Marcus Mariota Is Healthy and Playing at a High Level

BALLER MOVE: Add in 10- and 12-Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 43% Fleaflicker

ANALYSIS: This is a tough match-up for Marcus Mariota, but in a week where a lot of other QBs with similar ownership percentages have even worse match-ups (Tyrod Taylor in a short week vs. Jets, Jay Cutler vs. Rams, Alex Smith vs. Broncos), I think Mariota is the best of some bad choices. After two weeks out, Mariota had a monster day against the Saints. So monster that he became the first rookie to ever throw for 300 yards with four pass touchdowns and no interceptions.

This week he gets a much much tougher matchup vs. the Panthers. Sure, Aaron Rodgers had 32 points against them this past week, but a lot of that was when Rodgers was playing from multiple touchdowns behind. When it mattered most, they picked him off in the end zone. Plus, it’s Aaron Rodgers, one of the very best in the game! So Mariota will have a much tougher time here. He’s shown enough that he is better than other readily available options.