Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Caleb Williams

Monday, September 15, 3:41 PM

If Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (knee) cannot play in Week 3, backup Marcus Mariota could be forced into action against his old team, the Las Vegas Raiders. After undergoing an MRI exam following last Thursday night's loss to the Green Bay Packers, Daniels was diagnosed with a sprained knee, which puts his availability for Week 3 this Sunday in question. Daniels' injury isn't considered a long-term one, but his status is in doubt for this weekend. The Commanders surely will play it safe with the 24-year-old Daniels. Mariota, 31, hasn't started in the NFL since he made 13 starts with the Atlanta Falcons in 2023. Since then, he's appeared in six games with the Philadelphia Eagles and Commanders, throwing for 528 yards, five touchdowns, and a pick on 67 pass attempts. Mariota wasn't bad in spot duty in 2024 with Washington, although he'd be a low-upside, low-end QB2 in superflex leagues in Week 3 if he makes the start against the Raiders.

Saturday, September 13, 7:59 PM

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson said the team is working with quarterback Caleb Williams on being more consistent with his footwork to improve his accuracy as a thrower. Per ESPN's Courtney Cronin, Johnson said that there were "probably three or four" throws from Williams' Week 1 performance against the Minnesota Vikings that "we would want back." Williams completed 60% of his 35 pass attempts against Minnesota for 210 yards and a touchdown. He gets a decent matchup in Week 2 against a Detroit Lions defense that may be without All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph (knee). Still, Williams is tough for fantasy managers to trust until he proves he can be more consistent. Williams profiles as a fantasy QB2 in Week 2 who can be started in Superflex leagues but should be avoided in single-QB formats.