind Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee, and Andy Dalton, but his long-term fantasy upside is as high as any of the non-first-round quarterbacks selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. Both McKee and Dalton are in the final year of their contracts, and while the former could potentially seek greener pastures elsewhere in 2027, the soon-to-be-39-year-old Dalton may choose to call it a career after his 16th season in the league. Ironically, it is the lefty Payton who is perhaps best equipped to run an offense similar to the one helmed by Hurts, serving as the only other dual-threat quarterback on the roster after rushing for more than 2,000 yards and 30 touchdowns during his collegiate career at North Dakota State. At 6'3" and 223 pounds, and with the luxury of developing behind the scenes, Payton could eventually grow into one of the most fantasy-relevant backup quarterbacks in the league and is a must-stash player in superflex dynasty leagues.


Sam Howell vs. Cole Payton

Still trying to decide between Howell and Payton? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Sam Howell is projected to score 0.0 points this week while Cole Payton is projected to score 0.0 points.