Baker Mayfield vs Marcus Mariota: Who Should You Start?
Baker Mayfield and Marcus Mariota are both viable fantasy quarterbacks heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Baker Mayfield averaged 16.6 PPG across 17 games with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while Marcus Mariota posted 12.0 PPG in 11 appearances for the Washington Commanders.
A 4.6-PPG gap gives Baker Mayfield the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Both lean on arm talent and offensive scheme as traditional pocket passers. Baker Mayfield threw for 3693 yards and 26 touchdowns, while Marcus Mariota posted 1695 yards and 10 scores. Volume, red zone efficiency, and game script are the key week-to-week differentiators when neither carries rushing upside.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Baker Mayfield sits Week 11 while Marcus Mariota is off Week 14. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
