Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Mac Jones

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.

Monday, September 15, 12:40 AM

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones completed 26 of his 39 pass attempts for 279 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions during Sunday's Week 2 win over the New Orleans Saints. He also rushed for six yards and took three sacks. Jones made the start on Sunday with Brock Purdy (shoulder) sidelined, and he looked very comfortable and productive. The former first-round pick will remain the team's starter for the duration of Purdy's absence, which will likely last several weeks. While Jones isn't a long-term solution for fantasy managers, he presents an intriguing option on the waiver wire ahead of Week 3. Next Sunday, the 49ers are set to take on the Arizona Cardinals, who just allowed 328 yards and three touchdowns to Bryce Young. With NFL starting experience and a variety of weapons at his disposal, Jones should put together another solid game against the subpar Cardinals defense. He should rank just outside the top 12 fantasy quarterbacks heading into next week, making him a worthwhile fill-in for managers dealing with injuries or underwhelming quarterback play.