Who Should I Start? Andy Dalton or Marcus Mariota

Sunday, November 2, 11:49 AM

Carolina Panthers veteran quarterback Andy Dalton (thumb) is active for the Week 9 contest against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday and will serve as the backup to Bryce Young, who is returning from a one-game absence due to an ankle sprain, according to Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer. The 38-year-old Dalton made his first start of the year in place of the injured Young last weekend and fell flat in the blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills, going 16-for-24 passing for 175 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception. The Red Rifle sustained a broken right thumb in the process, which limited him in practice this week. Dalton is apparently good to go as the backup this weekend, though, so third-stringer Mike White will be a healthy scratch.

Friday, November 21, 11:00 AM

With Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) missing time due to both knee and elbow injuries, backup QB Marcus Mariota has gotten extended playing time in 2025. Across seven games (five starts) this season, the 32-year-old has completed 65.7% of his pass attempts for 1,065 yards, seven touchdowns, and five interceptions. Mariota also brings some juice with his legs, rushing for 193 yards and a touchdown on 27 attempts. However, Daniels was able to avoid surgery on his dislocated left elbow, which could allow him to return to the field shortly after the Commanders' Week 12 bye. At the same time, Washington is out of the playoff mix with a 3-8 record, so the team could choose to shut Daniels down and play for 2026. Still, the Commanders will face one of the NFL's best defenses in the Denver Broncos in Week 13. Mariota does not profile as a starting fantasy QB option in Week 13, which may be his last chance to start before Daniels returns.