Who Should I Start? Mac Jones or Kenny Pickett

Wednesday, October 15, 3:18 AM

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones was handed his first loss of 2025 when the team stumbled against the Buccaneers in Week 6. Jones went 27-for-39 for 347 yards in the game, with two interceptions. It was his first start in 2025 without a touchdown, as well. Jones is now 3-1 while standing in for Brock Purdy (toe) and leads the league with 313 passing yards per game, all while missing tight end George Kittle (hamstring) and the availability of wide receivers Ricky Pearsall (knee) and Jauan Jennings (ankle, ribs) in flux. Purdy will be evaluated during the team's first practice on Wednesday as a first step in determining his availability for Week 7. If he cannot go, Jones would be under center again, this time against an Atlanta Falcons defense that has yet to allow more than 180 passing yards in a game.

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.