Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota will make his third start of the season on Monday night against the Kansas City Chiefs, but fantasy managers shouldn't expect much production in a difficult matchup. Mariota has been serviceable in his limited action, completing 64.6% of his passes with a 3:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio, while adding some mobility outside the pocket. However, he now faces a Chiefs defense that ranks among the league's best, allowing the fifth-fewest yards per game and just 17.7 points per contest, good for third in the NFL. To make matters worse, Mariota could once again be operating without two of his top pass-catchers as Deebo Samuel (heel) and Terry McLaurin (quad) both remain questionable. With limited weapons and a brutal defensive matchup, Mariota lacks fantasy upside and should remain on the waiver wire in all formats outside of deep superflex leagues.
Oct 22, 2025 2:32 PM EST
Washington Commanders veteran backup quarterback Marcus Mariota may be forced to make his third start of the season if Jayden Daniels (hamstring) is unable to play on Monday Night Football in Week 8 against the Kansas City Chiefs. It makes the 31-year-old signal-caller worth a look on the waiver wire in two-QB superflex leagues heading into Week 8 action. Daniels tweaked his hamstring in the Week 7 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, and although his injury isn't considered a long-term one, his status is up in the air to play this week. Mariota replaced the injured Daniels on Sunday in the third quarter and finished 4-for-10 for 63 yards and an interception while also carrying the ball twice for 34 yards. In his two starts earlier this year when Daniels was out with a knee sprain, Mariota went 31-for-48 passing for 363 yards, three TDs, and one pick while rushing for 60 yards and another score. Mariota is still mobile at his age, but it will be a bad matchup on the road against a strong KC defense if he's forced to make his third start of 2025.
Oct 21, 2025 12:15 PM EST
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota got going late in the 34-27 loss to his former team, the Atlanta Falcons, in Week 4, in what could be his final start with Jayden Daniels targeting a return from his knee sprain in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Mariota finished Sunday's loss by going 16-for-27 passing for 156 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He added two carries for 20 yards and was sacked twice for a loss of nine yards. The 31-year-old veteran's touchdown passes went to receivers Luke McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel Sr. In two games in place of the injured Daniels, Mariota has been decent, completing 64.6% of his 48 pass attempts for 363 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. It's not a lock that Daniels will play in Week 5, but if Mariota makes a third straight start, he'll be a low-end QB2 play against a tough Chargers defense on the road.
Sep 29, 2025 12:07 PM EST
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota will start again in place of Jayden Daniels in Week 4 against the Falcons after making his first start of the season last week against the Raiders. Mariota led his team to a 41-24 win against one of his former teams and now will look to do the same on the road against another one of his former teams. He was super crisp in his first action since Week 18 of last season, completing 15 of 21 passes for 207 yards and a touchdown while running for 40 yards on six carries. It will be a tougher challenge this time as he will be missing star wide receiver Terry McLaurin (quad) and faces an Atlanta defense that has allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks this season at 12.3. Washington will likely follow a similar game plan to last week against Las Vegas, where they went very run-heavy, especially with multiple receivers out. He's not a recommended start in matchups this week.
Sep 26, 2025 8:59 PM EST
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota completed 15 of his 21 pass attempts for 207 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions. He also carried the ball six times for an additional 40 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. All in all, it was a very solid outing from the veteran quarterback, starting in place of the injured Jayden Daniels (knee). He showcased a rapport with several Washington receivers while demonstrating an impressive ability to move the ball with his legs. It's unclear if Daniels will miss additional time, but if he does, Mariota should rank as a high-end QB2 against an Atlanta Falcons defense that just surrendered 30 points to the Carolina Panthers.
Sep 21, 2025 7:31 PM EST
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota has been named the starter for the Week 3 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Jayden Daniels (knee) was able to practice on Friday, but the Commanders will take the cautious approach and hold him out of this game. Last season, Mariota tossed four touchdowns without any interceptions while throwing for 364 yards in four appearances with Washington. He's not a great long-term option, but is serviceable for a game or two. Mariota could offer QB2 value given his success with the team last season.
Sep 19, 2025 6:30 PM EST
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that "all signs" point to Washington Commanders veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota getting the start for Week 3's meeting with the visiting Las Vegas Raiders. There was some hope that star QB Jayden Daniels (knee) would be healthy enough to suit up on Sunday, but the Commanders will exhibit a bit of caution with their young signal-caller, and rightfully so. It's been nearly three seasons since the 31-year-old drew a start, and the Commanders' offense takes a step or two back with him at the helm. Las Vegas' defense has been stellar against opposing rushing attacks thus far, yielding the fourth-fewest yards per game on the ground (70.5), so the veteran may be forced to air it out in his return.
Sep 19, 2025 11:49 AM EST
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota is scheduled to meet with the media on Wednesday in place of Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (knee), per ESPN's John Keim. Keim notes that this does not mean that Daniels, who suffered a knee sprain in Week 2, will not be able to suit up in Week 3. Still, it could be an early indication that Washington is preparing for Mariota to make the start this Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders. The 31-year-old Mariota played very well in limited action across three games for Washington in 2024. He completed 34 of 44 pass attempts for 364 yards and four touchdowns, adding 92 yards and a score as a rusher as well. If Mariota gets the start against Las Vegas, he could be a quality streamer/injury replacement option at the quarterback position, particularly in two-quarterback fantasy leagues.
Sep 17, 2025 11:50 AM EST
If Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (knee) cannot play in Week 3, backup Marcus Mariota could be forced into action against his old team, the Las Vegas Raiders. After undergoing an MRI exam following last Thursday night's loss to the Green Bay Packers, Daniels was diagnosed with a sprained knee, which puts his availability for Week 3 this Sunday in question. Daniels' injury isn't considered a long-term one, but his status is in doubt for this weekend. The Commanders surely will play it safe with the 24-year-old Daniels. Mariota, 31, hasn't started in the NFL since he made 13 starts with the Atlanta Falcons in 2023. Since then, he's appeared in six games with the Philadelphia Eagles and Commanders, throwing for 528 yards, five touchdowns, and a pick on 67 pass attempts. Mariota wasn't bad in spot duty in 2024 with Washington, although he'd be a low-upside, low-end QB2 in superflex leagues in Week 3 if he makes the start against the Raiders.
Sep 15, 2025 3:41 PM EST
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (Achilles) is currently battling Achilles tendinitis, but the veteran expects to be ready to go for Week 1. Mariota is entering his second season as the backup to Jayden Daniels in Washington. The 31-year-old is one of the most experienced backup quarterbacks in the NFL with 74 career starts under his belt, although just 13 of those have come in the past five seasons. If Daniels were to get injured, Mariota's rushing ability (2,156 career rushing yards) would give him some fantasy appeal.
Aug 21, 2025 10:15 PM EST
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (lower leg) will not play in Monday's preseason matchup with Cincinnati, as head coach Dan Quinn is resting several veterans. Mariota, entering his 11th NFL season, is locked in as the backup behind Jayden Daniels. While the veteran brings mobility and experience, he has no standalone fantasy value. Should Daniels miss time, however, Mariota would be a priority free-agent pickup thanks to his rushing upside. For now, fantasy managers can safely leave him off draft boards.
Aug 16, 2025 2:39 PM EST
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (leg) won't travel with the team for their preseason opener against the New England Patriots. Head coach Dan Quinn said on Wednesday that Mariota is dealing with a mild lower leg strain. Luckily, it sounds like a minor injury as Quinn said his level of concern was low. The Commanders will take the cautious approach and rest their backup quarterback. Mariota served as the backup to Jayden Daniels last season. He completed 34-of-44 passing attempts for 364 passing yards and four touchdowns in three games with Washington last year. There won't be any fantasy value here with Mariota while Daniels is healthy. Sam Hartman figures to see the bulk of the snaps in the preseason opener.
Aug 6, 2025 9:20 PM EST
Veteran free-agent quarterback Marcus Mariota is signing a one-year deal to return to the Washington Commanders, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The former No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans spent last season with Washington and primarily backed up Jayden Daniels. Mariota threw for 364 yards and four touchdowns in three games a season ago. While Mariota clearly has no path to the starting job, he will be on the fantasy football radar in deep Superflex or two-QB leagues as a deep bench stash. Should Daniels have to miss any time next season, Mariota would have at least low-end QB2 upside playing with wideouts Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel Sr. along with tight end Zach Ertz in Kliff Kingsbury's offense.
Mar 12, 2025 2:18 PM EST
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Washington Commanders impending free-agent quarterback Marcus Mariota is very much on the Miami Dolphins' and Las Vegas Raiders' radar this offseason as they seek to add a proven, established No. 2 QB. The Dolphins are seeking insurance for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, whose history of head injuries are well-documented. In Vegas, the Raiders could look to reunite Mariota with new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who coached Mariota for two years at Oregon. The 31-year-old played well in limited action in 2024 with Washington, going 34-for-44 for 364 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. He's started 74 games in the NFL and has a 90.1 career passer rating, 97 TDs and 55 interceptions after the Titans made him the second overall pick in 2015. If Miami can't sign Mariota, they could pivot to 37-year-old Andy Dalton.
Feb 3, 2025 6:50 PM EST
Washington Commanders Marcus Mariota led the Commanders to a thrilling victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 18. Mariota replaced Jayden Daniels at the start of the second half. With the Commanders already locked into a playoff spot, they opted to protect their rookie QB. However, this victory pushed them up to the No.6 seed in the NFC. Over the final two quarters, Mariota went 15-for-18 with 161 yards and two touchdowns. He added 56 yards and a score on five carries. He found Zach Ertz on a five-yard strike late in the third quarter. Then in the fourth, Mariota punched in a score at the goal line and would then find his top wideout Terry McLaurin on a game-winning five-yard touchdown pass in the final seconds. Mariota also saw time in Week 7 against the Panthers when Daniels left early with a rib injury. He was sharp in that game as well going 18-for-23 with 205 yards and two scores.
Jan 5, 2025 4:15 PM EST
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota could be a viable high-end QB2 in Superflex formats if he is given the starting nod in Week 8. Mariota replaced the injured Jayden Daniels (ribs) early in last week's game and performed quite well as he went 18-for-23 with 205 yards and two scores. He added 34 yards on the ground off 11 carries. This weekend, he will have a much tougher task facing the Chicago Bears, who have allowed the second-fewest points to opposing QBs. However, given how impressive he looked in relief and with his rushing potential, the former first-round pick could be a viable QB2 in Superflex formats, as he may need to push the ball downfield to keep up with a Chicago offense that has continued to improve every week.
Oct 25, 2024 9:57 PM EST
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota went 18-for-23 with 205 yards and two passing scores in relief of Jayden Daniels (ribs), who left the game in the first quarter. Mariota added 34 yards on 11 rushing attempts. The veteran QB did not face much trouble in relief as the Commanders were overpowering Carolina the entire evening. The former Oregon product found both tight ends, Zach Ertz and Ben Sinnott, in the end zone. He connected with Terry McLaurin all evening as he finished with a team-high 98 yards on six catches. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Daniels' status during the week, as Mariota could be in line to start next weekend against the Chicago Bears.
Oct 20, 2024 7:22 PM EST
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (rib) exited during the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers and is officially questionable to return. Marcus Mariota has entered in his place. Daniels has been the Rookie of the Year frontrunner and an MVP candidate so far, leading the Commanders to a remarkable 4-2 start. At the time of his departure on Sunday, he had completed each of his two pass attempts for six yards through the air while also adding 50 rushing yards. Mariota is still a capable NFL quarterback, but he represents a clear downgrade from this year's No. 2 overall pick. Look for Washington to place a little more emphasis on the rushing attack until Daniels can return to the lineup.
Oct 20, 2024 4:40 PM EST
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (chest) was removed from the injured reserve list on Saturday. The veteran signed a one-year deal with Washington during the offseason. However, he hasn't stepped on the field for the Commanders. For now, Mariota is questionable for the Week 5 meeting with the Browns. Still, Jayden Daniels is the team's starting signal-caller, so anyone behind him will only have fantasy value for insurance purposes.
Oct 5, 2024 5:03 PM EST
The Washington Commanders have placed quarterback Marcus Mariota (chest) on injured reserve and have signed quarterback Sam Hartman from their practice squad. Mariota, who sustained a chest injury during Wednesday's practice, will be sidelined until at least early October. Washington had signed Mariota to a one-year, $6 million contract before drafting Jayden Daniels with their second-round pick. Mariota, a former No. 2 overall pick in 2015, had agreed to either mentor or start as needed for the team. This marks Mariota's first season with the Commanders after previous stints with the Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, and Philadelphia Eagles. The rookie from Notre Dame will step in as the third-string quarterback behind Daniels, the starter, and Jeff Driskel, the new backup, for the start of the season.
Sep 7, 2024 3:32 PM EST
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