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.

Sunday, November 16, 1:39 PM

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota finished Sunday with 213 yards passing, 49 yards rushing, one touchdown pass, and an interception in an overtime loss against Miami. Filling in for starter Jayden Daniels (elbow), the veteran was solid if unspectacular by completing 20 of 30 passing attempts and breaking a 44-yard run that accounted for most of his rushing yardage. Mariota briefly departed the game to be checked for a concussion, but re-entered and finished the game. Unfortunately for Washington, his lone pick was a big one: Miami intercepted him on the first play of overtime and was able to kick a short field goal to clinch victory. From a fantasy perspective, Mariota should maintain Superflex value as long as Daniels is hurt.