Who Should I Start? Geno Smith or Jameis Winston

Monday, January 6, 1:14 PM

When asked if he expects quarterback Geno Smith to return as the starting QB in 2025, Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said on Seattle Sports radio, "Got no reason to say no, so I guess yeah." If Smith is still under contract with the team in mid-March, he'll earn an extra $2 million after hitting three escalators in the win over the division-rival Los Angeles Rams in the Week 18 regular-season finale. While battling injury, Smith went 20-for-27 for 223 yards and a career-high four touchdowns on Sunday to close out his fifth year with the team. His 4,320 passing yards in 2024 were among the top five in the league, but the Seahawks offense never really hit its stride this year, and Smith finished as the QB12 in overall fantasy points. Seattle could save over $30 million by cutting him this offseason, so it's not a foregone conclusion that he'll be back in 2025.

Saturday, January 4, 3:12 PM

According to Kelsey Russo of the Browns, quarterback Jameis Winston (shoulder) is inactive for Saturday's game against the Baltimore Ravens. He will operate as the No.3, emergency quarterback. Winston came into this game logging three limited practice sessions and carrying a questionable tag. Winston has not been on the field since their Week 15 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs. Over his past seven games, Winston posted a 12:12 TD:INT ratio while averaging 291.1 passing yards per game. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Bailey Zappe to get the starting nod but No.2 option Dorian Thompson-Robinson should be in line to see some opportunities. Both quarterbacks should be faded in all fantasy competitions.