Drake Maye vs Marcus Mariota: Who Should You Start?
There is a real production gap between these two quarterbacks. Drake Maye (New England Patriots) averaged 21.1 PPG over 17 games in 2025, outscoring Marcus Mariota (Washington Commanders, 12.0 PPG) by 9.1 points per week. That separation would need a significant matchup swing to overcome.
That 9.1-point weekly advantage for Drake Maye 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.
Drake Maye offers meaningful rushing upside with 450 yards on the ground in 2025, which separates his floor from a pocket passer like Marcus Mariota (1695 passing yards, 10 touchdowns). In games where the passing matchup looks ugly, that rushing production can be the entire difference on a start/sit call.
Both share a Week 14 bye, which matters for roster construction. If you are stacking quarterbacks this deep on your bench, plan your replacement quarterback early.
