Who Should I Start? Geno Smith or Brandon Allen

Friday, December 20, 3:43 PM

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (knee) practiced in full all week and has been removed from the final Week 16 injury report. Smith will start on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings despite being pulled from the Sunday night loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 15 and never returning. Not only is it great news for fantasy managers looking to use Smith in two-QB leagues this week, but it's also excellent news for anyone with receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba and DK Metcalf in their lineups. The 34-year-old Smith's mobility will most likely affected -- not that he was much of a threat to run to begin with. The two-time Pro Bowler comes into Week 16 action averaging 19.4 fantasy points per game, which is tied with Joe Flacco for 16th among all QBs in 2024. Against an aggressive Vikings defense, Smith checks in as a volatile QB2 for fantasy managers in the semifinals in most leagues.

Friday, November 29, 10:13 PM

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brandon Allen could get a second consecutive start filling in for starter Brock Purdy (shoulder) when the 49ers play at the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Friday that he expects Purdy to play, but "lots of things could happen between now and then." In last week's 38-10 loss to the Packers in Green Bay, Allen completed 17-of-29 attempts for 199 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. In 10 career starts, Allen has only provided two fantasy-useful performances: A two-touchdown, 193-yard, zero-interception performance in his first career start with Denver back in 2019 and a two-touchdown, 371-yard, zero-interception game with the Bengals in 2021. A large snowstorm is predicted on Sunday in Western New York, and although most of the snow is supposed to fall before kickoff, it could still be windy. Even in perfect weather, the career-backup Allen would not be a recommended fantasy starter against a good Buffalo passing defense.