Who Should I Start? Tyrod Taylor or Fernando Mendoza


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.9 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Tyrod Taylor News

Cooper Rush, Tyrod Taylor Could be Options for Jets

Sunday, March 22, 9:46 AM

After trading quarterback Justin Fields to the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason, the New York Jets still need a veteran backup QB for Geno Smith. Carson Wentz re-signed with the Minnesota Vikings, and the Philadelphia Eagles acquired Andy Dalton from the Carolina Panthers. Options are dwindling, but ESPN's Rich Cimini writes that the 32-year-old Cooper Rush could be in play after the Baltimore Ravens recently released him. Re-signing Tyrod Taylor is another option, but the 36-year-old is injury-prone. Other free-agent QBs include Joe Flacco and Russell Wilson. A trade can never be ruled out, but the asking prices remain high around the league. Rush is an eight-year NFL veteran who spent his first seven years with the Cowboys before going 34-for-52 for 303 yards, no touchdowns, and four picks in four games (two starts) for the Ravens in 2025. Taylor replaced Fields as the starter last year in New York but played only six games (four starts) due to injuries and was lackluster, completing 59.7% of his pass attempts for 779 yards, five touchdowns, and five interceptions.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
16.1 12.7 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

Fernando Mendoza News

Fernando Mendoza to Serve as Raiders QB2

Wednesday, September 2, 9:51 AM

The Las Vegas Raiders named veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins as their Week 1 starter on Wednesday, and while some late training camp rumblings hinted at Fernando Mendoza potentially starting his career as the third quarterback behind Aidan O'Connell, the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft will serve as the team's primary backup, according to The Athletic's Sam Warren. Mendoza appeared in all three of the Raiders' preseason games, turning in a mixed bag on his way to a 56.5% completion percentage and two interceptions to his one touchdown. The Raiders face a daunting schedule to begin the year, a fact that could lead to early calls from fans to put the rookie on the field, but also a landmine that the coaching staff must navigate with the ultimate goal of setting Mendoza up for long-term success. Equipped with the tools and mindset to eventually become the face of the franchise, Mendoza is RotoBaller's QB29 and not a player who needs to be drafted as anything more than a third quarterback in 2026 superflex leagues.


Tyrod Taylor vs. Fernando Mendoza

Still trying to decide between Taylor and Mendoza? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Tyrod Taylor is projected to score 0.9 points this week while Fernando Mendoza is projected to score 16.1 points.