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

Tuesday, November 18, 12:57 AM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith completed 27 of 42 passes for 238 yards with one touchdown and one interception while adding 14 yards on four carries on the ground in Monday night's 33-16 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The Raiders came out with a pass-heavy game plan with only eight designed running back carries all game, but Smith couldn't take advantage of a poor Dallas defense. His 42 pass attempts were the most since Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers. The 35-year-old has mostly struggled in his first season in Las Vegas, throwing more interceptions (12) than touchdowns (11) and exceeding 300 yards passing just once, which came all the way back in Week 1. It doesn't get any easier for Smith in Week 12 against a tough Cleveland Browns defense.

Tuesday, November 18, 11:39 AM

The Minnesota Vikings are now 4-6 behind struggling young quarterback J.J. McCarthy, but the team is betting that McCarthy can overcome his current issues and acclimate to the NFL with time. Receiver Adam Thielen, who is back in Minnesota after two full seasons in Carolina, pointed to Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, whose improvement in his third season came after two mostly rough years at the helm. "I'm sure he's leaning on a ton of experience from the last few years that (included) some really tough moments," Thielen said, according to The Athletic. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell hasn't entertained a move and maintains McCarthy's issues are mechanical and can be corrected. Minnesota is going to give McCarthy the runway to improve, so managers in Superflex leagues will know they'll have a playable QB, albeit one going through the ups and downs of being a first-time starter.