Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Sam Howell


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
1.0 1.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Marcus Mariota News

Marcus Mariota Suffers Sprained MCL, Likely Out for Rest of Preseason

Sunday, August 16, 7:19 AM

Washington Commanders backup quarterback Marcus Mariota (knee) suffered a sprained MCL in the team's preseason opener on Friday against the Miami Dolphins that will likely keep him out for the rest of the preseason, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. It's unclear at this time if Mariota's knee injury will keep him sidelined going into Week 1 of the 2026 regular season versus the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Sept. 13. Either way, the Commanders might be in the market for a veteran signal-caller to provide more depth behind starter Jayden Daniels. The other QBs on the roster are Sam Hartman and undrafted rookie Athan Kaliakmanis. The 32-year-old Mariota played a big part in the Commanders' offense a year ago with Daniels only playing in seven games due to injury, although he went 2-6 in his eight starts while throwing for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in his 11 total games played.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Sam Howell News

Sam Howell Shines in Preseason Finale, Still in the Running for QB2 Job in Dallas?

Saturday, August 29, 7:58 AM

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Sam Howell put together a strong performance in his team's preseason finale against the New Orleans Saints on Friday, completing 12 of 18 pass attempts for 155 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Howell is competing with Joe Milton III for the backup quarterback job in Dallas behind star signal-caller Dak Prescott. Milton III played the entire first half against New Orleans, which could indicate that he has the leg up in the competition. However, Howell was certainly the better of the two quarterbacks on Friday, albeit against defenders even further down the Saints depth chart. Howell started 17 games for the Washington Commanders in 2023, throwing for 3,946 yards and 21 touchdowns while rushing for 263 yards and five scores. He also led the league in interceptions (21) and sacks (65) that season, and has bounced around the league ever since. With his gunslinger style of play, Howell could have some fantasy appeal if he ever gets a chance to start in Dallas.


Marcus Mariota vs. Sam Howell

Still trying to decide between Mariota and Howell? 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 1.0 points this week while Sam Howell is projected to score 0.6 points.