Gardner Minshew has played well in place of Nick Foles this season, but his play has been a mixed bag at times. That mixed bag busted open in London, as the Jaguars took on the Texans.
Houston had given up robust statistics to opposing passing games this season, including back-to-back-to-back three+ touchdown games to Derek Carr, Jacoby Brissett, Patrick Mahomes, and Matt Ryan. That streak ended in London, as Minshew completed 27-of-47 (57.4 percent) passes for 309 yards, no touchdowns, two interceptions, and two fumbles.
The fourth quarter was a comedy of errors for Minshew, as his last five possessions ended in turnovers. If this game had come against the 49ers or Patriots, there would be more reason to overlook Minshew’s performance, but coming against a weak pass defense isn’t reassuring.
It’s also a bad sign for Minshew to put up this game just before their bye and the return of Nick Foles. After the game, coach Doug Marrone says he will step away before making a decision and inform his quarterbacks next Sunday, during their bye week, who will get the start in Week 11 against the Colts.
Fantasy football analysis: Jaguars QBs Gardner Minshew, Nick Foles
Multiple reports said that Minshew had a chance to unseat Foles as the starter. The question is, did this game ruin his chances?
Nick Foles hasn’t had much of a chance to prove himself this season, as he had eight pass attempts against Kansas City before leaving with his clavicle injury. He did suffer the injury because he stood in the pocket and threw a strike to D.J. Chark for a 35 yard over the shoulder catch in the end zone. That pass could leave a strong impression, but Foles’ hopes likely rest on how he has looked in practice since returning and Minshew’s play.
We will know who the starter is before next week’s waivers, so there is a chance you can wait to pick up Foles until we know for sure. But, if you are in a league where quarterbacks are coveted, you may need to take the plunge this week.
The Jaguars play @Colts, Buccaneers, Chargers, @Raiders, then @Falcons to end the fantasy season in Week 16. There are three great matchups there, so I’m picking Foles up this week where I might need him, as there is a good chance the Jaguars want to see what they have in Foles moving forward.