Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Baker Mayfield

Friday, October 24, 10:21 AM

With star quarterback Jayden Daniels (hamstring) out for Week 8, the Washington Commanders will turn to veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota to make his third start of the season against the Kansas City Chiefs. Mariota has been reasonably productive across three games' worth of action so far this season, completing 60.3% of his pass attempts for 426 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. The 32-year-old also remains a threat with his legs, as he's recorded 94 yards and a touchdown on 10 rush attempts. The Commanders have a tough matchup in Week 8, as they will travel to Kansas City to face the Chiefs. On the bright side, Washington could get back both of its top wide receivers in Terry McLaurin (quad) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel). Both wideouts practiced in full on Thursday after being sidelined in Week 7. In Week 8, Mariota profiles as a low-end starting fantasy quarterback in single-QB formats and a must-start player in two-quarterback formats.

Thursday, October 23, 6:20 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (knee) upgraded to a full practice on Thursday after he was limited by a knee injury on Wednesday. Mayfield came out of the Monday night loss to the Detroit Lions a little banged up, but he should be just fine to play this weekend in a divisional clash on the road in New Orleans against the Saints. It's a plus matchup and a good spot for Mayfield to bounce back after one of his worst games of the season in Week 8, when he went 28-for-50 for 228 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. With that said, fantasy managers must also consider the health of Tampa's offensive weapons at Mayfield's disposal. Veteran receiver Mike Evans broke his collarbone on Monday night, and the Bucs will be without receiver Chris Godwin (leg) and running back Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) for another week. Still, as long as impressive rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) plays, Mayfield should be in play as a midrange QB1 against the 1-6 Saints.