We might be way too early on this one, but that’s fine. Why? Because the seat that Carson Wentz sits on gets hotter every week. With each interception, fumble, sack, and loss, the whispers grow louder for the Eagles to bench Wentz in favor of second-round pick Jalen Hurts. As an Eagles fan, I still think Wentz gives the Eagles the best chance to win each week, and I don’t think it’s fair to put all the blame on number 11’s shoulders. Philly’s receivers have dropped more balls than other groups in the league and no other team has had more offensive line variations than they have. Couple that with what is bland offensive play calling, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.
With that being said, there’s a part of me that would like to see what Hurts can do with more reps at quarterback. At this point, what’s there to lose? Wentz is leading the league in interceptions and sacks, the offense looks stale, so a part of me wants to see things shaken up a bit. Philadelphia said they would get Hurts more playing time, but that failed to come to fruition on Monday night. Might we see more of the former Oklahoma Sooner in the future? What are the chances the Eagles actually bench their franchise QB? This might be a great time to buy-low on Jalen Hurts if you believe Carson Wentz is running out of rope.
Fantasy Ownership: We’re not telling you to run out and roster Jalen Hurts. We have our doubts that he will be a difference-maker in the fantasy football realm anytime soon. However, he is posting a 3% ownership rate right now, which tells us that there are some speculators out there who are waiting for Wentz to get benched. If, and that’s a big desperate if, you have a spot on your bench, are in a two-quarterback league, or play in a dynasty league, Hurts makes for an intriguing dart throw addition to your rosters.
DFS: (DraftKings: $5,300, FanDuel: $6,900) @ Packers Point blank: don’t play this kid in daily fantasy leagues this week, or any week, until he is officially named the starting quarterback.
Card Market Rating: Jalen Hurts is a VERY interesting play. As we know, in the football card market, rookie cards of quarterbacks can rise (and fall) rather quickly after one good (or bad) performance. Not long ago, I couldn't see any way that the Eagles would bench Carson Wentz. However, the last few weeks have changed my mind. I think it's inevitable at this point that the Eagles will want to see what they have in Hurts, and when that time comes, all it will take is one or two big games for the market to buy into the hype in a major way.
The only problem is that because of serious FOMO, the prices of Hurts' cards are already selling at a bit of a premium so it's going to be quite a risky play. There is plenty of meat left on the bone if he performs well, so the upside is certainly there. But if he gets a shot and plays poorly, you could be left holding the bag on your investment. This one is a tough call. I won't be buying any of his cards, but I won't talk you out of doing it!