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Stephen A. Smith Predicts Super Bowl Champion QB Will Be Benched

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Sep 11, 2025 12:28 PM ET

Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season has passed, and many analysts are already revealing strong opinions toward several teams, whether good or bad. That includes Stephen A. Smith, who didn't hold back on one starting quarterback.

The New York Giants started the season 0-1, losing to the Washington Commanders 21-6. It was a poor debut for quarterback Russell Wilson, who signed a one-year, $10.5 million contract this offseason.

In fact, it was bad enough for Smith to predict that very soon, the Giants will bench Wilson and give the nod to rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.

“Your quarterback is a guy that has lost his last six starts, including the playoffs," Smith said. “And by the way, over that span, he’s averaging 12.6 points… I think they’re going to wait until Week 3, which is what I predicted before the start of the season, but Jaxson Dart has got to be up in there, because Russell Wilson, no disrespect, he's just not the answer."

"Jaxson Dart has got to be up in there, because Russell Wilson, no disrespect, he's just not the answer."@stephenasmith shares his thoughts on the Giants after their performance in Week 1 ✍️ pic.twitter.com/5v88k3yg0Q
— First Take (@FirstTake) September 11, 2025

By the end of the game, Wilson had completed just 17-of-37 passes for 168 yards, zero touchdowns, zero interceptions and a 59.3 passer rating. It's become clear the 10-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion isn't what he used to be.

Head coach Brian Daboll made it clear he's doing what it takes to prepare Dart, telling reporters, "Each day we’re trying to groom him, and when he has to play, he’ll be ready to play.”

Smith's prediction that New York may wait until Week 3 could be spot on as well, with Daboll already revealing they'll go with Wilson in their upcoming matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.

Considering he was a first-round pick, there's always been an expectation that Dart would one day step into that starting role.

However, it's become a recent trend among teams to give their rookie quarterbacks even a year before throwing them into the fire. Prime examples include Jordan Love and Patrick Mahomes.

If Smith's prediction becomes a reality, though, New York will be making a pivotal decision that affects the long-term trajectory of the franchise.

With both Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen on the hot seat, a move like this could make or break their tenures with the Giants.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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