Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Kyler Murray

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.

Saturday, December 6, 12:19 PM

Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports that "it wouldn't surprise a lot of league executives if the Cardinals decide to move on" from quarterback Kyler Murray (foot) after the 2025 season. Murray has not played since Week 5 due to a foot injury, and reportedly will not return this season. The 28-year-old struggled across five starts, completing 68.3% of his pass attempts for 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions. He has roughly $37 million in fully guaranteed money remaining on his current contract, but Russini reports that the Cardinals could "try to trade him or simply release him." In the midst of a disastrous 2025 season, it appears Arizona is looking to hit the reset button heading into 2026. There will almost certainly be interest from quarterback-needy teams in Murray in the offseason, but his contract could be a complicating factor in trade negotiations.