Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Bryce Young

Monday, December 29, 4:06 PM

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said on Monday that it would be "a stretch" for quarterback Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. The Commanders aren't closing the door on Mariota playing, but with Washington eliminated from the playoffs, it's unlikely. It means that veteran journeyman QB Josh Johnson is lined up to make a second straight start to close out the 2025 season. The 39-year-old went 15-for-23 passing 198 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in the Christmas Day loss to the Dallas Cowboys last Thursday. Mariota is not moving at full speed yet after suffering multiple injuries in the Week 16 loss to the Eagles. He didn't practice at all last week and shouldn't be counted on for fantasy managers still playing for a title in Week 18.

Monday, December 29, 11:12 AM

Bryce Young completed 14-of-24 passes for a career-low 54 yards and one interception in the Carolina Panthers' 27-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The Carolina QB totaled 27 rushing yards on nine carries and scored the team's only touchdown. Young finished the game with 9.9 Fantasy Points, his lowest fantasy total since Week 10. In 15 games played this year, Young has averaged 14.1 Fantasy Points Per Game. In Week 18, the Panthers will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the second time this season. Tampa Bay ranked 27th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to QBs over the last four weeks leading up to Week 17. In Week 16 against the Buccaneers, Young had 21 completions for 191 yards, two touchdowns, and 17.6 Fantasy Points. Consider starting Young as a fantasy QB2 superflex option if your league is still playing in Week 18. Young may post decent fantasy numbers in a critical matchup with the NFC South title on the line.