Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Mac Jones

Monday, September 29, 12:07 PM

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota got going late in the 34-27 loss to his former team, the Atlanta Falcons, in Week 4, in what could be his final start with Jayden Daniels targeting a return from his knee sprain in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Mariota finished Sunday's loss by going 16-for-27 passing for 156 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He added two carries for 20 yards and was sacked twice for a loss of nine yards. The 31-year-old veteran's touchdown passes went to receivers Luke McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel Sr. In two games in place of the injured Daniels, Mariota has been decent, completing 64.6% of his 48 pass attempts for 363 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. It's not a lock that Daniels will play in Week 5, but if Mariota makes a third straight start, he'll be a low-end QB2 play against a tough Chargers defense on the road.

Friday, October 3, 12:42 AM

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones completed 33 of his 49 pass attempts for 342 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions during Thursday's win over the Los Angeles Rams. Jones made his third start of the season, getting the nod in place of Brock Purdy (toe). The former first-round pick has consistently impressed under center for San Francisco, amassing 905 passing yards, six touchdowns, and one interception through three games. It will be a shame to see his talent and fantasy production get sent back to the bench when Purdy returns, but at least the 49ers know they have an extremely capable backup who can dominate in a spot start. After all, he took down a division rival during overtime on national television Thursday. If Purdy misses Week 6 against the Buccaneers, Jones will rank as a high-end fantasy QB2. However, that game is 10 days away, leaving plenty of time for Purdy to get healthy.