Minshew to start at QB vs. the Cowboys

Eagles HC Nick Sirianni announced on Thursday morning that QB Garnder Minshew will start Week 16's game vs. the Cowboys on Saturday. Jalen Hurts (shoulder) did not practice Tuesday or Wednesday and will now have some time to heal further. The Cowboys' defense ranks as the 3rd-toughest matchup for opposing QBs in adjusted fantasy points allowed this season. We don't consider Minshew a ceiling play in fantasy lineups this week, but he could still be considered a streaming option/QB2 in superflex leagues.

The Raiders are signing QB Gardner Minshew to a 2-year, $25 million deal with $15 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. That contract doesn't guarantee that Minshew will be the team's 2024 starter, but it at least makes him the favorite. With QB Jimmy Garoppolo set to be released, QB Aidan O'Connell currently stands as Minshew's competition. We'll see if the Raiders add anything else significant this offseason. They currently hold the 13th overall pick of April's draft. Minshew is good enough to keep an NFL offense on track but will not be an exciting fantasy option in Vegas. He averaged 229 passing yards and 1.1 TDs in 13 full games for the Colts last season. The Minshew addition does bring some stability to the fantasy outlooks of Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, and Michael Mayer.

Colts QB Gardner Minshew racked up 312 yards and two TDs with zero INTs in the Week 13 overtime win over the Titans. Minshew connected with WR Alec Pierce from 36 yards out for his first score. Then, in overtime, he hit Pierce for a 55-yard bomb and WR Michael Pittman for the game-winning 4-yard TD. It was a strong showing from Minshew against the pass-funnel Titans defense that entered this week ranked 20th in adjusted fantasy points allowed to QBs. Week 14 brings another plus matchup against the Bengals. Minshew will be a nice QB2 and a low-end QB1 spot starter in that one.

Colts QB Gardner Minshew racked up 305 yards and 2 TDs passing in Sunday's narrow loss to the Browns. Minshew added two rushing scores among his three attempts for 29 yards -- one of which came from 17 yards out. It was a particularly stellar performance for Indy's QB2 considering that it came against a league-best Cleveland defense and just a week after he played terribly in a loss to Jacksonville. What should you take away from this? Don't expect Minshew to deliver starter-level fantasy production every week. But this game reminds us that he can be a viable fantasy option. His production came unconventionally against the Browns, including the TD passes from 59 and 75 yards out. Minshew went just 15 of 23 passing overall, also taking 4 sacks and throwing an INT. His next five matchups also look negative by our adjusted fantasy points allowed, surrounding a Week 11 bye. Don't bet on Minshew landing inside the top 12 of our weekly QB rankings.

Colts QB Gardner Minshew threw for 329 yards in Sunday's loss to the Jaguars, but that's about the only nice thing you could say about his performance. The fill-in went 33 of 55 (60%), with 3 INTs and a lost fumble -- and Minshew was fortunate to not throw even another pick or two. He should be nowhere close to your fantasy lineup (if you can help it) for home dates with the Browns and Saints the next two weeks.

Colts QB Gardner Minshew completed 27 passes on 44 attempts for 227 yards and 1 TD in Week 3 vs. the Ravens. Those who needed a spot starter in 2QB or superflex leagues can’t be too upset with the results from Sunday’s OT win, though Minshew wasn’t anything special. Hopefully, rookie QB Anthony Richardson will be back under center for Indianapolis in Week 4 vs. the Rams.