Carson Wentz vs Marcus Mariota: Who Should You Start?
Carson Wentz and Marcus Mariota are both viable fantasy quarterbacks heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Carson Wentz averaged 15.1 PPG across 5 games with the Minnesota Vikings, while Marcus Mariota posted 12.0 PPG in 11 appearances for the Washington Commanders.
A 3.1-PPG gap gives Carson Wentz 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. Carson Wentz threw for 1216 yards and 6 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: Carson Wentz sits Week 6 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.
