Fantasy football managers searching for quarterback help might feel the waiver wire tightening this week. A few under-the-radar options are starting to surface, offering short-term value for teams in need of stability.
Some of these players may not be worth a start right away, but their upcoming matchups could change that outlook. Let’s take a closer look at a couple of names who might deserve a closer watch going forward.
Marcus Mariota, Washington Commanders
Rostered: 16%
The waiver wire is very thin at the quarterback position. Marcus Mariota can’t even help fantasy managers next week because the Washington Commanders are on bye, The idea behind adding Mariota is if you need a weekly starter, he’s proven to have a pretty high floor.
Mariota posted 16.4 fantasy points in a low-scoring game where he only threw one touchdown, which is exactly the point. It marked his worst fantasy outing in any of his starts this season.
You don’t want to use Mariota in Week 13 against the Denver Broncos. So, he’s not a priority add. But keep him on your radar as he gets the Giants and Cowboys in Weeks 15 and 17.
Aggressiveness Rating: 1.0
Jacoby Brissett, Arizona Cardinals
Rostered: 33%
The magical run continues…at least from a fantasy perspective. Jacoby Brissett is not exactly winning games for the Arizona Cardinals. But he is scoring fantasy points.
It took 57 pass attempts and an entire half’s worth of garbage time, but Brissett got himself to a fifth consecutive game of at least 19 fantasy points. He threw for a career high 452 yards and two touchdowns. Even without Marvin Harrison Jr., Brissett was able to get it done.
Harrison is likely to be out for another week, but that shouldn’t matter too much. Brissett has proven he’s a weekly fantasy QB1. If you need a QB, the Cardinals QB absolutely works.
Aggressiveness Rating: 3.0
Brissett Keeps Producing While Mariota Remains a Smart Stash for Fantasy Managers
Mariota and Brissett represent two very different fantasy situations heading into the stretch run. Mariota’s upcoming schedule could set him up as a steady option for managers who can afford to stash him through the bye. His dual-threat ability gives him a stable fantasy floor, even if his production hasn’t popped on the scoreboard just yet.
Brissett, meanwhile, continues to surprise with big passing volume and consistent output despite the Cardinals’ struggles. His ability to deliver fantasy value regardless of game script makes him one of the more reliable streaming quarterbacks available.
Both players carry value depending on team needs — Mariota for patience and long-term depth, Brissett for those in immediate need of points. Fantasy managers should act based on roster flexibility and upcoming matchups, keeping both quarterbacks in consideration as the playoff push intensifies.
