Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Kaleb Johnson

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.

Friday, September 12, 10:25 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson was hardly involved in his regular-season debut and will likely operate as the team's RB3 again this week against the Seattle Seahawks. Fantasy managers who drafted Johnson with high expectations must exercise patience with the rookie if they plan to keep him rostered. Johnson played just two offensive snaps last week and primarily operated as a kick returner. However, his utilization could see an uptick soon if Kenneth Gainwell continues to struggle with inefficiency as he did in Week 1. For the time being, Johnson is a bench stash with the potential to serve as a complement to Jaylen Warren later in the season. He should not be considered in fantasy lineups on Sunday.