Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Carson Beck


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
2.1 0.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Carson Beck News

Cardinals, Rookie QB Carson Beck Agree to Four-Year Deal

Wednesday, July 22, 10:50 AM

The Arizona Cardinals and rookie third-round quarterback Carson Beck agreed to terms on Wednesday, and he will sign his four-year, $7.4 million deal, sources told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Beck is one of the last 2026 NFL draft picks to sign before the start of training camp. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound signal-caller will likely open training camp competing with Kedon Slovis for the QB3 job behind veterans Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew. Beck spent five seasons at the University of Georgia before playing for the University of Miami in 2025, where he led the ACC in completions (338) and completion percentage (72.4%) while throwing for 3,813 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in 16 games. He should have a shorter development window because of his experience, but he lacks high-end talent, and his ceiling in fantasy might be that of a midrange QB2 because of his lack of rushing ability. Fantasy managers in redraft leagues can ignore Beck, while in dynasty formats, he's merely a low-upside stash in 2026.


Marcus Mariota vs. Carson Beck

Still trying to decide between Mariota and Beck? 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 Carson Beck is projected to score 2.1 points.