The opening round of the fantasy playoffs is almost in the books, but not before a little Monday night drama gets in the way. Whether you need a miracle or just enough to survive and advance past Week 15, the injury status of Geno Smith likely has plenty to do with how your Monday night will go.
We'll continue to update this article with news on Smith until the official active/inactive report comes out on Monday around 6:45 p.m. ET, so check back for the latest.
MORE MNF INJURY UPDATES: Jalen Hurts
Is Geno Smith playing Monday night Week 15?
UPDATE: NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Monday morning that Smith is considered a "long shot" to play against the Eagles.
UPDATE 2: Smith is officially ACTIVE and playing, according to Ian Rapoport.
UPDATE 3: No official word on a starter yet 35 minutes from kickoff, but Smith isn't on the field yet and Lock is warming up with the first team.
UPDATE 4: ESPN's Adam Schefter reported 15 minutes before kickoff that Lock is expected to start.
Smith (groin) turned in two limited practice to start his week, likely leaving his status as "questionable" heading into Monday night's contest against the Eagles. The QB picked up the injury on the Thursday prior to Week 14's loss to the 49ers. He eventually was a DNP on Friday and later held out of the game on Sunday, forcing Drew Lock into action. Smith's return to practice suggests that things are trending in the right direction, barring a late setback.
The QB finds himself with a much more favorable matchup in the passing game if he plays, as the Eagles notoriously struggle to defend WRs. Considering the Seahawks' offense relies heavily on the likes of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, this is actually a good matchup for a Seattle team in desperate need of a win. The Seahawks find themselves with a 6-7 record, on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoff picture. Considering the spot that they're in, Smith feels like a guarantee to suit up. The QB hasn't used his mobility as much this season, typically hanging in the pocket to make plays. However, it remains to be seen how that could impact Seattle's offense without that threat.
The Eagles are a team that defends the run better than most, leaving the result to fall on the arm of whichever QB ends up starting. Smith is a fine fantasy starter, but don't feel obligated to wait around for him if you have other options available. Without him, it would be Lock once again, who would also project as a streaming candidate in Week 15 -- although with a lower floor and ceiling than Smith.
