Who Should I Start? Geno Smith or Jayden Daniels

Friday, December 12, 5:47 PM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (shoulder, back) was unable to practice all week and has officially been ruled out for the Week 15 contest this Sunday in Philadelphia against the Eagles, according to the team's website. Kenny Pickett will draw his first start with the Raiders against his old team in potentially snowy conditions, making him a desperation QB2 option for fantasy managers in superflex leagues. Smith injured his right throwing shoulder in last week's loss to the Denver Broncos, although it's not considered a serious injury, and he could make it back next week against the Houston Texans. However, if Pickett plays well this weekend, the Raiders could bench the struggling Smith for the final three games of the year. The 35-year-old Smith hasn't had much help from his offensive line, but he's been one of the worst starting QBs in the NFL this year, completing 67% of his passes for 2,648 yards, 16 touchdowns, and a league-high 14 interceptions while taking a league-high 49 sacks.

Friday, December 12, 2:18 PM

Correcting a previous report, Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said on Friday that quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) has not been cleared for contact yet, per The Athletic's Nicki Jhabvala. Daniels suffered a dislocated left (non-throwing) elbow in Week 9 and didn't return until last week's blowout loss to the Minnesota Vikings, when Daniels aggravated his elbow injury. The Commanders already ruled Daniels out for the Week 15 game this Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants, but they are saying that the door is still open for him to play in the final three weeks of the season if he gains clearance from doctors. In what has been an injury-plagued season for the 24-year-old QB -- the former second overall pick has played in only seven games due to elbow, hamstring, and knee injuries -- it makes sense for the Commanders to just shut him down. For at least another week, veteran Marcus Mariota will make the start under center for the team.