Who Should I Start? Kenny Pickett or Will Howard

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.

Wednesday, November 12, 11:18 AM

The Pittsburgh Steelers have activated quarterback Will Howard (hand) from Injured Reserve and waived running back Trey Sermon to make room for Howard on the 53-man roster. A sixth-round pick in the 2025 draft, Howard fractured his hand in training camp and was placed on Injured Reserve before the start of the regular season. In his senior season at Ohio State, Howard led the Buckeyes to a national championship and threw for 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions across 16 games. Howard appears likely to serve as the QB3 behind Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph in Pittsburgh, at least for the time being. The 24-year-old has some deep-league dynasty appeal due to the uncertain long-term future of the quarterback position in Pittsburgh, but Howard is unlikely to factor in redraft fantasy leagues this season.