Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Daniel Jones

Monday, September 15, 3:41 PM

If Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (knee) cannot play in Week 3, backup Marcus Mariota could be forced into action against his old team, the Las Vegas Raiders. After undergoing an MRI exam following last Thursday night's loss to the Green Bay Packers, Daniels was diagnosed with a sprained knee, which puts his availability for Week 3 this Sunday in question. Daniels' injury isn't considered a long-term one, but his status is in doubt for this weekend. The Commanders surely will play it safe with the 24-year-old Daniels. Mariota, 31, hasn't started in the NFL since he made 13 starts with the Atlanta Falcons in 2023. Since then, he's appeared in six games with the Philadelphia Eagles and Commanders, throwing for 528 yards, five touchdowns, and a pick on 67 pass attempts. Mariota wasn't bad in spot duty in 2024 with Washington, although he'd be a low-upside, low-end QB2 in superflex leagues in Week 3 if he makes the start against the Raiders.

Tuesday, September 16, 10:32 AM

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones is off to a resurgent start in 2025. The former Giants quarterback has completed 45 of 63 passes for 588 yards and two touchdowns with no turnovers through two games. He's also been a weapon on the ground, punching in three rushing scores, all by the patented "Dimes Dive" at the goal line. Jones currently sits as the QB2 overall in fantasy, while the Colts have jumped out to a 2-0 start after edging the Denver Broncos in a thriller. Surrounded by a strong supporting cast that includes Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, and rookie tight end Tyler Warren, Jones has legitimate QB1 upside moving forward, especially if Indianapolis continues to feature him on designed runs near the end zone.