Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Jake Browning

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.

Tuesday, October 7, 11:19 AM

According to Cincinnati Bengals beat writer Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic, the team's internal options at quarterback are "not in consideration" to replace current starter Jake Browning in Week 6 against the Green Bay Packers. As such, any potential replacement would have to come from outside the building. In three starts since replacing Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (toe) under center, Browning has thrown for 516 yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions while leading the team to an 0-3 record. However, it does not appear Cincinnati has confidence in current backup QB Brett Rypien or practice squad QB options Mike White and Sean Clifford. Most likely, Browning will be the signal-caller in a difficult Week 6 matchup against the Packers.