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.

Tuesday, October 28, 9:11 AM

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota threw a pair of tough interceptions, and the team only managed seven points in their Monday night loss to the Chiefs. The fill-in starter completed 21-of-30 passes for 213 yards and one touchdown, and he also led the team in rushing with 28 yards on eight carries. Mariota and the offense looked decent in the first half, and the game was tied at halftime, but they struggled in the second half against a strong Chiefs' defense. Mariota could be in line to start again this week at home against the Seahawks, but the Commanders will hope that Jayden Daniels (hamstring) is able to return. Mariota would be tough to trust for fantasy against the solid Seahawks defense next week, and Daniels' return would boost the rest of the Commanders' playmakers as well.