Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Bo Nix

Saturday, September 7, 3:32 PM

The Washington Commanders have placed quarterback Marcus Mariota (chest) on injured reserve and have signed quarterback Sam Hartman from their practice squad. Mariota, who sustained a chest injury during Wednesday's practice, will be sidelined until at least early October. Washington had signed Mariota to a one-year, $6 million contract before drafting Jayden Daniels with their second-round pick. Mariota, a former No. 2 overall pick in 2015, had agreed to either mentor or start as needed for the team. This marks Mariota's first season with the Commanders after previous stints with the Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, and Philadelphia Eagles. The rookie from Notre Dame will step in as the third-string quarterback behind Daniels, the starter, and Jeff Driskel, the new backup, for the start of the season.

Monday, September 16, 1:31 PM

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton said he saw improvements from rookie quarterback Bo Nix from Week 1 to Week 2. "I feel a confident player. From that standpoint, I'm encouraged," Payton said. Through his first two regular-season NFL games, Nix has struggled, going 46-for-77 (59.74%) for 384 yards with no touchdowns and four interceptions. He's carried the ball nine times for 60 yards and one touchdown. The 24-year-old first-rounder from Oregon did move the ball through the air better in the Week 2 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he failed to lead a single TD drive and isn't really testing defenses down the field. Fantasy managers weren't really expecting much out of Nix in his first NFL season, and he should have a long leash. Going into Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he'll be a QB3 in superflex leagues.