Geno Smith a low-end Fantasy option in Week 1
The thought of starting most quarterbacks at home against the Oakland defense has been typcially intriguing.
But perhaps not Jets second-year quarterback Geno Smith. And perhaps not against the 2014 Raiders.
Smith did enjoy a quietly strong preseason. He completed 23 of 33 passes for 268 yards with one touchodwn and one pick. His 91.5 quarterback rating was encouraging. But several factors weigh against sticking him in lineups, even in deeper leagues.
One is that the Raiders have bolstered their defense with the acquisitions of pass-rushing ends Justin Tuck, LaMarr Woodley and Antonio Smith, who combined for 21 sacks last season, as well as promising outside linebacker and top draft pick Khalil Mack. These are not the same Raiders that allowed opposing quarterbacks to compile a league-high 102.4 quarterback rating in 2013.
Smith, who finished last season with 3,046 yards passing, but 12 touchdowns and 21 interceptions, might also be short on weapons. It's too early to determine if new wideout Eric Decker was merely the beneficiary of having Peyton Manning at quarterback or if he can thrive playing pitch-and-catch with Smith. Jeremy Kerley is starting on the other side and the Jets have no featured back. Rex Ryan has declared that he will switch off between Chris Johnson, Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell.
Perhaps Smith will emerge as a viable Fantasy starter this season. But he's too big a risk at this point to trust.
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