Who Should I Start? Tyrod Taylor or Kenny Pickett

Saturday, October 25, 12:59 PM

New York Jets quarterback Tyrod Taylor (knee) has been ruled out for his team's Week 8 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals due to a knee injury, per Brian Costello of the New York Post. There had been speculation that Taylor would take over for the struggling Justin Fields under center for the 0-7 Jets, but that will not be the case in Week 8. Costello writes that Fields will be the team's starting quarterback against Cincinnati, with rookie Brady Cook serving as the backup. Fields has completed 63.7% of his pass attempts for 845 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions across six games so far this season. He's also rushed 42 times for 257 yards and three scores, which allows him to maintain fantasy appeal. The Bengals have allowed opponents to score over 30 points per game on average this season, so there's an opportunity for Fields to produce in Week 8.

Thursday, September 4, 9:39 AM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kenny Pickett (hamstring) logged a full practice on Wednesday and is cleared to suit up in Week 1 when the Raiders face the New England Patriots. Pickett began the offseason with the Cleveland Browns but was traded to the Raiders in exchange for a fifth-round pick. The former first-round pick has been dealing with a hamstring injury, but appears to have moved past it. Fantasy managers should expect Pickett to operate as the backup option to Geno Smith. Currently, Aidan O'Connell (wrist) is on the injured reserve, which means Pickett will likely be given all of those opportunities under center if Smith were to miss time. Last season, Pickett spent time as Jalen Hurts' backup in Philadelphia but was deployed as a starter across his first two seasons in Pittsburgh. He is only worth a look in deeper superflex leagues if he were to take over the starting job.