Who Should I Start? Matthew Stafford or Geno Smith

Friday, December 20, 9:24 PM

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is coming off a rough showing, throwing for only 160 yards and completing 59.3% of his attempts in the Thursday night win over the 49ers. He also failed to throw a touchdown after hurling two in each of his previous three games heading into Week 15. The Rams are clinging to the top spot in the NFC West, although the team will need a win over the New York Jets to enhance their chances of making the postseason. Unfortunately, Stafford will have his work cut out for him, with the Jets allowing only 13 passing touchdowns this season. Granted, the signal-caller still has some value, at least in multi-quarterback fantasy formats. However, fantasy managers shouldn't expect a big day out of Stafford in Week 16.

Friday, December 20, 3:43 PM

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (knee) practiced in full all week and has been removed from the final Week 16 injury report. Smith will start on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings despite being pulled from the Sunday night loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 15 and never returning. Not only is it great news for fantasy managers looking to use Smith in two-QB leagues this week, but it's also excellent news for anyone with receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba and DK Metcalf in their lineups. The 34-year-old Smith's mobility will most likely affected -- not that he was much of a threat to run to begin with. The two-time Pro Bowler comes into Week 16 action averaging 19.4 fantasy points per game, which is tied with Joe Flacco for 16th among all QBs in 2024. Against an aggressive Vikings defense, Smith checks in as a volatile QB2 for fantasy managers in the semifinals in most leagues.