Who Should I Start? Taylor Heinicke or Bo Nix

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).

Friday, October 18, 12:02 AM

Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix didn't score a touchdown and threw for only 164 yards on 16-for-26 passing, but he also ran the ball 10 times for a season-high 75 rushing yards in the 33-10 dismantling of the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football on the road. Nix looked a little nervous early on and missed several wide-open receivers, but he was able to settle in and lead the Broncos to 30-plus points for the second time in the last three weeks. Denver's lockdown defense played a big role in that, but the 24-year-old first-rounder showed more progress and now has avoided turnovers in four of his last five games. There will continue to be ups and downs as Nix navigates his rookie season in the NFL, while his rushing ability is the strongest part of his game currently. Heading into a favorable Week 8 matchup against the Panthers, Nix will be a low-end QB2 with upside in fantasy.