Who Should I Start? DeVonta Smith or Brady Cook

Friday, December 19, 10:06 PM

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith tied his lowest target count in a game this season against the Raiders, mustering just two looks. He was not alone, however, as only one Philly player (Dallas Goedert) achieved more than three targets in the runaway victory. Plus, Smith was able to make the most of his little involvement, tallying 50 yards on two catches. Coming up, he'll face off against a Commanders defense that has been weak against the pass this season. In fact, Washington has allowed more than 300 passing yards in three of their last six outings. However, Smith has not dazzled recently, having failed to find the end zone since Week 10 and tallying more than four receptions in a game just twice in that same span. In what could be another game where Philly doesn't need to rely on throwing the ball, Smith may be outcasted yet again. The defensive matchup is favorable, but his involvement is no guarantee. Consider him a low-end WR3/FLEX this week.

Monday, December 22, 10:59 AM

New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said that Brady Cook will remain the team's starting quarterback, per Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic. Cook has started each of New York's last two games after taking over for veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor in the middle of the Jets' Week 14 loss to the Miami Dolphins. An undrafted rookie out of the University of Missouri, Cook has struggled in his first taste of NFL action. Across three games (two starts), he's completed 59.2% of his pass attempts for 527 yards, one touchdown, and six interceptions. However, there's little incentive at this point in the season for the 3-12 Jets to do anything but attempt to improve their 2026 draft pick, which may be the reason why Glenn is sticking with Cook under center. Heading into a difficult Week 17 matchup against the New England Patriots, fantasy managers should avoid Cook and may want to move away from Jets running back Breece Hall as well.