Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Patrick Mahomes

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.

Wednesday, November 26, 4:20 PM

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, battled back from an 11-point deficit to defeat the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12, and he will look to carry that momentum in their Thanksgiving matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Mahomes completed 29 of 46 pass attempts (63%) for 352 yards and zero touchdowns. The superstar quarterback did not find the endzone through the air or on the ground while also taking four sacks and throwing an interception. It was a mixed bag for Mahomes because he set a new season-high in passing yardage, but he finished with zero touchdowns for the second time this year. Both of his zero-touchdown games have come in the past three contests, which is discouraging for fantasy managers, but he could turn it around this week. The Chiefs take on the Cowboys, who have given up the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season. Mahomes was listed on the injury report with a groin injury, but practiced in full all week and does not have an injury designation for Thursday's game. Mahomes is ranked QB1 in our RotoBaller rankings, meaning that fantasy managers can feel confident with him in their starting lineups.