Who Should I Start? Geno Smith or Marcus Mariota


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
18.5 13.4 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

Geno Smith News

Jelani Woods Receives Praise from Geno Smith

Thursday, August 6, 5:17 PM

New York Jets tight end Jelani Woods was singled out as a standout by starting quarterback Geno Smith during training camp. When asked which player has impressed him most, Smith's first answer was Woods. "I like the way [Woods] has been out there. He's making plays." The 2022 third-round pick had a solid rookie season with the Indianapolis Colts, hauling in 25 of 40 passes for 312 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games. Since then, he has played in just four games, dealing with hamstring injuries and a significant turf toe surgery that caused him to miss the entire 2024 season. With rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq (hernia) questionable for Week 1, Woods, along with Mason Taylor and Jeremy Ruckert, should each see a boost in production if Sadiq misses time in the regular season.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
1.0 1.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Marcus Mariota News

Is Marcus Mariota Worth Stashing as an Injury Replacement in Dynasty Leagues?

Friday, May 8, 12:28 PM

After appearing in just six games (zero starts) between 2023 and 2024, Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota was pressed into starting duty in 2025 thanks to myriad injury issues for Washington QB1 Jayden Daniels. The veteran Mariota performed adequately, throwing for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions across 11 games (eight starts). Mariota's fantasy appeal comes from his ability to use his legs, as he rushed for 297 yards and a score on 50 attempts. With Daniels healthy heading into 2026, Mariota should slide back into a backup role. Given Daniels' injury track record dating back to his days in college, dynasty managers may want to consider stashing Mariota in a bench spot. Still, rostering Mariota is a deep-league play at best, as he offers little upside beyond capable QB2 production as he enters his age-33 season.


Geno Smith vs. Marcus Mariota

Still trying to decide between Smith and Mariota? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Geno Smith is projected to score 18.5 points this week while Marcus Mariota is projected to score 1.0 points.