Who Should I Start? Philip Rivers or Geno Smith

Saturday, December 27, 12:47 PM

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers is set to make his third start of the 2025 season in Week 17 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Since being called out of retirement in early December, the 44-year-old has held his own. Across two games, Rivers has completed 66.1% of his pass attempts for 397 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. While Rivers offers zero production upside with his legs, he proved he could still be efficient as a passer by averaging 7.9 yards per attempt in Week 16 against the San Francisco 49ers. In Week 17, Rivers will face a Jaguars defense that ranks 18th in the NFL in total passing yards allowed (3,492) and 27th in passing touchdowns allowed (26). Jacksonville ranks 6th in the NFL in yards per carry allowed (4.1), so Indianapolis may be forced to turn to the air more often than they would like. With the potential for a pass-heavy game script, Rivers profiles as a low-end fantasy QB2 option in 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.