Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Jacoby Brissett

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.

Sunday, November 23, 9:35 PM

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett completed 33 of 49 pass attempts for 317 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions in his team's 27-24 overtime Week 12 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Since taking over as the Cardinals' starting QB for the injured Kyler Murray (foot) in Week 6, Brissett has led one of the league's highest-volume passing attacks. Over his last three games alone, the 32-year-old has attempted a whopping 150 passes. The consistently high volume of throws has helped Brissett put up some impressive counting stats. Across eight games (six starts) in 2025, he's thrown for 1,867 yards, 11 touchdowns, and three interceptions. As long as the Cardinals continue to turn to the air at a high rate, Brissett warrants starting consideration from fantasy managers, even in single-QB formats. Arizona will travel to Tampa Bay to take on the Buccaneers in Week 13.