Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Sam Darnold

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.

Sunday, November 23, 8:00 PM

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold completed 16 of his 26 pass attempts for 244 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions during Sunday's Week 12 win over the Tennessee Titans. Darnold had seven turnovers over his last two games coming into this week, so it was refreshing to see him play clean, turnover-free football, albeit in a softer matchup against a subpar Titans defense. The veteran quarterback had his best fantasy performance since Week 9 and will remain in the mix as a high-end QB2 for Week 13 against the Minnesota Vikings in an exciting revenge game scenario. With that being said, Seattle could opt to go run-heavy against the Vikings, taking the ball out of Darnold's hands from time to time. Minnesota surrendered 146 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns to the Packers in Week 12, whereas Jordan Love only threw for 139 yards and no scores.