Who Should I Start? Geno Smith or Jimmy Garoppolo

Friday, September 26, 1:46 PM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith enters Week 4 with a strong opportunity to post QB1 numbers against the struggling Chicago Bears defense. Chicago has allowed 247.7 passing yards per game while ranking 27th in total defense and 26th against the pass, creating an inviting matchup for fantasy managers. Smith is coming off a sharp performance in Week 3 where he threw for 289 yards and three touchdowns, showing clear chemistry with his receiving corps. With the Bears' secondary routinely giving up big plays, Smith carries both a safe floor and a sneaky-high ceiling this week. He should be started confidently as a low-end QB1 in all fantasy formats.

Saturday, September 6, 9:56 PM

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay views quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo as a "starting-caliber" option. Matthew Stafford is in line to start on Sunday versus the Houston Texans. However, with the veteran signal-caller battling a lingering back injury, the Rams are confident Garoppolo can fill in admirably if necessary. From a fantasy standpoint, Stafford has had a better career. Still, with concerns about his health, Garoppolo may get a chance to start at some point moving ahead. The 33-year-old played for the Patriots, 49ers, and Raiders before arriving in Los Angeles in 2024 to suit up for the Rams. In 82 regular-season contests, he's thrown for 15,828 yards, 96 touchdowns, and 52 interceptions off 67.4% passing while also leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl in 2019. All things considered, Garoppolo doesn't have much fantasy value at the moment. If Stafford goes down this season due to the nagging back issue, Garoppolo could prove useful for those participating in deeper SuperFlex formats, especially with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams at his disposal.