Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Evan Engram

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.

Saturday, September 13, 10:42 AM

Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram (calf) is expected to suit up for Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts after leaving the opener with a calf contusion. Engram's usage before the injury was concerning, as he played just 44% of the snaps overall and was on the field for only 56% of Denver's passing plays. Adam Trautman, the more experienced blocker, was featured more heavily in Sean Payton's game plan. The much-hyped "Joker role" for Engram in Payton's offense appears overstated based on Week 1 usage. While the Colts were vulnerable to tight ends in 2024, allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to the position, Engram's limited playing time keeps him off the fantasy radar for now.