Geno Smith

Week 7 vs Saints

Geno Smith had his first start in four years in Week 6 and...it was okay. He went 23/32 for 209 yards and a touchdown but it took a while for the Seahawks offense to get going in Pittsburgh. It's clear the offense is going to take a dive until Russell Wilson returns. Rumors were already swirling that the Seahawks were possibly eyeing Cam Newton. This is going to be a rough stretch for the Seahawks, though they do have the Jaguars in Week 8 before their Week 9 bye. As for Week 7 against the Saints, Smith just cracks our top 25 but you're likely only starting him if your team is ravaged by all the bye weeks.

Week 13 at Oakland Raiders

Geno Smith will make his first start for the Giants this week following the surprise benching of Eli Manning. The Giants offense has been terrible this season, but Smith has a little upside going up against the Raiders. Oakland gives up the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this year, and they have a good enough offense to keep the Giants throwing. That being said, Geno has never been a steady fantasy producer, even when healthy, so it’s hard to trust him. He should probably stay on waivers.

Fantasy Upside
The Jets want Geno Smith to succeed so they will give him an opportunity to win the starting job. They are hoping new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey can deliver some of his quarterback magic and help Smith find his way. Smith does have some physical abilities including mobility and a strong arm, so New York thinks those things can help him be successful. The Jets also went in the offseason and brought in better skill players to help their QB.

Fantasy Downside
Smith's numbers through his first two seasons have not been very good. He has thrown 25 TDs and 34 INTs while averaging only 189 yards per game. Smith is still having trouble with his reads, accuracy and suffers from a lack of confidence. There is plenty of downside for the former second round pick.

Bottom Line
There is a good chance Smith will be the starter come Week 1. But the leash will be short. With a veteran in Ryan Fitzpatrick breathing down his neck, Smith could feel the pressure, and we have seen adversely affect him in the past. There is no reason to draft him because of all the uncertainty.

UPDATE:
Geno Smith sustained a broken jaw when Ikemefuna Enemkpali punched the Jets QB. Smith will be out 6 to 10 weeks. Obviously, Smith was not an impact fantasy player before the incident, but now he will not even be discussed until it's closer to his return. Ryan Fitzpatrick will become the starter and if he has some success, we might not see Smith on the field as Jet again.