Who Should I Start? Mac Jones or Kenny Pickett

Sunday, November 16, 8:11 AM

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones will head back to the bench ahead of the Week 11 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Jones has started in each of the last six games while Brock Purdy (toe) was sidelined. Now, Purdy is ready to play, so Jones will return to being the backup. However, Jones was impressive during his time as the starter. He threw for 2,151 yards with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions in eight games. It sounds like this solid play has made him a prime trade candidate for the 2026 season. Jones is still under control with the organization after signing a two-year, seven million deal with the organization this offseason. Purdy is viewed as the franchise quarterback in San Francisco, so moving Jones makes sense. Given his play this season, Jones should draw some interest in the trade market. This is something to monitor during the offseason.

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.