Who Should I Start? Geno Smith or Lamar Jackson

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.

Thursday, December 11, 2:00 PM

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) is back at the team's practice on Thursday, as expected, according to Brian Wacker of The Baltimore Sun. Jackson missed a few games early this year with a hamstring injury, and he's been listed on the injury report for several weeks with various lower-body injuries. The 28-year-old has played through an ankle issue of late and should do so again this weekend in another crucial divisional matchup against the hosting Cincinnati Bengals. The 28-year-old two-time MVP hasn't looked quite like himself in 2025, and he probably hasn't been 100% healthy. The good news is that Jackson had seven carries for 43 yards and his second rushing touchdown of the year in last week's loss to the Steelers. Although Jackson didn't throw a touchdown pass two weeks ago in the loss to Cincy, he did throw for 246 yards. Fantasy managers need to stick with him in Week 15 as a midrange QB1 in a good matchup.