Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Lamar Jackson

Sunday, January 5, 4:15 PM

Washington Commanders Marcus Mariota led the Commanders to a thrilling victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 18. Mariota replaced Jayden Daniels at the start of the second half. With the Commanders already locked into a playoff spot, they opted to protect their rookie QB. However, this victory pushed them up to the No.6 seed in the NFC. Over the final two quarters, Mariota went 15-for-18 with 161 yards and two touchdowns. He added 56 yards and a score on five carries. He found Zach Ertz on a five-yard strike late in the third quarter. Then in the fourth, Mariota punched in a score at the goal line and would then find his top wideout Terry McLaurin on a game-winning five-yard touchdown pass in the final seconds. Mariota also saw time in Week 7 against the Panthers when Daniels left early with a rib injury. He was sharp in that game as well going 18-for-23 with 205 yards and two scores.

Monday, January 13, 4:02 PM

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (back) was kneed in the back in the second quarter of Saturday's wild-card win over the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers. However, head coach John Harbaugh didn't seem too concerned on Monday that it would affect Jackson's practice status this week. "It doesn't look that way, from what I've been told," Harbaugh said. The 28-year-old Jackson, who could win his second straight MVP award for the 2024 season, was seen grimacing late in the 28-14 win over Pittsburgh, but he never left the game and should be fine to play in a Divisional Round showdown versus the Buffalo Bills at Orchard Park this coming weekend. Jackson threw for only 175 yards but added two passing TDs and 81 rushing yards against the Steelers. In what should be a high-scoring shootout against Buffalo, Jackson will be a high-end, expensive starting QB in fantasy.