Marcus Mariota vs Tyler Shough: Who Should You Start?
Marcus Mariota and Tyler Shough are both viable fantasy quarterbacks heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Marcus Mariota averaged 12.0 PPG across 11 games with the Washington Commanders, while Tyler Shough posted 14.9 PPG in 11 appearances for the New Orleans Saints.
A 2.9-PPG gap gives Tyler Shough 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. Marcus Mariota threw for 1695 yards and 10 touchdowns, while Tyler Shough posted 2384 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: Marcus Mariota sits Week 14 while Tyler Shough is off Week 12. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
