Should I Start Marcus Mariota?

Saturday, September 26, 8:48 AM

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota is in line to make his first start of the 2026 season in Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks after Jayden Daniels (elbow) suffered a second elbow dislocation in Washington's Week 2 loss to the Cowboys. Mariota was efficient in the second half after Daniels left, completing 11 of 16 passes for 111 yards and a touchdown. In 11 games (8 starts) last season, Mariota averaged 154.1 passing yards per game with 10 touchdowns to 7 interceptions while adding 27 rushing yards per game and one score on the ground last season. The former No. 2 overall pick averaged just 12.3 fantasy points per game last season and faces a daunting matchup in Washington's home opener against the reigning Super Bowl champs and Mike Macdonald's defense. Mariota profiles as a low-end QB2 in Week 3, ranking as RotoBaller's QB24.