Who Should I Start? Aaron Rodgers or Marcus Mariota

Tuesday, September 16, 4:02 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was a fantasy letdown in Week 2 after throwing four touchdowns in the season opener. He completed just 18 of 33 passes for 203 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in the 31-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. However, the box score doesn't tell the whole story. In the first quarter, Rodgers delivered a perfect 50-yard strike while on the run that was dropped by tight end Pat Freiermuth. He was later picked off in the end zone on a pass that bounced off the hands of wide receiver Calvin Austin III. While his second interception was on an errant throw, it came late in the game with Pittsburgh down two scores and desperately trying to push the ball downfield. At 41, Rodgers' best days may be behind him, but he still appears to be a quality QB. Fantasy managers should view him as a bounce-back candidate against the New England Patriots in Week 3.

Monday, September 15, 3:41 PM

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.