Carson Wentz vs Lamar Jackson: Who Should You Start?
Carson Wentz and Lamar Jackson are both viable fantasy quarterbacks heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Carson Wentz averaged 15.1 PPG across 5 games with the Minnesota Vikings, while Lamar Jackson posted 17.1 PPG in 13 appearances for the Baltimore Ravens.
A 2.0-PPG gap gives Lamar Jackson the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Both lean on arm talent and offensive scheme as traditional pocket passers. Carson Wentz threw for 1216 yards and 6 touchdowns, while Lamar Jackson posted 2549 yards and 21 scores. Volume, red zone efficiency, and game script are the key week-to-week differentiators when neither carries rushing upside.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Carson Wentz sits Week 6 while Lamar Jackson is off Week 14. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
