Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Deshaun Watson

Tuesday, November 4, 9:39 AM

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota is expected to be the Commanders' starting QB for the next several weeks following the elbow injury suffered by Jayden Daniels on Sunday night. Daniels is without a timetable to return, but could still be back this season. He'll be sidelined for a while, though, which will allow Mariota to return to the starting role in Washington. He has started three games this season, most recently against the Chiefs in Week 8. He threw for 213 yards and a touchdown in that game and added 28 yards on eight carries. He also threw an interception, though, and has four picks to go with his four passing scores on the season. He does bring some rushing potential with at least 20 rushing yards each game, but he doesn't offer nearly the ceiling as a dynamic playmaker that Daniels brings. If you need QB help from the waiver wire in two-quarterback leagues, Mariota can be an option, but the veteran backup has a tough matchup against the Lions this week before a more favorable Week 11 matchup against the Dolphins going into the team's Week 12 bye.

Monday, November 3, 1:08 PM

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Monday that quarterback Deshaun Watson's (Achilles) 21-day practice window will not be opened this week, according to Zac Jackson of The Athletic. "No update, but doing a good job," Stefanski said. Reports have suggested that Watson has been doing really well in his rehab from a torn right Achilles that he suffered in Week 7 of 2024. The 30-year-old veteran signal-caller then had additional surgery on his Achilles in January. Although he has been doing well with his rehab, Watson isn't close to returning to practice and still is not expected to be a factor at QB for the Browns in 2025. The Browns already traded away QBs Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, which has left them with rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders at the position in what is turning into another lost season. It won't be a surprise if Watson doesn't play another snap for the Browns in his career.