Who Should I Start? Geno Smith or J.J. McCarthy

Saturday, November 22, 12:51 PM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith had an underwhelming game in Week 11 against the Dallas Cowboys, completing 27 of 42 pass attempts for 238 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Across 10 games, the 35-year-old has completed 66.3% of his pass attempts for 2,082 yards, 12 touchdowns, and a league-high 13 interceptions. Smith has also been sacked on 9.1% of his drop-backs as he plays with a Raiders offensive line that has been hit hard by both injuries and underperformance. The job won't get any easier for Smith in Week 12, as he'll take on star edge rusher Myles Garrett and the Cleveland Browns. Through 11 weeks, the Browns have allowed the fewest passing yards (1,874) and recorded the fifth most sacks (32) in the NFL. Even in two-quarterback formats, Smith profiles as a player for fantasy managers to avoid in Week 12.

Monday, November 24, 2:15 PM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) has entered the league's concussion protocol after reporting symptoms following a Week 12 loss to the Packers. McCarthy was evaluated on Sunday night by the team's training staff and doctors, who then made the decision to place him into protocol. The Vikings will travel to Seattle for a Week 14 matchup with the Seahawks, and McCarthy will now need to clear protocol if the team hopes to have him available. Should he miss any time, the Vikings will turn to undrafted rookie Max Brosmer. On the surface, this would seem to be a blow to the fantasy value of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and the rest of the Vikings offense, but with McCarthy averaging fewer than 155 passing yards per game in six starts, while throwing 10 interceptions to only six touchdowns, any dip should be negligible. Fantasy managers should continue to trot out their underperforming stud receiver based on talent alone.