Who Should I Start? Carson Wentz or Kenny Pickett

Friday, October 17, 4:00 PM

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell has named veteran Carson Wentz (shoulder) as the team's starting quarterback for its Week 7 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Wentz suffered a shoulder injury in Week 5, but the team's Week 6 bye apparently gave him the time he needed to be ready for Week 7. Rapoport reports that Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle), who has not played since Week 2, is still recovering from a high-ankle sprain and will serve as the team's emergency third quarterback. In three starts since McCarthy went down, Wentz has completed 69% of his passes for 759 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions. He profiles as a player for fantasy managers to avoid in Week 7, even in two-quarterback formats.

Thursday, September 4, 9:39 AM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kenny Pickett (hamstring) logged a full practice on Wednesday and is cleared to suit up in Week 1 when the Raiders face the New England Patriots. Pickett began the offseason with the Cleveland Browns but was traded to the Raiders in exchange for a fifth-round pick. The former first-round pick has been dealing with a hamstring injury, but appears to have moved past it. Fantasy managers should expect Pickett to operate as the backup option to Geno Smith. Currently, Aidan O'Connell (wrist) is on the injured reserve, which means Pickett will likely be given all of those opportunities under center if Smith were to miss time. Last season, Pickett spent time as Jalen Hurts' backup in Philadelphia but was deployed as a starter across his first two seasons in Pittsburgh. He is only worth a look in deeper superflex leagues if he were to take over the starting job.