Signs point to Marcus Mariota starting for Commanders for injured Jayden Daniels
Fri Sep 19 11:58am ET
Field Level Media
Marcus Mariota edged closer to making his 75th career regular-season start on Friday with fellow quarterback Jayden Daniels not on the field when the Washington Commanders began their final practice of the week.
Daniels has been on the field early in the day this week to throw, but hasn't gone through a practice since injuring his knee last Thursday in Washington's loss at Green Bay.
Head coach Dan Quinn set participation in practice as a must this week for the Commanders to have confidence Daniels safely can return to the starting role.
Short of that, the plan is to hand the keys to 31-year-old backup Mariota for the starting assignment against one of his former teams, the Las Vegas Raiders. It would be his first start in three years.
"Anytime he's asked to play or practice or even on scout team, he's been phenomenal," Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said. "So, he treats it like a pro as a leader on the team despite not being the starter, which is hard to do and can't say enough good things about him. So, if he has to go, I'm sure he will be ready."
Mariota the first-team offense in all three practices this week. It's the first extended work with the group he's had since last season. He battled tendinitis during training camp, limiting his availability and keeping him from playing in any of Washington's three preseason games.
Mariota completed 77.3 percent of his passes in two cameo appearances in 2024 and re-signed with Washington to continue mentoring Daniels, the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year. In the 2024 regular-season finale, Mariota relieved Daniels and connected with Terry McLaurin for the game-winning touchdown with two seconds left. He finished the game with a total of three touchdowns and was 15-of-18 passing.
"I think that's what's been awesome about this team. We kind of preach it every single day, but just the brotherhood, the connection, regardless of how this situation plays out, just knowing that the guys have my back gives me confidence," Mariota said.
Mariota spent the first five seasons of his 11-year NFL career with the Tennessee Titans, who drafted him No. 2 overall out of Oregon in 2015. He signed with the Raiders in 2020 and played in 11 games over two seasons before jumping to the Atlanta Falcons (2022), Philadelphia Eagles (2023) and Commanders.
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The Paur Report
New England Patriots tight end Austin Hooper has seen increased usage within the team's offense, but it's not enough to justify starting him in fantasy football against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3. Hooper's snap share jumped from 32 percent in Week 1 to 62 percent in Week 2, and his pass-catching volume increased, too. The 30-year-old caught all three of his targets for 38 yards last week, out-producing Hunter Henry despite playing fewer snaps than him. Hooper remains the No. 2 tight end on the depth chart behind Henry, but he's still seeing decent playing time, especially in two-tight end sets. This week, Hooper is facing a mid-range Steelers defense that has allowed the 12th-most fantasy points to tight ends. Hooper ranks as RotoBaller's TE41 this week, and he can be benched in most leagues.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte remains in the low-end WR3/flex tier ahead of his Week 3 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Boutte is averaging 12.5 fantasy points (PPR) per game this year, and he salvaged his one-catch showing last week with a touchdown. The 23-year-old has been one of Drake Maye's favorite and most reliable targets, and that should continue to be the case this Sunday. It's a particularly intriguing matchup for Boutte given that 88.1 percent of his snaps have come on the perimeter, and the Steelers have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to perimeter receivers in 2025. Boutte leads all Patriots receivers in snaps this year and should impress in a high-volume role this weekend. Fantasy managers in leagues with at least 12 teams should feel comfortable starting Boutte in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry is a risky fantasy option for Week 3 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. While he impressed with 66 yards back in the season opener, Henry came back down to earth with just one catch for nine yards last weekend. His target share has been volatile, and he lost a portion of his snaps to Austin Hooper in Week 2. Hooper finished that game with a 62 percent snap share, which was nearly double his snap share from Week 1. While we've seen that Henry can have fantasy relevance even when Hooper is involved, it's still a factor to consider when weighing whether to start Henry in fantasy football. Looking at this week's matchup, the Steelers have allowed the 12th-most fantasy points to tight ends in 2025. RotoBaller's experts are ranking Henry as the overall TE16 this week.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs has seen lower usage than expected during the first two weeks of the season, which makes him tough to trust in fantasy football for Week 3 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Diggs' volume has been steady so far, but he has only played 54.2 percent of the team's offensive snaps. This type of usage might not be enough to justify starting Diggs in fantasy football, especially against a Steelers defense that has been near league-average in terms of fantasy points allowed to wide receivers. They've been particularly stingy against slot receivers, and 36.6 percent of Diggs' snaps this season have come in the slot. He ranks just outside the top 36 fantasy receivers for Week 3 against Pittsburgh.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas is no longer worth rostering in redraft leagues after his snap share took a massive decline last week. Douglas played just 25 percent of the offensive snaps in Week 2, commanding only one target. With drastically reduced usage, Douglas can be dropped in most fantasy leagues and should be avoided ahead of Week 3 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This matchup is particularly concerning for Douglas, who has played 76.7 percent of his snaps in the slot this season. Pittsburgh has allowed the 10th-fewest fantasy points to slot receivers. Managers can find much better options than Douglas this week.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is an intriguing fantasy option heading into Sunday's Week 3 contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Maye has looked solid through the first two games of the season, demonstrating accurate passing, moderately clean football, and rushing upside. His path to fantasy production continues to trend in the right direction this weekend. While the Steelers have been a strong defense in recent history, they have struggled to contain quarterback production this year, allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to the position. Both Justin Fields and Sam Darnold have found fantasy success against Pittsburgh, and Maye should follow in their footsteps. He's a fringe top-12 fantasy quarterback heading into Week 3.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson could continue to see significant volume as he works to hold onto his lead-back role against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3. While fantasy managers are itching to see Tre'Veyon Henderson take over the New England backfield, Stevenson has held onto the top spot on the depth chart through two weeks. He was quite impressive last Sunday against the Dolphins, leading the Patriots in rushing attempts, rushing yards, targets, receptions, and receiving yards. He should handle roughly 15 touches with solid efficiency this week against the Steelers, who have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2025. Stevenson is worth starting as a low-end RB2 in fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson has once again proven to be a steady fantasy contributor, making five of his six field-goal attempts through two games. His lone miss came from 58 yards, showing he's been accurate and dependable from standard ranges. With the Raiders offense struggling to finish drives, Carlson has benefited from frequent opportunities to put points on the board. That trend should continue in Week 3, as he enters tied for K8 on the season and facing a lighter stretch of the schedule ahead. While often overlooked at the kicker position, Carlson's consistency makes him a viable starting option and one of the better surprises for fantasy managers early in the 2025 campaign.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants kicker Graham Gano has established himself as a premier fantasy option and should be considered in Week 3 against the Chiefs. Gano is currently the K5 in fantasy, averaging an impressive 10.5 points per game while remaining perfect on the season, having made all five of his field goal attempts--including a long of 55 yards--and all four extra points. While some fantasy managers may hesitate to trust the Giants' offense week-to-week, its ability to move the ball, as seen in the 37-point outing against Dallas, provides Gano with ample scoring opportunities. His proven accuracy and the offense's capability to stall in opponent territory make him a top-tier fantasy kicker.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker will face the New York Giants on Sunday night in Week 3. Butker nailed all three field goal attempts in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Chargers, but the same could not be said about his performance last week. The Chiefs kicker made only one of his two field goal attempts, missing a 58-yard attempt towards the end of the first quarter. Butker was one of the most valuable kickers in fantasy when the Chiefs were the best offense in football, but they've since regressed and so has his value. The Giants could provide a boost to the kicker this week. The Giants allowed the Dallas Cowboys to score 40 points in Week 2, including a massive performance from Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey. Aubrey knocked through four field goals and four extra-point attempts on route to a 22-point fantasy performance. Butker is not expected to reach those heights this week, but the matchup should provide an opportunity for more volume. Butker is ranked K12 in our RotoBaller rankings, making him a start-worthy player in most leagues.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard drops to the RB3/flex tier ahead of his Week 3 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Although Pollard remains the workhorse in Tennessee, he has delivered modest production at best, averaging 4.0 yards per carry with only one reception and zero touchdowns so far. The Colts have averaged just 76 rushing yards allowed to running back rooms per game this season, which means Pollard will likely continue to struggle with efficiency on Sunday. He'll rank outside the top-24 running backs this week and ideally should only be started in leagues with at least 12 teams.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cameron Ward remains off the fantasy radar in redraft leagues ahead of Week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts. Ward has experienced plenty of growing pains through his first two NFL games, completing just 50.8 percent of his passes for a total of 287 yards, one touchdown, and two lost fumbles. He has also taken 11 sacks while rushing for just eight yards. This week, Ward takes on the Colts, who have been playing surprisingly well on both sides of the ball. Indianapolis has forced four turnovers so far this year and could have a field day against this year's No. 1 pick. Ward ranks outside the top 24 fantasy quarterbacks this week, and while he should continue to be stashed in dynasty leagues, he can be left on waivers in all redraft formats.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart remains a non-factor in fantasy football for Week 3, despite the coaching staff's continued interest in using him. Head Coach Brian Daboll has a specific package for Dart and used him on three running plays against Dallas, even in a close game, though Dart's lone carry resulted in a loss of yardage. While this willingness to deploy the rookie keeps him on the dynasty radar, his minimal snap count means his fantasy impact is nonexistent for now, regardless of the opponent. With Russell Wilson firmly entrenched as the starter, Dart is purely a gadget player who should not be rostered in any standard fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson is not a recommended fantasy option for his Week 3 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The second-year tight end has had a quiet start to the season, ranking as the TE35 by averaging just 3.2 fantasy points per game on five total receptions for 39 yards through two contests. His prospects for a breakout performance are virtually nonexistent against a Chiefs defense that has completely shut down opposing tight ends. Kansas City ranks as the 3rd-toughest fantasy defense against the position, allowing a minuscule 6.55 points per game, making Johnson an easy player to leave on the waiver wire this week.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson is a compelling but volatile fantasy option for Week 3 after the best game of his career. Robinson exploded for 24.2 fantasy points against the Cowboys, hauling in 8 of 10 targets for 142 yards and a touchdown, earning high praise from quarterback Russell Wilson. While fantasy managers may question if he can repeat this performance, he gets an ideal opportunity against a vulnerable Kansas City Chiefs secondary. The Chiefs rank as the 25th-best defense against fantasy wide receivers, allowing a generous 39.95 points per game to the position, making Robinson a high-upside WR3/flex play this week.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz is a strong candidate to bounce back and rank among the top 10 players at his position during Week 3 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Lutz went 4-for-4 on extra points last week but missed his lone field goal attempt, so he's looking for better production this time around. A much tougher matchup against the Chargers works in his favor as the Broncos could end more drives in field goals and fewer drives in touchdowns. Furthermore, kickers have fared quite well against the Chargers this year, with Harrison Butker and Daniel Carlson both posting double-digit fantasy points. Finally, Lutz will play in a calm environment inside SoFi Stadium, protecting him from elements like wind or rain.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers is an elite, must-start fantasy option for his Week 3 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The second-year player has been sensational, ranking as the WR1 overall by averaging 21.4 fantasy points per game on a league-leading 25 targets, including a massive 167-yard, two-touchdown performance in Week 2. Nabers is set up for another big day against a Chiefs defense that has struggled to contain opposing wideouts this season. Kansas City ranks as the 25th-best fantasy defense against the position, surrendering a generous 39.95 points per game to wide receivers, locking Nabers in as a top-tier WR1 who should be in all lineups.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers continues to command a dominant share of the passing game, leading the team with 22 targets through two weeks. He's turned that workload into 14 receptions for 165 yards, and his role should remain secure with tight end Brock Bowers still limited in practice. Meyers has been the focal point of the offense and is thriving in his contract year, showing consistency that fantasy managers can trust. A Week 3 matchup against Trey Amos and Marshon Lattimore in the Commanders' secondary presents a challenge, but Meyers' volume provides a strong floor. He remains a safe WR3 or flex option, particularly in PPR formats where his steady target share is too valuable to overlook.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will take on the New York Giants on Sunday night in Week 3. Kelce had four catches for 61 yards in last week's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The 35-year-old is not as involved as he once was, but he has still managed to reach double-digit PPR fantasy points in each game this season. The Giants defense is not one to avoid for tight ends, which is why Kelce could be the key to Kansas City collecting its first victory. The New York defense held Zach Ertz to a serviceable three catches for 26 yards in Week 1, but he was able to find the endzone in that contest. Jake Ferguson just torched this Giants defense with nine catches for 78 yards in their Week 2 shootout. Kelce led the team in targets last week with Xavier Worthy sidelined and he could do so again this week. Worthy is officially questionable to play on Sunday and even if he does, he could be limited. Kelce is ranked TEG in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a mid-range TE1 this week. Tight ends have found success against the New York Giants this season and Kelce could be next.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker is steadily carving out a larger role in the offense, even if the production hasn't followed just yet. After seeing three targets in Week 1, Tucker's usage jumped to eight against the Chargers, and he's now logged snaps on 91% of the team's offensive plays. The third-year wideout managed only three catches for 12 yards in the loss, though the heavy involvement shows Geno Smith's trust in his development. Tucker's speed and big-play potential make him a name to monitor closely on the waiver wire, especially in deeper leagues. Still, fantasy managers should wait for him to string together consistent results before considering him an add, as volume alone won't guarantee immediate success.
From RotoBaller
