Who Should I Start? Jimmy Garoppolo or Kenny Pickett

Thursday, August 14, 12:30 PM

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said early in training camp that backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo would not play in the preseason this year, so it might be Stetson Bennett once again taking the majority of the snaps under center for the second week of the preseason on Saturday against the Los Angeles Chargers. Matthew Stafford (back) has still yet to practice during training camp, and Dresser Winn is the only other QB on th roster. The Rams are optimistic that Stafford will be ready for Week 1 of the regular season, but it makes sense for them to keep Jimmy G on ice during the preseason as an insurance policy in case Stafford isn't ready. The 31-year-old has reportedly looked strong running the first-team offense in Stafford's absence this summer, and he'd become a low-end QB2 option in superflex fantasy leagues if Stafford misses time to begin the 2025 season.

Thursday, September 4, 9:39 AM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kenny Pickett (hamstring) logged a full practice on Wednesday and is cleared to suit up in Week 1 when the Raiders face the New England Patriots. Pickett began the offseason with the Cleveland Browns but was traded to the Raiders in exchange for a fifth-round pick. The former first-round pick has been dealing with a hamstring injury, but appears to have moved past it. Fantasy managers should expect Pickett to operate as the backup option to Geno Smith. Currently, Aidan O'Connell (wrist) is on the injured reserve, which means Pickett will likely be given all of those opportunities under center if Smith were to miss time. Last season, Pickett spent time as Jalen Hurts' backup in Philadelphia but was deployed as a starter across his first two seasons in Pittsburgh. He is only worth a look in deeper superflex leagues if he were to take over the starting job.