Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Lamar Jackson


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
1.0 1.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Marcus Mariota News

Is Marcus Mariota Worth Stashing as an Injury Replacement in Dynasty Leagues?

Friday, May 8, 12:28 PM

After appearing in just six games (zero starts) between 2023 and 2024, Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota was pressed into starting duty in 2025 thanks to myriad injury issues for Washington QB1 Jayden Daniels. The veteran Mariota performed adequately, throwing for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions across 11 games (eight starts). Mariota's fantasy appeal comes from his ability to use his legs, as he rushed for 297 yards and a score on 50 attempts. With Daniels healthy heading into 2026, Mariota should slide back into a backup role. Given Daniels' injury track record dating back to his days in college, dynasty managers may want to consider stashing Mariota in a bench spot. Still, rostering Mariota is a deep-league play at best, as he offers little upside beyond capable QB2 production as he enters his age-33 season.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
25.1 37.6 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0

Lamar Jackson News

Lamar Jackson Adjusting Quickly to Working Under Center

Saturday, August 1, 6:35 AM

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson took over 80% of his snaps from shotgun or pistol in 2025, but you might not know it from the way he's operated offensive coordinator Declan Doyle's new-look system through the early days of training camp. Jackson's first three pass attempts of camp all came from under center, with all three resulting in completions, and he has reportedly audibled to move under center on more than one occasion. In speaking with reporters, Doyle pointed out Jackson's quick learning curve and what he hopes to accomplish by putting the two-time MVP under center more frequently. " He's very natural at it... There's a lot of versatility in his game. You want to mix all those things and make the defense have to deal with him." He went on to discuss the benefits of the play-action element, saying, "Being able to turn your back to the defense and simulate the run for a longer period of time allows things down the field." Since his hire in January, Doyle's messaging has been clear about creating more explosive plays, and with Jackson taking quickly to the new approach, he could easily see one of the highest fantasy ceilings at the position, and the four-time Pro Bowler is RotoBaller's QB2.


Marcus Mariota vs. Lamar Jackson

Still trying to decide between Mariota and Jackson? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Marcus Mariota is projected to score 1.0 points this week while Lamar Jackson is projected to score 25.1 points.