Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Jonathan Taylor

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.

Sunday, September 14, 9:09 PM

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor had a monster game in his team's Week 2 win over the Denver Broncos. The 26-year-old logged 25 carries for 165 yards and also caught two passes for 50 yards and a touchdown. Across the first two games of the season, Taylor has now recorded 313 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown on 48 total touches. The Colts' offense has been surprisingly effective so far overall, dropping 33 points on the Miami Dolphins in Week 1 and 29 on Denver in Week 2. Taylor is a must-start fantasy running back with high-end RB1 upside as long as he stays healthy and the Indianapolis offense remains competent.