Who Should I Start? Jimmy Garoppolo or Marcus Mariota

Saturday, September 6, 9:56 PM

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay views quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo as a "starting-caliber" option. Matthew Stafford is in line to start on Sunday versus the Houston Texans. However, with the veteran signal-caller battling a lingering back injury, the Rams are confident Garoppolo can fill in admirably if necessary. From a fantasy standpoint, Stafford has had a better career. Still, with concerns about his health, Garoppolo may get a chance to start at some point moving ahead. The 33-year-old played for the Patriots, 49ers, and Raiders before arriving in Los Angeles in 2024 to suit up for the Rams. In 82 regular-season contests, he's thrown for 15,828 yards, 96 touchdowns, and 52 interceptions off 67.4% passing while also leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl in 2019. All things considered, Garoppolo doesn't have much fantasy value at the moment. If Stafford goes down this season due to the nagging back issue, Garoppolo could prove useful for those participating in deeper SuperFlex formats, especially with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams at his disposal.

Wednesday, November 5, 10:09 AM

With Jayden Daniels (elbow) expected to miss time following a gruesome Week 9 injury, Marcus Mariota is set to take over as the Washington Commanders' starting quarterback for the foreseeable future. In three starts this season, the veteran has completed 52 of 78 passes (66.7%) for 576 yards, throwing four touchdowns and three interceptions, while adding 102 rushing yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. Mariota draws a favorable Week 10 matchup against the Detroit Lions, who have allowed the 10th-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks this season. With his dual-threat ability and favorable matchup, Mariota profiles as a low-end QB2 for Week 10, and potentially beyond if Daniels remains sidelined.