Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Trevor Siemian

Thursday, June 13, 12:52 PM

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota has been splitting first-team reps with first-round rookie Jayden Daniels this offseason, according to head coach Dan Quinn. The former No. 2 overall pick in 2015 by the Tennessee Titans signed a one-year deal with Washington at the start of free agency, and he could be the short-term starter if the team wants Daniels to sit for the first few weeks of the 2024 campaign. Although Mariota has struggled to keep a starting job, he has underrated fantasy football upside thanks to his rushing skill set. In 13 games for the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, Mariota averaged a respectable 15.8 fantasy points per game behind 2,219 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns, nine interceptions, 438 rushing yards, and four rushing touchdowns. He's a must-stash option in Superflex leagues, and fantasy managers might get one or two QB1 weeks out of him if he's the starter to begin the Dan Quinn era in Washington.

Sunday, January 7, 8:00 PM

New York Jets quarterback Trevor Siemian completed eight of his 20 pass attempts for 70 scoreless yards in a 17-3 victory over the New England Patriots. He added one rushing yard on two carries. The snowy weather conditions in Foxborough did no favors for either team's passing attack as Siemian and Patriots signal-caller Bailey Zappe combined for just 158 yards through the air. Nonetheless, Siemian avoided turning the ball over and led New York on four scoring drives. The 32-year-old will conclude the campaign going 2-1 as a starter and will hope to reprise a role as a backup next season.