Who Should I Start? Geno Smith or Jared Goff

Sunday, December 21, 8:18 PM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (shoulder, back) returned to the field in Week 16, completing 16 of his 23 pass attempts for 201 yards for two touchdowns and one interception in a 23-21 loss to the Houston Texans. However, his interception early in the first quarter was costly, as the stalwart Texans defense returned it for a touchdown of their own. The 35-year-old quarterback spread the ball around to his pass catchers and kept his team competitive against the heavily favored Houston squad. Smith did end up taking three sacks, but this was his fewest since Week 9. The Raiders take on the New York Giants at home in Week 17, which is a top-five matchup for quarterbacks. The veteran play caller remains viable in 2QB or Superflex leagues in need of a starter, given this favorable matchup.

Monday, December 22, 11:37 AM

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff found his way to a productive stat line in Week 16, completing 34 of 54 pass attempts for 364 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Over his last three games, the 31-year-old has now recorded 1,011 passing yards and seven touchdowns without a turnover. With the Lions' defense and run game both struggling, Goff has turned into one of the league's highest-volume passers in the second half of the season. Across eight games since Detroit's Week 8 bye, Goff is averaging 38 pass attempts per contest. As long as he continues to find himself in pass-heavy game scripts, Goff should be able to provide solid fantasy production without elite efficiency. The Lions will travel to Minnesota to take on the Vikings in Week 17.