Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Josh Allen

Friday, November 21, 11:00 AM

With Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) missing time due to both knee and elbow injuries, backup QB Marcus Mariota has gotten extended playing time in 2025. Across seven games (five starts) this season, the 32-year-old has completed 65.7% of his pass attempts for 1,065 yards, seven touchdowns, and five interceptions. Mariota also brings some juice with his legs, rushing for 193 yards and a touchdown on 27 attempts. However, Daniels was able to avoid surgery on his dislocated left elbow, which could allow him to return to the field shortly after the Commanders' Week 12 bye. At the same time, Washington is out of the playoff mix with a 3-8 record, so the team could choose to shut Daniels down and play for 2026. Still, the Commanders will face one of the NFL's best defenses in the Denver Broncos in Week 13. Mariota does not profile as a starting fantasy QB option in Week 13, which may be his last chance to start before Daniels returns.

Friday, November 21, 7:54 PM

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen was sacked a career-high eight times and hit four other times in the Thursday night loss to the Houston Texans. Allen took a beating, but he said he's fine after having his left shoulder examined by athletic trainers. The 29-year-old stayed in the game and finished with no touchdowns for only the third time in his career. Allen was also seen shaking his right hand after taking a sack, but he said after the game that "we're good." It was a rough game for Buffalo's offense, but the good news is that Allen will have extra time to rest before a Week 13 game on Nov. 30 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Allen's fantasy managers will be hoping that tight end Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) will be back by then, and it's likely that the team will end receiver Keon Coleman's two-game absence for disciplinary reasons. Allen should be able to bounce back against Pittsburgh if he's healthy.