Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Malik Willis

Friday, November 21, 11:00 AM

With Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) missing time due to both knee and elbow injuries, backup QB Marcus Mariota has gotten extended playing time in 2025. Across seven games (five starts) this season, the 32-year-old has completed 65.7% of his pass attempts for 1,065 yards, seven touchdowns, and five interceptions. Mariota also brings some juice with his legs, rushing for 193 yards and a touchdown on 27 attempts. However, Daniels was able to avoid surgery on his dislocated left elbow, which could allow him to return to the field shortly after the Commanders' Week 12 bye. At the same time, Washington is out of the playoff mix with a 3-8 record, so the team could choose to shut Daniels down and play for 2026. Still, the Commanders will face one of the NFL's best defenses in the Denver Broncos in Week 13. Mariota does not profile as a starting fantasy QB option in Week 13, which may be his last chance to start before Daniels returns.

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.