Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Patrick Mahomes

Thursday, August 21, 10:15 PM

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (Achilles) is currently battling Achilles tendinitis, but the veteran expects to be ready to go for Week 1. Mariota is entering his second season as the backup to Jayden Daniels in Washington. The 31-year-old is one of the most experienced backup quarterbacks in the NFL with 74 career starts under his belt, although just 13 of those have come in the past five seasons. If Daniels were to get injured, Mariota's rushing ability (2,156 career rushing yards) would give him some fantasy appeal.

Sunday, September 14, 9:42 PM

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes struggled to move the ball through the air in his team's 20-17 Week 2 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, completing 16 of 29 pass attempts for 188 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Still, Mahomes managed to save his fantasy stat line by rushing for 66 yards and a touchdown on seven attempts. The Chiefs will have easier matchups than the Eagles' defense going forward, but it may be difficult for Mahomes as a passer while top receivers Rashee Rice (suspension) and Xavier Worthy (shoulder) remain sidelined. Mahomes has been highly effective as a rusher so far this season, recording 123 yards and two touchdowns on 13 attempts. However, Kansas City likely won't want to risk his health by asking him to do too much with his legs. Mahomes remains a mid-to-low-end fantasy QB1 going forward.