Who Should I Start? Geno Smith or James Cook

Tuesday, September 16, 3:09 PM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith struggled in prime time in the 20-9 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football. Smith got off to a bad start in this one, throwing an interception on the first play of the game and failing to lead the Raiders to a single touchdown all night against a suffocating Chargers defense. All in all, the 34-year-old veteran went 24-for-43 for 180 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions. He ran the ball five times for 20 yards and took three sacks. It was a very disappointing performance after Smith threw for 362 yards in a Week 1 win over the New England Patriots. While fantasy managers shouldn't be writing Smith off for the rest of the year, it's a reminder of why he's more of a matchup-based QB. Smith will get a better matchup in Week 3 against the Washington Commanders.

Wednesday, September 17, 1:33 PM

After a stellar performance in a Week 2 win over the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills running back James Cook will take on one of the NFL's lowest-ranked run defenses on Thursday. Cook will match up against the division-rival Miami Dolphins, who have surrendered the eighth-most rushing yards per game (139.0) and the sixth-most fantasy points to running backs through two weeks. New England Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson had his way with the Dolphins last Sunday, as he piled up 142 total yards (54 rushing, 88 receiving) on 16 touches. Cook ranks fourth in the league in rushing yards (176) and has already found the end zone three times on the ground through two games. While Cook may have trouble matching last week's production (21 carries, 132 yards, two TDs), especially if he gets a lighter workload on a short week, he profiles as an RB1 going into Thursday.