Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Deebo Samuel Sr.

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.

Friday, September 12, 10:10 AM

Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. was heavily involved in the offense for the second straight week in his team's 27-18 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night. Samuel Sr. was targeted eight times, hauling in seven catches for 44 yards and a touchdown. It was not an efficient night for Washington overall, and Samuel Sr. was no different, averaging just 6.3 yards per reception. Still, it's an encouraging sign for fantasy managers that Samuel Sr. has been targeted 18 times and logged 15 total touches through Washington's first two games. Early on, the 29-year-old profiles as a high-end flex option going into a much easier Week 3 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.