Who Should I Start? Jarrett Stidham or Kenny Pickett

Tuesday, January 20, 6:10 PM

Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham has not started an NFL game since the 2023 regular season. However, the 29-year-old is in line to start for Denver in the AFC Championship Game after Broncos QB1 Bo Nix (ankle) suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the Divisional Round. Across 20 career NFL games (four starts), Stidham has completed 59.4% of his pass attempts for 1,422 yards, eight touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He's been with the Broncos since 2023, but he has made just two starts for Denver. In addition to the pressure of the moment, Stidham will face a difficult matchup against the New England Patriots. New England allowed the ninth-fewest passing yards (3,512) among NFL defenses in the regular season and forced five turnovers in their Divisional Round win over the Houston Texans. Stidham's newfound playing time opportunity should have him on fantasy radars, but he may struggle in the AFC Championship Game against the Patriots.

Friday, January 2, 7:24 PM

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll refused to name a starting quarterback for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs, according to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN. "You'll see on Sunday," Carroll said. The head coach added that there is "a rotation in mind" between Kenny Pickett and Aidan O'Connell. Geno Smith (ankle) has already been ruled out. Pickett is expected to make the start against the Chiefs, but he may not play the entire game before giving way to O'Connell, who has yet to play a snap this year. In Pickett's lone start against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15, Pickett went 15-for-25 passing for only 64 yards with no touchdowns and an interception. Fantasy managers should definitely be staying away from the Raiders' QB situation in Week 18 in a meaningless game.