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
Monday, March 9, 1:25 PM
The Washington Commanders re-signed backup quarterback Marcus Mariota to a one-year, $7 million deal on Monday, sources told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Mariota can make up to $11 million with performance-based incentives. In terms of experience and ability, the 32-year-old veteran is one of the top backup QB options in the NFL. Starter Jayden Daniels battled multiple injuries and missed significant time in 2025, leading to Mariota playing in 11 games (eight starts). The former second overall pick by the Tennessee Titans in 2015 out of Oregon completed 61.2% of his passes for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He also had 297 rushing yards and another score on the ground. The Commanders are hoping that Mariota won't see as much of the field in 2026, though, which would mean Daniels has been able to stay healthy in his third NFL campaign.
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, March 16, 10:19 AM
Even after finishing 10th in the 2024 MVP vote while leading the Minnesota Vikings to a 14-win season, veteran quarterback Sam Darnold had his doubters heading into 2025. The 28-year-old signed with the Seattle Seahawks and quieted the critics in his first season in Seattle, completing 67.7% of his pass attempts for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions while leading the Seahawks to victory in Super Bowl LX. Seattle's dominant defense kept the team in run-heavy game scripts, but Darnold averaged an incredibly efficient 8.5 yards per pass attempt when allowed to let it loose. Darnold has recorded double-digit interceptions in every season where he's started at least 11 games, so turnovers will likely always be a part of his profile. Still, he's proven himself to be a capable NFL starter who can thrive in the right environment. While Seattle lost offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak over the offseason, the team still has a strong infrastructure around Darnold that includes superstar wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Darnold profiles as a solid fantasy QB2 in dynasty formats heading into 2026 and beyond.
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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