Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Baker Mayfield

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.

Friday, November 21, 5:18 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is cleared to play this weekend after dealing with an illness throughout the week. Mayfield will have a tough challenge ahead of him against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 12. Last week, Mayfield completed 16-of-28 passing attempts for 173 yards with one touchdown and one interception in the loss to the Buffalo Bills. Mayfield has been held to under 200 passing yards in two of his last three games. It's not all his fault as Mayfield is working with a skeleton crew on offense. The hope is that Chris Godwin (leg) will be able to make it back on the field this weekend. Regardless, Mayfield should be able to offer low-end QB1 value for this weekend in what should be a high-scoring affair.