Who Should I Start? Mac Jones or Kenny Pickett

Monday, September 15, 12:40 AM

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones completed 26 of his 39 pass attempts for 279 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions during Sunday's Week 2 win over the New Orleans Saints. He also rushed for six yards and took three sacks. Jones made the start on Sunday with Brock Purdy (shoulder) sidelined, and he looked very comfortable and productive. The former first-round pick will remain the team's starter for the duration of Purdy's absence, which will likely last several weeks. While Jones isn't a long-term solution for fantasy managers, he presents an intriguing option on the waiver wire ahead of Week 3. Next Sunday, the 49ers are set to take on the Arizona Cardinals, who just allowed 328 yards and three touchdowns to Bryce Young. With NFL starting experience and a variety of weapons at his disposal, Jones should put together another solid game against the subpar Cardinals defense. He should rank just outside the top 12 fantasy quarterbacks heading into next week, making him a worthwhile fill-in for managers dealing with injuries or underwhelming quarterback play.

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.