Who Should I Start? Geno Smith or Brock Purdy

Sunday, December 28, 8:34 PM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (ankle) was diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain following Sunday's Week 17 loss against the New York Giants, according to head coach Pete Carroll. Smith suffered the injury during the fourth quarter while attempting to make a play on a Giants interception return. The veteran quarterback has found himself involved in several of those plays this year, as he leads the entire NFL with 17 interceptions. High-ankle sprains are typically multiple-week injuries, and even if Smith had a chance to play next week, it's tough to imagine the eliminated Raiders would rush him back. Kenny Pickett should start at quarterback in Vegas' regular-season finale against the Kansas City Chiefs. If the Raiders lose, they would clinch the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Saturday, December 27, 3:55 AM

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has turned in four top-12 finishes in five games since returning from a six-week absence due to turf toe. Purdy stepped things up since the 49ers' Week 14 bye, putting up 295 passing yards in consecutive games and a total of eight touchdowns. Purdy has a great chance of keeping his hot streak alive in Week 17 against the Chicago Bears. The Bears have given up the seventh-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks and are tied with two other teams for the third-most passing touchdowns allowed. Tight end George Kittle (ankle) will be a game-time decision, but deep threat Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) is trending towards playing. Purdy projects as a QB1 given his recent track record and favorable matchup, making him a worthy starter in the fantasy championship round.