Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Daniel Jones

Friday, November 21, 11:00 AM

With Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) missing time due to both knee and elbow injuries, backup QB Marcus Mariota has gotten extended playing time in 2025. Across seven games (five starts) this season, the 32-year-old has completed 65.7% of his pass attempts for 1,065 yards, seven touchdowns, and five interceptions. Mariota also brings some juice with his legs, rushing for 193 yards and a touchdown on 27 attempts. However, Daniels was able to avoid surgery on his dislocated left elbow, which could allow him to return to the field shortly after the Commanders' Week 12 bye. At the same time, Washington is out of the playoff mix with a 3-8 record, so the team could choose to shut Daniels down and play for 2026. Still, the Commanders will face one of the NFL's best defenses in the Denver Broncos in Week 13. Mariota does not profile as a starting fantasy QB option in Week 13, which may be his last chance to start before Daniels returns.

Friday, November 21, 5:41 PM

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (fibula) had his Week 11 bye as he looks to regroup after a rough two-game stretch. Jones got off to a fast start in 2025, but he took 12 sacks while throwing four interceptions over Weeks 9 and 10. Jones missed practice on Wednesday with a fibula injury but he was limited on Thursday and practiced fully on Friday as he appears set to take the field on Sunday. He will look to get back on track in Week 12's road matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs have been tough on quarterbacks this season, allowing just the 23rd-most fantasy points per game to the position thus far. Overall Jones has been an excellent fantasy option this season but his recent lull, coupled with a tough matchup in Week 12 gives some pause. He is shaping up as a high-end QB2 for his contest against Kansas City this weekend.