Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Ashton Jeanty

Monday, September 15, 3:41 PM

If Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (knee) cannot play in Week 3, backup Marcus Mariota could be forced into action against his old team, the Las Vegas Raiders. After undergoing an MRI exam following last Thursday night's loss to the Green Bay Packers, Daniels was diagnosed with a sprained knee, which puts his availability for Week 3 this Sunday in question. Daniels' injury isn't considered a long-term one, but his status is in doubt for this weekend. The Commanders surely will play it safe with the 24-year-old Daniels. Mariota, 31, hasn't started in the NFL since he made 13 starts with the Atlanta Falcons in 2023. Since then, he's appeared in six games with the Philadelphia Eagles and Commanders, throwing for 528 yards, five touchdowns, and a pick on 67 pass attempts. Mariota wasn't bad in spot duty in 2024 with Washington, although he'd be a low-upside, low-end QB2 in superflex leagues in Week 3 if he makes the start against the Raiders.

Friday, September 12, 2:21 PM

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty had a tough Week 1 against the Patriots, managing just 40 yards from scrimmage but salvaging his day with a three-yard touchdown run. Encouragingly, Jeanty dominated the backfield workload, logging 86% of snaps and handling 19 of the team's 22 rushing attempts, cementing himself as the clear lead back. Week 2 presents another challenge, as the Chargers limited the Chiefs to just 98 rushing yards in their opener. If Los Angeles sells out to stop the run the way New England did, the Raiders may lean more on Geno Smith and the passing game, potentially capping Jeanty's ceiling. Still, his elite usage keeps him firmly in the RB2 mix with touchdown upside.