Who Should I Start? Tua Tagovailoa or Trey Lance

Monday, February 9, 9:56 AM

The Miami Dolphins have not made a final decision on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's future yet, but all signs are pointing towards him not returning in 2026 under the new regime, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. A trade is a possibility, but it's complicated. The Dolphins would have to eat a large chunk of Tagovailoa's $54 million fully guaranteed salary, and they'd have another $42.5 million dead-cap charge in 2026. Releasing the former first-rounder would be cleaner and would allow the team to spread the money out over two years. A final decision on Tagovailoa should come before the new league year begins on March 13, when another $3 million in 2027 would become fully guaranteed. The 27-year-old was a Pro Bowler in 2023 and led the league with 4,624 passing yards, but defenses quickly figured out Miami's offense, and concussion issues have plagued Tua as well. A fresh start elsewhere would be best for all parties, and Tagovailoa already said a change of scenery "would be dope."

Sunday, January 4, 10:32 AM

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Trey Lance will make his first start of the season during Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Denver Broncos. The former first-round pick is starting in place of Justin Herbert (coach's decision) as the Chargers look to keep their No. 1 quarterback healthy for the upcoming playoff stretch. Turning to Lance puts Los Angeles as a 14-point underdog, and they could still finish anywhere between the No. 5 and No. 7 seed in the AFC. The young quarterback has flashed upside in the past, and perhaps the Chargers still hope that he can live up to his first-round draft stock. However, the odds are stacked against him this week. For starters, the Broncos have an elite defense anchored by Patrick Surtain II and Nik Bonitto. Denver has allowed the fourth-fewest passing yards and eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2025. Furthermore, Lance is playing behind an offensive line that PFF ranked second-worst heading into Week 18. Every Chargers offensive lineman finished with a PFF grade below 70 last week. This is not the right time to start Lance in fantasy football. Managers should avoid him in all leagues.