Who Should I Start? Kenny Pickett or Shedeur Sanders

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.

Saturday, December 6, 12:30 PM

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders will make his third NFL start in Week 14 against the Tennessee Titans. The 23-year-old has struggled across three games (two starts) worth of action so far this season, completing 50.8% of his pass attempts for 405 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. On paper, Sanders has a favorable matchup in Week 14 against Tennessee. Entering the week, the Titans rank 31st among NFL defenses in yards per pass attempt allowed (7.9). Still, Sanders is currently averaging just 6.6 yards per pass attempt and has yet to throw more than 25 passes in a game this season. Cleveland could look to lean on its defense and run game to get the win against Tennessee. At best, Sanders profiles as a low-end fantasy QB2 in Week 14 against the Titans.