Who Should I Start? Geno Smith or Brock Purdy

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, December 20, 6:50 PM

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is in Miami for a Week 16 contest against the Dolphins. In Week 15's Thursday night game with San Francisco clinging to playoff hopes against the Rams, Purdy did not play well, completing 14-of-31 passes for 142 yards, no touchdowns, an interception, and three yards rushing. The weather in Miami is expected to be mild and dry, which is ideal for Purdy as he has struggled mightily in precipitation, but that's where the good news ends. Jalen Ramsey and the Dolphins' pass defense have allowed the NFL's fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks (13.4). Purdy is the 12th-ranked fantasy quarterback in points per game this season, and projections this week are congruent with that number. Consider Purdy a suboptimal play on the QB1/QB2 fence for the fantasy playoffs.