Who Should I Start? Philip Rivers or Geno Smith

Sunday, January 4, 11:38 AM

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers is officially a healthy scratch for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Houston Texans. Rookie Riley Leonard will make the start to close out the year, with Seth Henigan set to work as the backup. The Colts brought the 44-year-old Rivers out of retirement after Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending torn Achilles. Rivers was unable to save Indy's season, losing all three of his starts against the Seahawks, 49ers, and Jaguars. He completed 63% of his 92 pass attempts for 544 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions in his three games played. Rivers predictably struggled with his arm strength, but he wasn't terrible. The eight-time Pro Bowler already announced that he'll be retiring for a second time following this weekend's game.

Wednesday, December 31, 3:41 PM

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll said that quarterback Geno Smith (ankle) will not play on Sunday against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs in the Week 18 regular-season finale, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. "I hate closing the door on any opportunity, but it's going to be really hard for him," Carroll said. Smith suffered a serious ankle injury in the Week 17 loss to the New York Giants and won't suit up for a meaningless contest to close out the regular season. With the 35-year-old veteran wrapping up a brutal first year in the desert, backup Kenny Pickett is expected to start this weekend. Aidan O'Connell could also end up splitting time with Pickett against KC. Smith was one of the worst starting QBs in football in 2025, completing 67.4% of his 448 pass attempts for 3,205 yards, 19 touchdowns, and a league-leading 17 interceptions in 15 starts.