Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Kyler Murray

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.

Saturday, September 13, 9:29 AM

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray finished just outside of QB1 territory in Week 1 after throwing two touchdowns against the New Orleans Saints. His accuracy looked good most of the time, but the passing attack didn't gain many yards (163), and he was sacked five times. Fortunately, for Murray and company, the Carolina Panthers gave up 378 total yards and didn't register a single sack against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1. With the Panthers' run defense especially looking horrendous, Murray gains even more value given the report that the team has tried to scheme more scrambling opportunities. Fantasy managers can look to Murray as a QB1 heading into Week 2, hoping that he gains even more chemistry with Marvin Harrison Jr.