Who Should I Start? Geno Smith or Lamar Jackson

Wednesday, December 31, 3:41 PM

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll said that quarterback Geno Smith (ankle) will not play on Sunday against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs in the Week 18 regular-season finale, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. "I hate closing the door on any opportunity, but it's going to be really hard for him," Carroll said. Smith suffered a serious ankle injury in the Week 17 loss to the New York Giants and won't suit up for a meaningless contest to close out the regular season. With the 35-year-old veteran wrapping up a brutal first year in the desert, backup Kenny Pickett is expected to start this weekend. Aidan O'Connell could also end up splitting time with Pickett against KC. Smith was one of the worst starting QBs in football in 2025, completing 67.4% of his 448 pass attempts for 3,205 yards, 19 touchdowns, and a league-leading 17 interceptions in 15 starts.

Saturday, February 14, 6:42 AM

After back-to-back first-team All-Pro seasons in 2023 and 2024, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson suffered through an injury-marred down year in 2025. Across 13 games played, the 29-year-old completed 63.6% of his pass attempts for 2,549 yards, 21 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Jackson also posted his least productive NFL season as a rusher, recording 349 yards and two scores on 67 rush attempts. In fairness, the two-time MVP dealt with both hamstring and back injuries, both of which may have impacted his performance even when he was able to take the field. Jackson will be working with an entirely new coaching staff in Baltimore in 2026. Former Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is the Ravens' new head coach, and former Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle will assume the same role with Baltimore. While the coaching changes could spark some new developments in the offensive infrastructure around Jackson, a potential return to full health is likely the most important offseason development for fantasy managers to monitor. Jackson remains an elite fantasy quarterback option, but his profile carries a bit more risk after his injury issues in 2025.