Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Dillon Gabriel

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, 9:30 PM

Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel will serve as the backup option for the upcoming Week 13 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Gabriel sat out of Sunday's game versus the Las Vegas Raiders due to a concussion. On Monday, Gabriel cleared concussion protocol, but was named the backup for at least one game. Shedeur Sanders played well in his absence and will draw at least one more start for the Browns. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said he won't name a starter past this week, so Gabriel could take over again if Sanders struggles.