Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Jarrett Stidham

Wednesday, December 3, 12:29 AM

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota has played great while filling in for an injured Jayden Daniels (elbow). Mariota and the Commanders nearly pulled off the upset against the Denver Broncos in Week 13, with Mariota completing 28 of 50 passes for 294 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception while adding 10 carries for 55 yards on the ground. It was a valiant effort against one of the top defenses in the league that continued a trend of the 32-year-old signal-caller playing well. Daniels reportedly has a chance to return in Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings, but he has not yet been cleared for contact. More will be known about Daniels' status in practice this week, but if he needs more time, Mariota would be in line to make his seventh start of the season and would profile as a strong streaming option again versus the Vikings.

Sunday, August 17, 11:27 AM

Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham got the start in the team's second preseason game on Saturday against the visiting Arizona Cardinals and looked amazing, going 16-for-23 passing for 240 yards and two touchdowns in the 27-7 victory. Starter Bo Nix got this game off, so Stidham saw most of the action under center before giving way to Sam Ehlinger late. Rookie receiver Pat Bryant was one of Stidham's favorite targets, as he hooked up with him four times for 70 yards. Second-year pass-catcher Troy Franklin was his other favorite target, and both of his TDs went to the Oregon product. The 29-year-old Stidham signed a two-year, $12 million contract with Denver back in March to return as Nix's backup in 2025 and beyond. Based on the way Stidham looked on Saturday, Denver's offense could still be decent this year if Nix misses time with injury.