Week 5 vs. Buffalo
Coming off a bye, Mariota will see if he can continue his early torrid pace. He had eight TD passes in his first three games and has thrown for more yards in each week. He might not put up the 362 yards he did in his last start, but Buffalo's pass defense has been awful this season, allowing 10 TD passes already this season. Mariota isn't a bad option as a bye-week replacement.
Week 3 vs Indianapolis
Who cares if the Titans got their butts kicked by the Browns last week? Not you. You enjoyed a 257-yard, two-TD game from Mariota. He also ran a little last week (three times for 19 yards), somewhat offsetting the two interceptions he threw. He become the first rookie QB since Dan Marino to throw six TDs in his first two starts, which is a good sign and some good company to keep. Of course, the Colts have been pathetic on offense early this season, so the Titans might keep it simple for Mariota. With some other high-profile signal callers down this week, Mariota might be worth a flier.
Week 2 at Cleveland
Last week was more than anyone could have hoped for from Mariota, as he threw for 209 yards and four scores. He ran just twice for six yards, but if he throws four TDs every week, who cares? Of course, that won't happen. He's going to have some rookie moments. Cleveland allowed two TD passes last week, but limited the Jets to just 179 passing yards. But that was because Jets were having so much success on the ground, they didn't have to throw it a lot. You can't count on four TD passes every week from Mariota, so don't get carried away with expectations this week.
Week 1 at Tampa Bay
Mariota might not set the world on fire in his matchup with Jameis Winston, but his scrambling ability should be on display. Mariota completed 70 percent of his passes in the preseason, but had just one touchdown pass (and one interception). The Titans are limited in terms of playmakers at this point, so that limits Mariota's upside. And it's tough to go with a rookie signal caller in this situation when there are so many other good options.
Fantasy Upside
Marcus Mariota is going to be the Titans' starting quarterback this season. He's got a good arm and is a good enough athlete to run the ball, so he's going to have some success.
Fantasy Downside
Rookies, in general, aren't strong fantasy plays at the QB position. And considering the Titans don't have a wealth of offensive talent, Mariota will have his struggles.
Bottom line
Given Tennessee's lack of playmakers overall, don't expect Mariota to take the league by storm. The one plus is that his backup, Zach Mettenberger also is a young guy, so it's not like the team is going to be tempted to go to the wily veteran to try to win some games. The Titans and Mariota are going to take their lumps together this season. He's unlikely to be much of a fantasy factor.
