Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Anthony Richardson Sr.

Friday, November 21, 11:00 AM

With Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) missing time due to both knee and elbow injuries, backup QB Marcus Mariota has gotten extended playing time in 2025. Across seven games (five starts) this season, the 32-year-old has completed 65.7% of his pass attempts for 1,065 yards, seven touchdowns, and five interceptions. Mariota also brings some juice with his legs, rushing for 193 yards and a touchdown on 27 attempts. However, Daniels was able to avoid surgery on his dislocated left elbow, which could allow him to return to the field shortly after the Commanders' Week 12 bye. At the same time, Washington is out of the playoff mix with a 3-8 record, so the team could choose to shut Daniels down and play for 2026. Still, the Commanders will face one of the NFL's best defenses in the Denver Broncos in Week 13. Mariota does not profile as a starting fantasy QB option in Week 13, which may be his last chance to start before Daniels returns.

Monday, November 17, 3:14 PM

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said on Monday that if/when quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (eye) is cleared to return from Injured Reserve, he will return to the backup role behind Daniel Jones, according to Mike Chappell of FOX 59. Richardson is currently on IR with a fractured orbital bone, but he's eligible to have his 21-day practice window opened this week. The 23-year-old former first-rounder had surgery to fix his fractured orbital bone on Oct. 26 after he suffered the injury before the team's game on Oct. 12 against the Arizona Cardinals when a resistance band snapped and hit him in the face. Since A-Rich has been on the shelf, rookie Riley Leonard has been serving as Jones' backup. Richardson, once viewed as the next franchise QB, has hit rock bottom in terms of his fantasy value.