Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Sam Darnold
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Marcus Mariota News
Friday, May 8, 12:28 PM
After appearing in just six games (zero starts) between 2023 and 2024, Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota was pressed into starting duty in 2025 thanks to myriad injury issues for Washington QB1 Jayden Daniels. The veteran Mariota performed adequately, throwing for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions across 11 games (eight starts). Mariota's fantasy appeal comes from his ability to use his legs, as he rushed for 297 yards and a score on 50 attempts. With Daniels healthy heading into 2026, Mariota should slide back into a backup role. Given Daniels' injury track record dating back to his days in college, dynasty managers may want to consider stashing Mariota in a bench spot. Still, rostering Mariota is a deep-league play at best, as he offers little upside beyond capable QB2 production as he enters his age-33 season.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Sam Darnold News
Monday, April 27, 5:37 AM
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold won the Super Bowl in his first year with Seattle after rehabilitating his career in one season with the Minnesota Vikings. Darnold finished as the QB14 in 2025 after a top-10 finish in 2024. In both Seattle and Minnesota, he was able to support All-Pro wide receivers, most recently helping Jaxon Smith-Njigba to win the league's Offensive Player of the Year Award. Having topped 25 passing touchdowns only once and never adding more than 217 yards on the ground, though, his own fantasy ceiling may be limited. At RotoBaller's dynasty QB21, Darnold feels accurately priced, and the nine-year veteran should be able to continue delivering reliable QB2 floors. His current deal with Seattle runs through the 2027 season, and he will be almost 31 years old when he gets to that point, so he may not see much of the traditional dynasty bump that comes with a new contract, but barring the unforeseen, he should remain a safe hold for as long as he's tied to Smith-Njigba.
Marcus Mariota vs. Sam Darnold
Still trying to decide between Mariota and Darnold? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Marcus Mariota is projected to score 0.0 points this week while Sam Darnold is projected to score 0.0 points.
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