Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Zach Wilson

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.

Saturday, November 1, 8:31 PM

According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, it's possible Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa could be benched at some point this season. Although Rapoport added Tagovailoa's "play would have to really fall" off for head coach Mike McDaniel to consider a swap, it appears "a potential benching isn't off the table." There are many calling for the signal-caller to be removed from his spot atop the depth chart. If that's the case, the Dolphins might turn to Zach Wilson. The 26-year-old, selected No. 2 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, has been far from a reliable fantasy quarterback. In 36 regular-season contests, he's thrown for 6,325 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions while completing a miserable 57.1% of his attempts. For now, Wilson doesn't have much value for redraft participants. That may not change even if he takes over for Tagovailoa. On the other hand, Wilson can be stashed in deep Superflex dynasty formats, especially in leagues where quarterbacks are hard to come by. It's worth noting that Rapoport indicated that rookie Quinn Ewers would also be considered as a replacement for Tagovailoa as well as the Dolphins potentially making a trade.