Who Should I Start? Taylor Heinicke or Baker Mayfield

Wednesday, August 28, 8:22 PM

The Los Angeles Chargers are acquiring quarterback Taylor Heinicke from the Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday in exchange for a conditional sixth-round draft pick. Not only is starting quarterback Justin Herbert (foot) recovering from plantar fasciitis in his foot, but backup Easton Stick regressed in training camp and the preseason. The 31-year-old Heinicke will be an upgrade at the QB position behind Herbert entering the regular season next week. In Atlanta, the Falcons were expected all along to try and trade Heinicke after taking rookie Michael Penix Jr. in the first round in April. Heinicke made his NFL debut back in 2017 with the Houston Texans and has appeared in 38 games (29 starts) since then with four different teams. His best year came in 2021 with Washington, when he threw for 3,419 yards, 20 touchdowns and 15 picks on 321 pass attempts over 16 games (15 starts).

Tuesday, October 22, 12:47 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield completed 31 of 45 passes for 370 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions during Monday's Week 7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He also rushed for 22 yards and took three sacks. While Mayfield's turnover problems were worrisome, he bailed out his fantasy managers by racking up passing yards and adding three touchdowns. On a positive note, Mayfield has been a top-three fantasy quarterback this year, and that trend continued on Monday. However, the bad news is that he'll move forward without wide receiver Chris Godwin (ankle), who dislocated his ankle near the end of the Ravens game and is likely done for the year. Mayfield should still be started in most leagues against the Atlanta Falcons next week.