Who Should I Start? Kenny Pickett or Tyler Shough

Saturday, December 13, 12:21 AM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kenny Pickett will earn a spot start against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15 with teammate Geno Smith (shoulder, back) sidelined. While Pickett should offer a nice change from Smith, who has 16 touchdowns, 15 turnovers, and 49 sacks this year, he likely won't be a reliable fantasy starter. Pickett went 8-for-11 with 97 yards and a touchdown in relief of Smith last week, and he hasn't finished any of his four seasons higher than the QB28 in fantasy football. He could struggle against an Eagles defense allowing the fourth-fewest passing touchdowns and 14th-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2025. Pickett ranks as the overall QB31 in this week's RotoBaller fantasy rankings, which means that he can be benched in all leagues.

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.