Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Malik Willis

Tuesday, November 4, 9:39 AM

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota is expected to be the Commanders' starting QB for the next several weeks following the elbow injury suffered by Jayden Daniels on Sunday night. Daniels is without a timetable to return, but could still be back this season. He'll be sidelined for a while, though, which will allow Mariota to return to the starting role in Washington. He has started three games this season, most recently against the Chiefs in Week 8. He threw for 213 yards and a touchdown in that game and added 28 yards on eight carries. He also threw an interception, though, and has four picks to go with his four passing scores on the season. He does bring some rushing potential with at least 20 rushing yards each game, but he doesn't offer nearly the ceiling as a dynamic playmaker that Daniels brings. If you need QB help from the waiver wire in two-quarterback leagues, Mariota can be an option, but the veteran backup has a tough matchup against the Lions this week before a more favorable Week 11 matchup against the Dolphins going into the team's Week 12 bye.

Tuesday, August 19, 12:31 PM

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said that backup quarterback Malik Willis will play in the preseason finale on Saturday against the Seattle Seahawks. The Packers also plan on playing some or most of their starters, at least for a little bit. We would be surprised if starting QB Jordan Love (thumb) plays this weekend after having a minor surgery on his left (non-throwing) thumb last week. The 26-year-old Willis went 6-for-14 for 83 yards on the first three possessions of the second preseason game last weekend against the Indianapolis Colts. Love is fully expected to be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener in early September, so Willis is primed to open the season as Green Bay's backup signal-caller. The former third-rounder by the Tennessee Titans in 2022 played in seven games in his first year with the Packers in 2024 and led the team to two wins with Love sidelined by injury.