Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Shedeur Sanders

Monday, September 29, 12:07 PM

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota got going late in the 34-27 loss to his former team, the Atlanta Falcons, in Week 4, in what could be his final start with Jayden Daniels targeting a return from his knee sprain in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Mariota finished Sunday's loss by going 16-for-27 passing for 156 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He added two carries for 20 yards and was sacked twice for a loss of nine yards. The 31-year-old veteran's touchdown passes went to receivers Luke McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel Sr. In two games in place of the injured Daniels, Mariota has been decent, completing 64.6% of his 48 pass attempts for 363 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. It's not a lock that Daniels will play in Week 5, but if Mariota makes a third straight start, he'll be a low-end QB2 play against a tough Chargers defense on the road.

Friday, October 10, 1:34 PM

Cleveland Browns rookie fifth-round quarterback Shedeur Sanders will serve as the backup to fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel in the Week 6 divisional clash on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski. Sanders began the year buried on Cleveland's QB depth chart, but he has slowly risen up the ranks after the Browns traded both Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett. The 23-year-old showed well in training camp and the preseason and has been praised by the coaching staff for the work that he's put in, but they are going to continue to develop him at their own pace in what is looking like another rebuilding year. Gabriel will probably have a long leash under center as he heads into just his second NFL start this weekend against Pittsburgh. However, Sanders' odds of seeing action in 2025 later this year have risen dramatically after the trade of Flacco this week. He is still only deserving of being rostered in fantasy in dynasty/keeper leagues.