Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or C.J. Stroud
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Marcus Mariota News
Monday, March 9, 1:25 PM
The Washington Commanders re-signed backup quarterback Marcus Mariota to a one-year, $7 million deal on Monday, sources told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Mariota can make up to $11 million with performance-based incentives. In terms of experience and ability, the 32-year-old veteran is one of the top backup QB options in the NFL. Starter Jayden Daniels battled multiple injuries and missed significant time in 2025, leading to Mariota playing in 11 games (eight starts). The former second overall pick by the Tennessee Titans in 2015 out of Oregon completed 61.2% of his passes for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He also had 297 rushing yards and another score on the ground. The Commanders are hoping that Mariota won't see as much of the field in 2026, though, which would mean Daniels has been able to stay healthy in his third NFL campaign.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18.2 | 9.0 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
C.J. Stroud News
Tuesday, February 24, 7:36 AM
Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio said that any talk about trading quarterback C.J. Stroud is "moronic," according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. Caserio said that Stroud will be the team's starting QB in 2026. Stroud was a Pro Bowler in his rookie campaign in 2023, but he has regressed each of the last two seasons. The 24-year-old former second overall pick in 2023 out of Ohio State completed 64.5% of his passes for 3,041 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 14 regular-season games in 2025 to finish as the QB21 in overall fantasy points. He was much worse in two playoff games, going 41-for-79 passing for 462 yards, two touchdowns, and five interceptions. He also lost two fumbles. The one positive takeaway from 2025 is that Stroud had a career-high completion percentage. He's still young enough to bounce back, but fantasy managers shouldn't feel comfortable rolling with him as their QB1 in 2026.
Marcus Mariota vs. C.J. Stroud
Still trying to decide between Mariota and Stroud? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Marcus Mariota is projected to score 0.0 points this week while C.J. Stroud is projected to score 18.2 points.
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