Who Should I Start? Geno Smith or Tanner McKee

Monday, February 16, 6:12 PM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith had an ugly first season with the team, and it likely cost him his starting job. Smith signed a two-year, $75 million deal with the Raiders last offseason, reuniting with head coach Pete Caroll. The reunion didn't result in a successful season. Vegas went 3-14, Carroll was let go, and Smith posted a horrific 19:17 TD:INT ratio with a career-high 55 sacks. One of the few positive storylines of the Raiders' season was that they ended up with the No. 1 draft pick, giving them the right to select any eligible prospect they'd like. Presumably, that player will be Indiana quarterback and national champion Fernando Mendoza. In all likelihood, Mendoza will win the starting job right away. That could move Smith to a backup role, but more likely, the veteran quarterback will be released with one year left on his contract. Releasing him creates $8 million in cap space with $18.5 million in dead money, offering the Raiders a fresh start with Mendoza and first-year head coach Klint Kubiak. Smith should be avoided in all dynasty and redraft leagues.

Sunday, January 4, 8:17 AM

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee will start under center for Sunday's regular-season finale versus the Washington Commanders. The Eagles have opted to rest starter Jalen Hurts with the team already locked into the second or third seed in the postseason. The assumption is that the Eagles will rest most of their starters, given their little incentive to win. On paper, this is a plus-matchup for McKee against a struggling Commanders secondary, which ranks at the bottom of the league against the pass. With Philly likely pulling their starters, it's going to be tough for McKee to have much success. Outside Superflex or 2QB leagues, fantasy managers should look elsewhere for help as McKee is unlikely to light up the box score in Week 18.