Who Should I Start? Matthew Stafford or Geno Smith

Saturday, October 18, 9:36 AM

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has been terrific this season, ranking as the overall QB10 in fantasy football. While he has a long track record of success in the NFL and has proven that this season's results are no joke, managers should temper expectations with the veteran signal caller this week. First of all, he will be without Puka Nacua (ankle), who is the heart and soul of Los Angeles' receiving corps. That will leave Davante Adams as the de facto No. 1 receiver. While Adams is dominant, too, he hasn't flashed the strongest rapport with Stafford, which could be an issue now that he's in a bigger role. Furthermore, Stafford will be tasked with overcoming the challenges of international travel; he arrives in London on Saturday and will take on the Jaguars just one day later. Both of these factors reduce Stafford's fantasy value, but he still cracks the top 12. It helps that Jacksonville has allowed the fifth-most passing yards to quarterbacks this season, as well as the 11th-most fantasy points to the position. Stafford is a low-end QB1 for this week.

Friday, October 17, 1:26 PM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith continues to disappoint fantasy managers as his turnover issues and poor efficiency have tanked his value across all formats. Smith has thrown at least one interception in all but one game this season and now faces a Kansas City Chiefs defense ranked among the top 10 against the pass. The veteran has failed to reach even modest fantasy production in recent weeks, with the Raiders' offensive inconsistency and reliance on the run game further limiting his upside. With few signs of improvement and a brutal matchup on deck, Smith projects as one of the lowest-scoring quarterbacks in Week 7. Fantasy managers can safely move on from the veteran, as his production doesn't justify a roster spot in any redraft or dynasty league formats.