Who Should I Start? Matthew Stafford or Marcus Mariota

Friday, September 6, 3:52 PM

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford could be in line to have a very productive week as he visits his old team in Detroit for an SNF matchup against the Lions. The game is expected to have one of the highest totals of the week and Stafford has his full array of weapons (aside from tight end Tyler Higbee) with Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp both healthy. Throw Kyren Williams and capable backup tight end Colby Parkinson into the fray and Stafford should have plenty of options to throw to against a Lions defense that allowed 19.4 points per game to opposing quarterbacks in fantasy last season. Stafford averaged nearly 20 points per game in games in which Kupp played last season. He should be plenty motivated in his return from Detroit and should be treated as a borderline QB1 in Week 1. He can be started with confidence in the right roster situation.

Saturday, September 7, 3:32 PM

The Washington Commanders have placed quarterback Marcus Mariota (chest) on injured reserve and have signed quarterback Sam Hartman from their practice squad. Mariota, who sustained a chest injury during Wednesday's practice, will be sidelined until at least early October. Washington had signed Mariota to a one-year, $6 million contract before drafting Jayden Daniels with their second-round pick. Mariota, a former No. 2 overall pick in 2015, had agreed to either mentor or start as needed for the team. This marks Mariota's first season with the Commanders after previous stints with the Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, and Philadelphia Eagles. The rookie from Notre Dame will step in as the third-string quarterback behind Daniels, the starter, and Jeff Driskel, the new backup, for the start of the season.