Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Jayden Daniels
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Marcus Mariota News
Monday, March 9, 1:25 PM
The Washington Commanders re-signed backup quarterback Marcus Mariota to a one-year, $7 million deal on Monday, sources told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Mariota can make up to $11 million with performance-based incentives. In terms of experience and ability, the 32-year-old veteran is one of the top backup QB options in the NFL. Starter Jayden Daniels battled multiple injuries and missed significant time in 2025, leading to Mariota playing in 11 games (eight starts). The former second overall pick by the Tennessee Titans in 2015 out of Oregon completed 61.2% of his passes for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He also had 297 rushing yards and another score on the ground. The Commanders are hoping that Mariota won't see as much of the field in 2026, though, which would mean Daniels has been able to stay healthy in his third NFL campaign.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23.6 | 39.6 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Jayden Daniels News
Wednesday, February 11, 6:50 AM
After an electric rookie season in 2024 that saw him lead his team to the NFC Championship Game, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels battled through a miserable follow-up campaign in 2025. The 25-year-old suffered a knee injury in Week 2, a hamstring injury in Week 7, a dislocated elbow in Week 9, and finally a season-ending re-aggravation of the elbow injury in Week 14. Overall, Daniels was limited to just seven games played and completed 60.6% of his pass attempts for 1,262 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions while rushing for 278 yards and two scores on 58 attempts. In addition to the reduced volume, Daniels' efficiency as both a passer and a rusher also suffered. After averaging 7.4 yards per pass attempt and 6.0 yards per rush attempt in 2024, Daniels averaged 6.7 yards per pass attempt and 4.8 yards per rush attempt in 2025. In 2026, former Commanders' assistant quarterbacks coach David Blough will take over for Kliff Kingsbury as Washington's offensive play-caller, throwing some uncertainty into the offensive environment around Daniels. Daniels high-end dual-threat potential means he still carries elite fantasy upside in dynasty formats, but he will have to prove he can stay healthy in 2026.
Marcus Mariota vs. Jayden Daniels
Still trying to decide between Mariota and Daniels? 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 0.0 points this week while Jayden Daniels is projected to score 23.6 points.
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