Joe Flacco vs Tyler Shough: Who Should You Start?
Joe Flacco and Tyler Shough are both viable fantasy quarterbacks heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Joe Flacco averaged 12.1 PPG across 13 games with the Cincinnati Bengals, while Tyler Shough posted 14.9 PPG in 11 appearances for the New Orleans Saints.
A 2.8-PPG gap gives Tyler Shough 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. Joe Flacco threw for 2479 yards and 15 touchdowns, while Tyler Shough posted 2384 yards and 10 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 12 bye. That means you need a backup plan at quarterback for that week, especially if one of these two is your starter.
