Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Anthony Richardson

Thursday, June 13, 12:52 PM

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota has been splitting first-team reps with first-round rookie Jayden Daniels this offseason, according to head coach Dan Quinn. The former No. 2 overall pick in 2015 by the Tennessee Titans signed a one-year deal with Washington at the start of free agency, and he could be the short-term starter if the team wants Daniels to sit for the first few weeks of the 2024 campaign. Although Mariota has struggled to keep a starting job, he has underrated fantasy football upside thanks to his rushing skill set. In 13 games for the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, Mariota averaged a respectable 15.8 fantasy points per game behind 2,219 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns, nine interceptions, 438 rushing yards, and four rushing touchdowns. He's a must-stash option in Superflex leagues, and fantasy managers might get one or two QB1 weeks out of him if he's the starter to begin the Dan Quinn era in Washington.

Thursday, July 25, 1:12 PM

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said at training camp on Thursday that the team isn't going to limit second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson (shoulder) as a runner. "People ask this, too 'Hey, are you gonna limit the run game?' And I kind of think like, 'Shoot, are you gonna limit Steph Curry from shooting 3-pointers. Well, that's one of Anthony (Richardson's) strengths. We're not gonna get away from that," Steichen said. General manager Chris Ballard said earlier this week that the 22-year-old former first-rounder will be full-go in camp after needing season-ending right-shoulder surgery after just four games played in his rookie season in 2023. Because of his playing style and ability to extend plays with his legs, Richardson is more injury-prone than some other QBs, but he also has elite upside. Despite having never played a full season, Richardson is going to a popular midrange QB1 target in fantasy drafts this fall.