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.

Friday, October 24, 10:21 AM

With star quarterback Jayden Daniels (hamstring) out for Week 8, the Washington Commanders will turn to veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota to make his third start of the season against the Kansas City Chiefs. Mariota has been reasonably productive across three games' worth of action so far this season, completing 60.3% of his pass attempts for 426 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. The 32-year-old also remains a threat with his legs, as he's recorded 94 yards and a touchdown on 10 rush attempts. The Commanders have a tough matchup in Week 8, as they will travel to Kansas City to face the Chiefs. On the bright side, Washington could get back both of its top wide receivers in Terry McLaurin (quad) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel). Both wideouts practiced in full on Thursday after being sidelined in Week 7. In Week 8, Mariota profiles as a low-end starting fantasy quarterback in single-QB formats and a must-start player in two-quarterback formats.