Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or C.J. Beathard

Thursday, June 13, 12:52 PM

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota has been splitting first-team reps with first-round rookie Jayden Daniels this offseason, according to head coach Dan Quinn. The former No. 2 overall pick in 2015 by the Tennessee Titans signed a one-year deal with Washington at the start of free agency, and he could be the short-term starter if the team wants Daniels to sit for the first few weeks of the 2024 campaign. Although Mariota has struggled to keep a starting job, he has underrated fantasy football upside thanks to his rushing skill set. In 13 games for the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, Mariota averaged a respectable 15.8 fantasy points per game behind 2,219 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns, nine interceptions, 438 rushing yards, and four rushing touchdowns. He's a must-stash option in Superflex leagues, and fantasy managers might get one or two QB1 weeks out of him if he's the starter to begin the Dan Quinn era in Washington.

Monday, January 1, 12:46 AM

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback C.J. Beathard threw for 178 yards off 17-for-24 passing in Sunday's shutout win over the Carolina Panthers. He added three carries for 24 yards. The signal-caller didn't throw a touchdown pass. However, Beathard at least did enough to help the Jags snap a four-game losing streak. Jacksonville needs a win over the Titans in Week 18 to lock up a postseason berth. There's a chance Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) could be back, meaning Beathard will head back to the bench. Still, fantasy managers can't trust either quarterback, so Lawrence's availability versus the Titans won't mean a thing either way.