Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Caleb Williams


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
1.0 1.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Marcus Mariota News

Is Marcus Mariota Worth Stashing as an Injury Replacement in Dynasty Leagues?

Friday, May 8, 12:28 PM

After appearing in just six games (zero starts) between 2023 and 2024, Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota was pressed into starting duty in 2025 thanks to myriad injury issues for Washington QB1 Jayden Daniels. The veteran Mariota performed adequately, throwing for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions across 11 games (eight starts). Mariota's fantasy appeal comes from his ability to use his legs, as he rushed for 297 yards and a score on 50 attempts. With Daniels healthy heading into 2026, Mariota should slide back into a backup role. Given Daniels' injury track record dating back to his days in college, dynasty managers may want to consider stashing Mariota in a bench spot. Still, rostering Mariota is a deep-league play at best, as he offers little upside beyond capable QB2 production as he enters his age-33 season.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
23.4 23.3 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

Caleb Williams News

Caleb Williams Drops 10-15 Pounds to Increase his Mobility

Wednesday, July 29, 8:19 AM

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams said he dropped 10-15 pounds in the offseason and expects to move around better in 2026, according to Brad Biggs of The Chicago Tribune. Williams is listed at 226 pounds, which is the same figure the Bears used last year after listing him at 215 pounds as a rookie in 2024. The 24-year-old former first overall pick from USC took a step forward in Year 2 in his first year with new head coach Ben Johnson, with 3,942 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 17 regular-season starts. Williams made a lot of wild plays outside of the pocket deep down the field, and he had a penchant for leading the Bears to insane fourth-quarter comebacks. Johnson is now hoping to get Williams to operate more within the framework of his offense in his third year in the league. Even though receiver DJ Moore is no longer in town, Williams has the skill players around him to take another leap given his arm strength and dual-threat abilities. Fantasy managers should be targeting him as a midrange QB1 this year with a high ceiling as he continues to evolve in a strong Chicago offense.


Marcus Mariota vs. Caleb Williams

Still trying to decide between Mariota and Williams? 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 1.0 points this week while Caleb Williams is projected to score 23.4 points.