Has Derek Carr Been Benched? Should I Pick Up Jarrett Stidham? Week 17 Fantasy Football Outlook

With Week 17 of the NFL season serving as "Championship Week" for the vast majority of fantasy leagues, managers must stay on top of breaking news.

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr has disappointed in 2022, as the Raiders have managed just a 6-9 record with Carr at the helm.

Has Derek Carr been benched? Who is Jarrett Stidham and should I pick him up for Week 17?

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Has Derek Carr Been Benched For Week 17?

Longtime Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr has disappointed by nearly every measure in 2022. The Raiders have slumped to a 6-9 record with Carr at the helm and he's tossed an NFL-high 14 interceptions this season while failing to find his footing in first-year head coach Josh McDaniels' offensive scheme.

ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that Carr will be benched for the final two games of the regular season in favor of backup QB Jarrett Stidham. This comes just months after Carr signed a three-year $121.5 million extension with Las Vegas and likely indicates the franchise's intention to cut or trade the veteran after the season ends.

Who Is Jarrett Stidham and Should I Pick Him Up For Fantasy Football?

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Carr will be replaced in the lineup by Jarrett Stidham, a third-year pro that has attempted just 13 passes for the Raiders this season.

Stidham played his college ball at Auburn and spent his first two professional seasons with the New England Patriots, where he saw spot duty in just eight games. Former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels worked with Stidham in New England and brought the 26-year-old to Las Vegas this season via a trade with his former squad.

He has little in-game experience and has attempted just 61 passes in his career, completing 32 of those attempts for 342 yards, two TDs, and four INTs. However, he is familiar with McDaniels' offensive scheme and will have a supporting cast that includes stars such as Davante Adams, Darren Waller, and Josh Jacobs.

With a brutal matchup looming against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17, Stidham is a near-impossible start for fantasy managers that have their seasons on the line in league championships this week.

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