Who Should I Start? Geno Smith or Jalen Hurts

Wednesday, February 25, 8:43 AM

New Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak said that the team is "trying to see every possible avenue we can go next year at quarterback" and that incumbent quarterback Geno Smith is "definitely one of those options." Smith battled through a miserable season in his first year with the Raiders in 2025. Across 15 starts, the 35-year-old completed 67.4% of his pass attempts for 3,025 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions. The Raiders went 2-13 in Smith's starts, and Las Vegas fired former head coach Pete Caroll at the conclusion of the year. Smith is just one year removed from throwing for over 4,300 yards with the Seattle Seahawks in 2024, and he made back-to-back Pro Bowl appearances in 2022 and 2023. He could have more in the tank in a more favorable offensive environment than the one he experienced in 2025. However, the Raiders are widely expected to select University of Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the number one overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. If that happens, Smith would likely profile as a temporary starter in Las Vegas at best, if he even remains on the team's roster.

Friday, February 13, 3:27 PM

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has accomplished a lot in his NFL career to this point as both a real-life player and a fantasy QB. However, 2025 was a frustrating season in many respects. Across 16 games, the 27-year-old completed 64.8% of his pass attempts for 3,224 yards, 25 touchdowns, and six interceptions while averaging a career-low 7.1 yards per pass attempt. While Hurts still provided well-above-average production with his legs, his rushing production dipped in comparison to his career norms. After four straight seasons with at least 600 rushing yards and double-digit rushing touchdowns, Hurts totaled 421 yards and eight scores as a rusher in 2025. The Eagles will have a different play-caller in 2026, as the team brought in former Green Bay Packers quarterbacks coach Sean Mannion in place of former offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo. While the coaching change could help Hurts, the Eagles may be looking to trade away star wide receiver A.J. Brown after Brown publicly voiced his displeasure with the team at points throughout 2025. Hurts remains a quality dual-threat fantasy quarterback, but his long-term dynasty stock may be fading if his rushing production is slowing down.