Marcus Mariota

Week 5 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Falcons won last week against the Browns despite just 139 yards and an interception for Marcus Mariota, who has been putting up pedestrian numbers of late. He has less than 230 passing yards in all four games and three games with less than two passing touchdowns. A date with Tampa Bay this week means the likelihood of Mariota coming up with a strong fantasy performance is pretty unlikely. Mariota also doesn't have Cordarrelle Patterson for at least four games. Mariota is a tough start this week in Tampa.

Week 3 at Seattle Seahawks

Marcus Mariota has been an average fantasy quarterback through two weeks. He did throw for two touchdowns against the Rams in an attempt to overcome the infamous Falcons deficit of 28-3, ultimately falling short. This week, he faces the Seahawks on the road. It would be really nice to see Kyle Pitts get more involved, but at least Drake London has kept his fantasy value afloat. He's a middling QB2 this week with average projections.

Week 16 vs. Miami Dolphins

Marcus Mariota took over for the injured Derek Carr last week against the Chargers, and he played admirably, despite the narrow loss. Mariota was 17 of 28 for 226 yards, a touchdown and a pick. He added 88 yards and a touchdown on the ground though, something he’s been able to do consistently throughout his career.

Mariota is expected to start this week, but it’s a tough matchup against the Dolphins, who rank fifth in aFPA to opposing quarterbacks. Expect some flashy plays, but also some turnovers. He adds enough on the ground to make him worth considering as a flyer if you’re desperate, but we have him ranked as a lower-end QB2 option in most leagues.

Update: Carr sounds like he may start, but he's even less interesting than Mariota because he doesn't add anything rushing. Stay away from both Raiders quarterbacks this week.