Geno Smith vs Jalen Hurts: Who Should You Start?
The numbers tell a clear story here. Jalen Hurts put up 19.1 fantasy points per game for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2025, while Geno Smith managed 12.7 across 15 games with the New York Jets. A 6.4-point weekly edge is substantial at the quarterback position.
A 6.4-PPG gap gives Jalen Hurts the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Jalen Hurts offers meaningful rushing upside with 421 yards on the ground in 2025, which separates his floor from a pocket passer like Geno Smith (3025 passing yards, 19 touchdowns). In games where the passing matchup looks ugly, that rushing production can be the entire difference on a start/sit call.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Geno Smith sits Week 12 while Jalen Hurts is off Week 5. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
