Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Josh Allen

Wednesday, December 24, 12:46 PM

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) has officially been ruled out for the Week 17 divisional game on Christmas Day on Thursday against the Dallas Cowboys, according to Tashan Reed of The Washington Post. Mariota injured his hand and quad in Saturday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. It's unclear if Mariota will be cleared to play in next week's regular-season finale against the Eagles. With Mariota out on Christmas Day, veteran journeyman Josh Johnson will make his first start in the NFL since late in the 2021 season. For what it's worth, head coach Dan Quinn said he's hoping that Mariota will be ready to return in Week 18 for the rematch against Philly. The 32-year-old has been serviceable as a QB2 in fantasy football in 11 games (eight starts) this year with Jayden Daniels injured, completing 61.2% of his passes for 1,695 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven picks.

Sunday, December 28, 12:30 PM

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (foot) had an injury scare in last week's win over the Cleveland Browns, but X-rays came back negative, and he's active in Week 17 versus the visiting Philadelphia Eagles. Allen put in a full practice late this week and won't have any limitations during Sunday's game against Philly, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. It's great news for fantasy managers who are hoping that Allen can carry them to a title this weekend. It won't be easy, though, as the Eagles' defense has allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing QBs this season. In the last five weeks, they've given up the third-fewest fantasy points to the position. Allen is a freak of nature, though, and he could easily be a league-winner this weekend in a game that could become a shootout as the Bills and Eagles continue to play for playoff seeding in their respective conferences.