Who Should I Start? Philip Rivers or Geno Smith

Wednesday, December 31, 8:00 PM

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers retired for the second time on the Up & Adams Show on Wednesday. The 44-year-old veteran signal-caller came out of retirement to play for the Colts again this year after Daniel Jones suffered a torn Achilles in Week 14. The eight-time Pro Bowler was immediately thrust into the starting role for Indy after having last played a game in the NFL in 2020. Rivers ended up starting three games for the Colts in his return, going 58-for-92 (63%) for 544 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions in losses to the Seahawks, 49ers, and Jaguars. He held his own, but there understandably wasn't much left on his passes after five years away from the game. With the Colts eliminated from the playoffs, they'll give rookie Riley Leonard a chance in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Houston Texans, and Rivers will return to his big family.

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.