Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Spencer Rattler

Wednesday, August 6, 9:20 PM

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (leg) won't travel with the team for their preseason opener against the New England Patriots. Head coach Dan Quinn said on Wednesday that Mariota is dealing with a mild lower leg strain. Luckily, it sounds like a minor injury as Quinn said his level of concern was low. The Commanders will take the cautious approach and rest their backup quarterback. Mariota served as the backup to Jayden Daniels last season. He completed 34-of-44 passing attempts for 364 passing yards and four touchdowns in three games with Washington last year. There won't be any fantasy value here with Mariota while Daniels is healthy. Sam Hartman figures to see the bulk of the snaps in the preseason opener.

Thursday, August 14, 8:31 PM

New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore told reporters on Thursday that he has yet to decide on a starter for Sunday's home meeting with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Spencer Rattler got the nod last weekend and played one quarter in their loss to the Chargers before giving way to rookie signal-caller Tyler Shough. Shough saw the most work in that one, and that Moore is still tinkering with his lineup suggests the Saints' QB situation is far from clear-cut. One of Shough or Rattler figures to eventually pull ahead in that race, but Jake Haener can't be counted out just yet. Whomever eventually wins out will determine the value of New Orleans' skill players. Still, outside of running back Alvin Kamara and wide receiver Chris Olave, there aren't many other enticing options. Perhaps the situation will shake itself out this weekend when the Jaguars come to town.