Bryce Young vs Marcus Mariota: Who Should You Start?
If you are choosing between Bryce Young and Marcus Mariota for your lineup, you are not alone. Bryce Young finished the 2025 season at 14.3 PPG for the Carolina Panthers (16 games), and Marcus Mariota averaged 12.0 for the Washington Commanders (11 games).
That 2.3-point weekly advantage for Bryce Young is meaningful but not automatic. Fantasy football is a week-to-week sport, and the answer to "who should I start" often changes based on opponent, recent form, and game environment. Season averages set the baseline; weekly context makes the call.
Both lean on arm talent and offensive scheme as traditional pocket passers. Bryce Young threw for 3011 yards and 23 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: Bryce Young 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.
