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.

Monday, November 24, 5:47 AM

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones completed 19 of his 31 passes for 181 yards and two touchdowns while adding 16 yards on three rushes in a 23-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12. Jones completed touchdown passes to Michael Pittman Jr. and Drew Ogletree in the close loss while avoiding the turnovers that had plagued him in the prior two games. Jones has thrown for 2,840 yards, 17 touchdowns, and seven interceptions while adding five rushing touchdowns in 11 games this season. Next, he draws a difficult matchup at home against the Houston Texans in Week 13.