Who Should I Start? Geno Smith or Jarrett Stidham

Monday, February 16, 6:12 PM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith had an ugly first season with the team, and it likely cost him his starting job. Smith signed a two-year, $75 million deal with the Raiders last offseason, reuniting with head coach Pete Caroll. The reunion didn't result in a successful season. Vegas went 3-14, Carroll was let go, and Smith posted a horrific 19:17 TD:INT ratio with a career-high 55 sacks. One of the few positive storylines of the Raiders' season was that they ended up with the No. 1 draft pick, giving them the right to select any eligible prospect they'd like. Presumably, that player will be Indiana quarterback and national champion Fernando Mendoza. In all likelihood, Mendoza will win the starting job right away. That could move Smith to a backup role, but more likely, the veteran quarterback will be released with one year left on his contract. Releasing him creates $8 million in cap space with $18.5 million in dead money, offering the Raiders a fresh start with Mendoza and first-year head coach Klint Kubiak. Smith should be avoided in all dynasty and redraft leagues.

Saturday, January 24, 3:52 PM

Throughout his NFL career, Denver Broncos quarterback Jarett Stidham has played at a representative level from a clean pocket, while struggling mightily under pressure, with his completion rate dropping roughly 30% in such situations. Against a mostly healthy Patriots defense that has allowed 74 total yards to running backs through their first two playoff games, Denver may be forced into enough third-and-long looks to keep their offense out of rhythm. New England has employed an aggressive, blitz-heavy approach to great success against Justin Herbert and C.J. Stroud. With Denver's running game struggling as a whole since losing J.K. Dobbins in Week 10, Stidham may find himself battling against the chains for much of Sunday. He is RotoBaller's QB4 for Conference Championship Weekend.