Who Should I Start? Kirk Cousins or Marcus Mariota

Monday, November 17, 6:18 PM

When asked if the offense will look different with quarterback Kirk Cousins taking over as the starter, Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said, "It's fair to say it'll look different." Michael Penix Jr. (knee) aggravated a bone bruise and knee sprain and also suffered ligament damage to the ACL in his left knee in Sunday's overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 11, and the 25-year-old second-year signal-caller potentially will miss the rest of the year. He will at least miss the next four games after being put on Injured Reserve on Monday. We'd expect the Falcons to lean more on running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier now that Cousins is starting again. The 37-year-old completed only 61.5% of his passes for 250 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions in three games (one start) this year. The four-time Pro Bowl may get into more of a groove after he gets settled in, but fantasy managers probably shouldn't expect him to see much passing volume.

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.