Baker Mayfield vs Jacoby Brissett: Who Should You Start?
The gap between Baker Mayfield and Jacoby Brissett is smaller than most fantasy managers think. Separated by just 0.2 PPG in 2025, this is one of those quarterback decisions that comes down to context, not name recognition. Baker Mayfield averaged 16.6 PPG with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers across 17 games, and Jacoby Brissett posted 16.8 with the Arizona Cardinals in 14.
When two quarterbacks are separated by less than two points per game, the decision shifts to weekly context. Who has the softer defense? Who is trending up over the last month? Which team is projected for more total points? Those are the tiebreakers that actually matter.
Both lean on arm talent and offensive scheme as traditional pocket passers. Baker Mayfield threw for 3693 yards and 26 touchdowns, while Jacoby Brissett posted 3366 yards and 23 scores. Volume, red zone efficiency, and game script are the key week-to-week differentiators when neither carries rushing upside.
One thing to note: both players share a Week 11 bye. That means you need a backup plan at quarterback for that week, especially if one of these two is your starter.
