Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Bryce Young

Saturday, December 20, 7:05 PM

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (hand) exited during the third quarter of Saturday's Week 16 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles. He was evaluated for a concussion and was cleared. However, he is still listed as questionable to return because of a hand injury. Josh Johnson will take over as the Commanders' quarterback until he can return. At the time of his departure, Mariota had gone 7-for-14 passing with 95 passing yards, zero touchdowns, and zero turnovers. Washington continues to deal with numerous injuries on both sides of the ball, and Mariota is just the latest example. The veteran quarterback only earned the start on Sunday because Jayden Daniels (shoulder) was ruled out for the second consecutive week.

Saturday, December 20, 11:20 AM

Bryce Young has not produced ideal fantasy numbers this season, but he has a great matchup in Week 16 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In Week 15 against the Saints, Young completed 15-of-24 attempts for 163 yards and a touchdown. He also had a season-high 49 rushing yards on seven carries, totaling 15.4 fantasy points. The Carolina QB has registered more than 15.0 fantasy points in three of his last four starts. He has averaged 14.2 Fantasy Points Per Game in 13 games played this season. He has a good shot of playing above his usual 14 to 15 point range this week, though. Tampa Bay ranks 30th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to QBs this season. Last week, Atlanta QB Kirk Cousins finished as the fantasy QB3 overall. He totaled 26.9 fantasy points against the Buccaneers. Week 15 was the fifth straight week where Tampa Bay allowed a top-10 fantasy QB finish. Despite Young's mediocre and inconsistent production this year, the matchup against Tampa Bay makes him a quality QB2 starter for fantasy football playoff teams in superflex formats. The NFC South lead is on the line, and Young may have to throw often to keep pace with Baker Mayfield.