Who Should I Start? Geno Smith or Michael Penix Jr.

Tuesday, November 18, 12:57 AM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith completed 27 of 42 passes for 238 yards with one touchdown and one interception while adding 14 yards on four carries on the ground in Monday night's 33-16 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The Raiders came out with a pass-heavy game plan with only eight designed running back carries all game, but Smith couldn't take advantage of a poor Dallas defense. His 42 pass attempts were the most since Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers. The 35-year-old has mostly struggled in his first season in Las Vegas, throwing more interceptions (12) than touchdowns (11) and exceeding 300 yards passing just once, which came all the way back in Week 1. It doesn't get any easier for Smith in Week 12 against a tough Cleveland Browns defense.

Wednesday, November 19, 11:40 AM

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) does indeed need surgery that involves "full reconstruction" of his torn ACL and faces "at least" nine months of recovery, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Penix Jr. suffered the injury during his team's Week 11 loss to the Carolina Panthers. The injury occurred in his left knee rather than his right, which is notable considering he tore his right ACL twice during his collegiate career. A nine-month recovery timeline from late November means Penix Jr.'s availability for the start of the 2026 season could be in question. For the remainder of 2025, Atlanta will likely turn to veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has struggled across three games (one start) worth of action so far this season. Cousins profiles as a low-end fantasy QB2 heading into a Week 12 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.