Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Josh Allen

Thursday, June 13, 12:52 PM

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota has been splitting first-team reps with first-round rookie Jayden Daniels this offseason, according to head coach Dan Quinn. The former No. 2 overall pick in 2015 by the Tennessee Titans signed a one-year deal with Washington at the start of free agency, and he could be the short-term starter if the team wants Daniels to sit for the first few weeks of the 2024 campaign. Although Mariota has struggled to keep a starting job, he has underrated fantasy football upside thanks to his rushing skill set. In 13 games for the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, Mariota averaged a respectable 15.8 fantasy points per game behind 2,219 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns, nine interceptions, 438 rushing yards, and four rushing touchdowns. He's a must-stash option in Superflex leagues, and fantasy managers might get one or two QB1 weeks out of him if he's the starter to begin the Dan Quinn era in Washington.

Friday, July 12, 4:09 PM

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is widely regarded as one of the best players in the NFL, and he is the current face of the Bills organization. Heading into 2024, he'll be counted on more as a leader following the departures of Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer, and Tre'Davious White, among others. Left tackle Dion Dawkins said he is taking that next step. "Josh is one of those guys that will do what it takes at that moment," Dawkins said. "He's definitely a barker when that time comes. I've actually seen the bark a lot more this OTAs where he's been very, very verbal, because our team is different. It's different. We've got some young dudes that, when they come in, they see a little bit of success, and they can change, so Josh is doing exactly what he should." Allen, who has finished as the overall fantasy QB1 in three of the last four seasons, could struggle early in the season while he builds chemistry with his new supporting cast, but his rushing upside insulates his value as a high-end QB1 again in 2024.