Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Baker Mayfield

Wednesday, October 22, 2:32 PM

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota will make his third start of the season on Monday night against the Kansas City Chiefs, but fantasy managers shouldn't expect much production in a difficult matchup. Mariota has been serviceable in his limited action, completing 64.6% of his passes with a 3:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio, while adding some mobility outside the pocket. However, he now faces a Chiefs defense that ranks among the league's best, allowing the fifth-fewest yards per game and just 17.7 points per contest, good for third in the NFL. To make matters worse, Mariota could once again be operating without two of his top pass-catchers as Deebo Samuel (heel) and Terry McLaurin (quad) both remain questionable. With limited weapons and a brutal defensive matchup, Mariota lacks fantasy upside and should remain on the waiver wire in all formats outside of deep superflex leagues.

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.