Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Kenny Pickett

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.

Saturday, December 13, 12:21 AM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kenny Pickett will earn a spot start against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15 with teammate Geno Smith (shoulder, back) sidelined. While Pickett should offer a nice change from Smith, who has 16 touchdowns, 15 turnovers, and 49 sacks this year, he likely won't be a reliable fantasy starter. Pickett went 8-for-11 with 97 yards and a touchdown in relief of Smith last week, and he hasn't finished any of his four seasons higher than the QB28 in fantasy football. He could struggle against an Eagles defense allowing the fourth-fewest passing touchdowns and 14th-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2025. Pickett ranks as the overall QB31 in this week's RotoBaller fantasy rankings, which means that he can be benched in all leagues.