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

Wednesday, February 25, 8:43 AM

New Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak said that the team is "trying to see every possible avenue we can go next year at quarterback" and that incumbent quarterback Geno Smith is "definitely one of those options." Smith battled through a miserable season in his first year with the Raiders in 2025. Across 15 starts, the 35-year-old completed 67.4% of his pass attempts for 3,025 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions. The Raiders went 2-13 in Smith's starts, and Las Vegas fired former head coach Pete Caroll at the conclusion of the year. Smith is just one year removed from throwing for over 4,300 yards with the Seattle Seahawks in 2024, and he made back-to-back Pro Bowl appearances in 2022 and 2023. He could have more in the tank in a more favorable offensive environment than the one he experienced in 2025. However, the Raiders are widely expected to select University of Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the number one overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. If that happens, Smith would likely profile as a temporary starter in Las Vegas at best, if he even remains on the team's roster.

Tuesday, February 24, 1:14 PM

The Atlanta Falcons continue to be non-commital on quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) being their starter under center in 2026, according to Josh Kendall of The Athletic. "I'm not big on giving out positions in February. I think you guys know how I feel about Michael, and I'm excited about his trajectory. I also know he's focused on his rehab, which is the right thing to do," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. Penix is recovering from a torn left ACL in 2025, so it's understandable for Atlanta's new front office and coaching staff to be non-committal on him going into next season. Penix expects to be ready for Week 1 of the regular season this fall, but the reality is we won't have a better idea of his availability until this summer. The former first-rounder wasn't all that impressive in 2025 before his injury, and he's now rehabbing from his third torn ACL. Penix is determined to heal up and return as the starter, but he'll have to prove it to the team's new brass first. Now might be a perfect time to buy low on Penix in dynasty/keeper leagues, although his injury history dating back to college is worrisome.