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Each week, the Noise highlights under-started names who he believes are destined to torch the competition. To qualify, each player must have started in fewer than 60 percent of Yahoo leagues. Speaking as an accountability advocate, I will post results, whether genius or moronic, the following week. Scoring thresholds (0.5 PPR) – QB: 18 fantasy points; RB: 12 fantasy points (10 for shockers); WR: 11 fantasy points; TE: 10 fantasy points.
Geno Smith, Seahawks
| Start pct. | 18% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | at Lions |
| BetMGM line | Lions -4.5 |
| BetMGM total | 48 |
| BetAlytics projection | 265.1 pass yds, 1.53 pass TDs |
It wasn’t long ago, Geno Smith was on a Charlie Whitehurst path. That’s right, the Clipboard Jesus.
Injuries and well-documented ineptitude sacked Smith’s potential in New York stints with the Jets and Giants. Traveling from right coast to left coast, he briefly served as Chargers backup in 2018 before opportunity knocked in Seattle.
After waiting in the wings for three seasons, Smith ascended into the Seahawks captain’s chair in 2022, earned a Pro Bowl appearance and won Comeback Player of the Year. His admirable 2023 follow-up only solidified his spot as Seattle’s starting quarterback.
Once the subject of relentless finger pointing, Smith is the one laughing last.
Thriving this season, he has completed 74.8% of his passes, accounted for four total touchdowns and is a big reason why the Seahawks have an unblemished 3-0 record. Again, his reinvention is nothing short of mind-blowing.
Smith’s advanced data profile reinforces his strong 2024 start. Through three games, he ranks No. 1 in adjusted completion percentage and top-10 in five other completion percentage categories. He’s also top-12 in total air yards and passing yards per attempt (7.6). His resulting 50.1 fantasy points per game in Yahoo leagues is QB9.
Surprised? You shouldn’t be. Yes, Smith has dominated meek opponents, but the per-snap efficiency can't be ignored.
This week, Geno and the ‘Hawks hope to take flight in a potential shootout in Detroit. The Lions are No. 21 in pass EPA defense, allowing 7.0 yards per attempt, 257.6 pass yards per game, four total touchdowns and the 13th-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Sneer and jeer at your fantasy opponent. Get onboard with Geno.
Fearless Forecast: 257 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 1 interception, 14 rushing yards, 21.3 fantasy points
Week 4 Bonus Flame
Justin Fields, Steelers
| Start pct. | 3% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | at Colts |
When you’re undefeated and rank favorably in a multitude of efficiency categories, your spot as the starter is cemented.
Keep that tender calf appropriately iced, Russell Wilson.
Fields, whom the Bears traded for a sixth-round pick in March, is shaping up to be a deal on par with America’s 70-cents-per-acre purchase of the Louisiana Territory in 1803. Thomas Jefferson would agree.
Sure, Fields has predictably made plays with his legs, but it’s his greatly improved accuracy that has turned heads. Whether on short outs or downfield go routes, he has consistently tossed strikes, ranking No. 2 in adjusted completion percentage (82.9).
Involved in a trio of backyard scrums, Fields is only No. 20 in total fantasy points, but that standing is likely to rise after what could be a stupendous performance in the Circle City. The Colts, who were lit up by Fields replacement Caleb Williams in Week 2, are No. 24 in dropback EPA D, surrendering 7.34 pass yards per attempt, 260.3 combined yards, five TDs and the 11th-most fantasy points to signal callers.
Coming off a sensational effort against a top-five Chargers defense, Fields throws gasoline on the fire.
Fearless Forecast: 229 passing yards, 1 passing TD, 0 interceptions, 42 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD, 25.6 fantasy points
Season record: 4-2