Who Should I Start? Mac Jones or Kenny Pickett

Saturday, November 8, 5:08 AM

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (knee) is expected to draw his eighth start of the season in Week 10 against the Los Angeles Rams. Brock Purdy (toe) is listed as questionable after a week of limited practices, and would serve as Jones' backup if active. The last time Jones faced the Rams, he enjoyed his best game of the season, passing for 342 yards and two touchdowns with no turnovers, and did so with Ricky Pearsall (knee), Jauan Jennings (ankle, shoulder), and George Kittle out due to injury. It was an exceptional lapse for the Rams' defense, which has given up just nine passing touchdowns and has allowed only one other top-12 finish to an opposing quarterback this season. This time around, Jones will still be missing Pearsall but has Jennings and Kittle back in his arsenal. Jones projects as a mid-range QB2, making him viable in two-QB formats.

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.