Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Joe Burrow

Monday, September 15, 3:41 PM

If Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (knee) cannot play in Week 3, backup Marcus Mariota could be forced into action against his old team, the Las Vegas Raiders. After undergoing an MRI exam following last Thursday night's loss to the Green Bay Packers, Daniels was diagnosed with a sprained knee, which puts his availability for Week 3 this Sunday in question. Daniels' injury isn't considered a long-term one, but his status is in doubt for this weekend. The Commanders surely will play it safe with the 24-year-old Daniels. Mariota, 31, hasn't started in the NFL since he made 13 starts with the Atlanta Falcons in 2023. Since then, he's appeared in six games with the Philadelphia Eagles and Commanders, throwing for 528 yards, five touchdowns, and a pick on 67 pass attempts. Mariota wasn't bad in spot duty in 2024 with Washington, although he'd be a low-upside, low-end QB2 in superflex leagues in Week 3 if he makes the start against the Raiders.

Monday, September 15, 8:43 AM

According to Jordan Schultz, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (toe) is slated to undergo surgery on his toe and is expected to miss at least the next three months. Burrow was lifted from Sunday's victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars due to this injury. Following the contest, Brurow was revealed to have suffered Grade 3 turf toe. Before exiting, the former first overall pick went 7-for-13 with 76 passing yards and a passing score. In relief, Jake Browning led the Bengals to the victory as he tallied 241 passing yards with three touchdowns (two rushing, one passing) and three interceptions. Given that Burrow is expected to remain sidelined through December, he is in serious danger of missing the remainder of the regular season. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Browning to serve as Cincinnati's QB1 for the foreseeable future. While Browning was able to lead the Bengals to the victory, managers should expect the team's offense to see their overall ceiling lowered without Burrow under center.