Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Lamar Jackson

Friday, January 2, 12:26 PM

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (hand) has officially been ruled out for Sunday's Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. Mariota was a stretch to make it back to play in the final game of the year after injuring his hand in the Week 16 loss to the Eagles. The 32-year-old veteran was held out of the Christmas Day loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17 and will now miss a second straight game to end the year. Journeyman QB Josh Johnson will make a second straight start for the Commanders. Mariota ended up playing in 11 games (eight starts) this year while filling in for the injured Jayden Daniels, and he held his own, throwing for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He added 297 yards on the ground and a TD.

Saturday, February 14, 6:42 AM

After back-to-back first-team All-Pro seasons in 2023 and 2024, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson suffered through an injury-marred down year in 2025. Across 13 games played, the 29-year-old completed 63.6% of his pass attempts for 2,549 yards, 21 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Jackson also posted his least productive NFL season as a rusher, recording 349 yards and two scores on 67 rush attempts. In fairness, the two-time MVP dealt with both hamstring and back injuries, both of which may have impacted his performance even when he was able to take the field. Jackson will be working with an entirely new coaching staff in Baltimore in 2026. Former Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is the Ravens' new head coach, and former Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle will assume the same role with Baltimore. While the coaching changes could spark some new developments in the offensive infrastructure around Jackson, a potential return to full health is likely the most important offseason development for fantasy managers to monitor. Jackson remains an elite fantasy quarterback option, but his profile carries a bit more risk after his injury issues in 2025.