Who Should I Start? Geno Smith or C.J. Stroud

Saturday, December 20, 7:20 AM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (shoulder, back) will return this Sunday on the road in Houston against the top-rated Texans defense in Week 16. He practiced in full all week and was removed from the team's injury report heading into Sunday's game. Smith has failed to pass over 175 yards in five of his last eight starts, and the Texans have held opposing quarterbacks to a league-best 12.9 fantasy points per game this season. In his previous start in Week 14 against the Denver Broncos, Smith completed 13 of his 21 pass attempts for 116 yards and one touchdown. In Week 16, the veteran quarterback will need to rely on rookie running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers for short, quick passes as the Texans' defense allows quarterbacks a mere 2.73 seconds to throw, which is tied for first in the league. Only desperate two-QB Superflex league fantasy managers should consider the 35-year-old Smith as a starter in Week 16.

Saturday, December 20, 8:04 AM

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has helped the Texans to six straight wins and is coming off one of his best games of the season. He'll look to keep rolling in a favorable spot against the visiting Raiders on Sunday in the late wave of games. Stroud threw for three touchdowns and 260 yards last week against the Cardinals and has posted over 250 passing yards in three of his last four full games (not counting his early exit due to a concussion). Stroud is up to 15 touchdowns on the season, and he's been especially sharp at home with eight touchdowns and just one interception. The Texans' backfield is banged up with both Woody Marks (ankle) and Nick Chubb (ribs) questionable for this contest, so Stroud may have to pass a little more even if the Texans play from ahead. In this favorable spot, Stroud is ranked the No. 13 QB in RotoBaller's Week 16 rankings, making him a great start in two-QB leagues but a low-end option in single-quarterback formats.