Who Should I Start? Matthew Stafford or Geno Smith

Sunday, December 28, 10:27 PM

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford continues to be a must-start fantasy option heading into Monday Night Football against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 17. Stafford tallied multiple touchdowns in each of his last nine games, and he only threw three interceptions during that span. The 37-year-old veteran is firmly in the hunt for the 2025 NFL MVP award, remaining in a neck-and-neck battle with Drake Maye as the regular season winds down. Despite lacking rushing upside, Stafford has ranked as the overall QB3 in fantasy football this season. The Falcons rank near the middle of the league in terms of fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks, but Stafford has shown that he is matchup-proof. He'll remain a high-scoring threat this week, even without Davante Adams (hamstring) at his disposal. Adams sat out Week 16, and Stafford still managed to rack up 457 yards and three touchdowns, albeit with a little help from overtime. He should be started in all leagues during Week 17.

Sunday, December 28, 8:34 PM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (ankle) was diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain following Sunday's Week 17 loss against the New York Giants, according to head coach Pete Carroll. Smith suffered the injury during the fourth quarter while attempting to make a play on a Giants interception return. The veteran quarterback has found himself involved in several of those plays this year, as he leads the entire NFL with 17 interceptions. High-ankle sprains are typically multiple-week injuries, and even if Smith had a chance to play next week, it's tough to imagine the eliminated Raiders would rush him back. Kenny Pickett should start at quarterback in Vegas' regular-season finale against the Kansas City Chiefs. If the Raiders lose, they would clinch the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.