Who Should I Start? Taylor Heinicke or Drake Maye

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).

Sunday, October 20, 6:31 PM

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye completed 26 of 37 passes for 276 yards, two touchdowns, and zero turnovers during Sunday's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. He also rushed for 18 yards and two sacks. The rookie No. 3 overall pick has looked impressive through his first two starts, tallying 519 passing yards, five touchdowns, two interceptions, and one lost fumble during that span. With that said, matchups with the Texans and Jaguars haven't exactly pitted him against dominant defenses. The 22-year-old will get a more true test next week against the New York Jets, especially with pass rusher Haason Reddick set to make his 2024 debut. Maye ranks as a mid-range fantasy QB2 going forward.