Who Should I Start? Geno Smith or Tyler Shough

Friday, December 12, 5:47 PM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (shoulder, back) was unable to practice all week and has officially been ruled out for the Week 15 contest this Sunday in Philadelphia against the Eagles, according to the team's website. Kenny Pickett will draw his first start with the Raiders against his old team in potentially snowy conditions, making him a desperation QB2 option for fantasy managers in superflex leagues. Smith injured his right throwing shoulder in last week's loss to the Denver Broncos, although it's not considered a serious injury, and he could make it back next week against the Houston Texans. However, if Pickett plays well this weekend, the Raiders could bench the struggling Smith for the final three games of the year. The 35-year-old Smith hasn't had much help from his offensive line, but he's been one of the worst starting QBs in the NFL this year, completing 67% of his passes for 2,648 yards, 16 touchdowns, and a league-high 14 interceptions while taking a league-high 49 sacks.

Wednesday, December 10, 11:01 PM

New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough has finished as a QB1 in three of his last four starts, peaking at QB6 in a Week 14 upset of the Buccaneers. While he threw for only 144 yards with zero touchdowns and an interception, his day was buoyed by 55 yards on the ground and two rushing touchdowns. He has now registered at least six carries in three straight games, topping 20 yards on the ground in two of three and showcasing a skillset that wasn't a huge part of his profile coming out of Louisville. Since taking over as the Saints starter in Week 9, he has demonstrated plus athleticism and a command of the offense, entering the conversation as a viable streamer. Unfortunately, his first two fantasy playoff matchups are against the Panthers and Jets, both of whom have been challenging for fantasy quarterbacks. He does draw a favorable matchup against the Titans in Week 17, but most managers who reach the fantasy championship will have likely done so without needing to stream the position.