Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Josh Allen

Tuesday, December 23, 7:59 PM

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) was a non-participant during Tuesday's practice. Mariota has missed two straight practices after he was forced to exit early during Saturday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles due to injury. Mariota is trending in the wrong direction ahead of Thursday's Christmas matchup versus the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. If he sits out, Josh Johnson figures to make his first start of the season. The Commanders have also signed Jeff Driskel off the Arizona Cardinals' practice squad to add depth at the position. The fantasy value of the Commanders' pass-catchers would be downgraded if Johnson is forced to start in Week 17. As of right now, fantasy managers shouldn't be planning on having Mariota available on a short turnaround in Week 17.

Tuesday, December 23, 7:26 PM

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (foot) didn't participate during Tuesday's walkthrough. Allen is dealing with a foot issue that he suffered during Sunday's win over the Cleveland Browns. It seems like the issue is still bothering him a few days afterwards, but fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried, as the expectation is that Allen will still be able to suit up for the Week 17 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the injury report throughout the week in case the superstar QB faces any type of setback. The absence of Allen would certainly be devastating to many fantasy managers playing in their championship games this weekend, given his elite weekly ceiling. If Allen were to miss Sunday's game, veteran Mitch Trubisky would take over QB1 duties in Buffalo.