Who Should I Start? Geno Smith or Bo Nix

Monday, February 16, 6:12 PM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith had an ugly first season with the team, and it likely cost him his starting job. Smith signed a two-year, $75 million deal with the Raiders last offseason, reuniting with head coach Pete Caroll. The reunion didn't result in a successful season. Vegas went 3-14, Carroll was let go, and Smith posted a horrific 19:17 TD:INT ratio with a career-high 55 sacks. One of the few positive storylines of the Raiders' season was that they ended up with the No. 1 draft pick, giving them the right to select any eligible prospect they'd like. Presumably, that player will be Indiana quarterback and national champion Fernando Mendoza. In all likelihood, Mendoza will win the starting job right away. That could move Smith to a backup role, but more likely, the veteran quarterback will be released with one year left on his contract. Releasing him creates $8 million in cap space with $18.5 million in dead money, offering the Raiders a fresh start with Mendoza and first-year head coach Klint Kubiak. Smith should be avoided in all dynasty and redraft leagues.

Tuesday, February 17, 4:30 AM

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (ankle) put together another strong season in 2025, and he continues to trend upward despite entering the offseason with a broken ankle. In his second pro season, Nix threw for 3,931 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He also added 356 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. As a result, he finished as the overall QB7 for the second year in a row. The former first-round pick's production was a little inconsistent at times, as he certainly had some boom or bust games, but he played well enough to satisfy his fantasy managers and keep them in the hunt for the fantasy playoffs. He also kept his Broncos in the playoff hunt, locking up the No. 1 seed and taking down the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round. However, Nix broke his ankle near the end of the Bills game, sidelining him for the Broncos' eventual loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship. Nix should be fully recovered in time for the 2026 season, and his supporting cast will arguably be stronger than ever with Courtland Sutton returning and Troy Franklin and Pat Bryant both having another year under their belts. Plus, running back RJ Harvey is expected to take a major step forward, further improving the overall state of the offense. All signs point to Nix finishing as QB7 or higher again in 2026.