Who Should I Start? Geno Smith or Dak Prescott

Friday, December 12, 5:47 PM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (shoulder, back) was unable to practice all week and has officially been ruled out for the Week 15 contest this Sunday in Philadelphia against the Eagles, according to the team's website. Kenny Pickett will draw his first start with the Raiders against his old team in potentially snowy conditions, making him a desperation QB2 option for fantasy managers in superflex leagues. Smith injured his right throwing shoulder in last week's loss to the Denver Broncos, although it's not considered a serious injury, and he could make it back next week against the Houston Texans. However, if Pickett plays well this weekend, the Raiders could bench the struggling Smith for the final three games of the year. The 35-year-old Smith hasn't had much help from his offensive line, but he's been one of the worst starting QBs in the NFL this year, completing 67% of his passes for 2,648 yards, 16 touchdowns, and a league-high 14 interceptions while taking a league-high 49 sacks.

Friday, December 12, 7:36 PM

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is a must-start QB1 in all formats despite facing a tougher Minnesota Vikings defense. The Vikings enter Week 15, allowing the second-fewest PPR points to opposing QBs. However, Prescott has been a high-end option at the position all season and figures to carry a high ceiling with his top wideout, CeeDee Lamb, passing concussion protocol. Last week, Prescott totaled over 300 passing yards for the third-straight game. In their tough loss to the Lions on Thursday evening, Prescott went 31-for-47 with 376 yards and one score. Since his Week 10 bye, Prescott has averaged an elite 27.4 PPR points per game and totaled 10 total TDs with 329.5 passing yards per game. With two elite wide receivers at his disposal, Prescott carries a very safe floor with an elite ceiling if that game becomes a shootout. Given the high implied point total (O/U 48.5), fantasy managers should feel confident locking the Mississippi State product in their lineup in the opening week of the fantasy playoffs.