Who Should I Start? Geno Smith or Sam Darnold

Saturday, November 22, 12:51 PM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith had an underwhelming game in Week 11 against the Dallas Cowboys, completing 27 of 42 pass attempts for 238 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Across 10 games, the 35-year-old has completed 66.3% of his pass attempts for 2,082 yards, 12 touchdowns, and a league-high 13 interceptions. Smith has also been sacked on 9.1% of his drop-backs as he plays with a Raiders offensive line that has been hit hard by both injuries and underperformance. The job won't get any easier for Smith in Week 12, as he'll take on star edge rusher Myles Garrett and the Cleveland Browns. Through 11 weeks, the Browns have allowed the fewest passing yards (1,874) and recorded the fifth most sacks (32) in the NFL. Even in two-quarterback formats, Smith profiles as a player for fantasy managers to avoid in Week 12.

Tuesday, November 25, 11:21 AM

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold avoided mistakes and delivered another efficient performance in a Week 12 win over the Tennessee Titans, completing 16 of 26 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns. After turning it over seven times in the past two games, Darnold took advantage of a poor Titans defense and put up his best fantasy performance since eviscerating the Washington Commanders for 330 yards and four touchdowns in Week 9. The 28-year-old repeatedly looked for superstar wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba and delivered a few beautiful deep balls for explosive gains, including a 63-yard touchdown. Darnold likely shouldn't be viewed as an every-week starter for fantasy purposes due to the low pass volume and poor track record against top-flight defenses. But he gets a revenge spot in Week 13 against his former team, the Minnesota Vikings.