Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Fernando Mendoza
Week 3 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19.1 | 30.5 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Marcus Mariota News
Saturday, September 26, 8:48 AM
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota is in line to make his first start of the 2026 season in Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks after Jayden Daniels (elbow) suffered a second elbow dislocation in Washington's Week 2 loss to the Cowboys. Mariota was efficient in the second half after Daniels left, completing 11 of 16 passes for 111 yards and a touchdown. In 11 games (8 starts) last season, Mariota averaged 154.1 passing yards per game with 10 touchdowns to 7 interceptions while adding 27 rushing yards per game and one score on the ground last season. The former No. 2 overall pick averaged just 12.3 fantasy points per game last season and faces a daunting matchup in Washington's home opener against the reigning Super Bowl champs and Mike Macdonald's defense. Mariota profiles as a low-end QB2 in Week 3, ranking as RotoBaller's QB24.
Week 3 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Fernando Mendoza News
Friday, September 11, 11:54 AM
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza will officially back up Kirk Cousins in Sunday's opener against Miami, head coach Klint Kubiak confirmed Friday, according to Sam Gordon. The Raiders' depth chart had already pointed in that direction, listing Mendoza second and Aidan O'Connell third, but Kubiak had stopped short of confirming the order earlier this week. Now there is no question who gets the call if Cousins has to leave the game. Mendoza had an uneven preseason, completing 25 of 45 passes for 240 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions across three appearances. That was enough for the No. 1 overall pick to secure the backup spot while Las Vegas continues bringing him along behind its veteran starter. Nothing changes for Mendoza in standard redraft leagues, where he belongs on the waiver wire for now. He is much more interesting in dynasty and deeper Superflex formats, particularly with a clear path to the field if Cousins struggles or misses time.
Marcus Mariota vs. Fernando Mendoza
Still trying to decide between Mariota and Mendoza? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Marcus Mariota is projected to score 19.1 points this week while Fernando Mendoza is projected to score 0.0 points.
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