Fantasy football managers looking for quarterback help might be considering Marcus Mariota as a potential waiver wire pickup heading into Week 12. The options are limited this late in the season, so any reliable production can make a difference.
Mariota has shown flashes that keep him worth monitoring, even if his short-term outlook isn’t ideal. With favorable matchups later in the schedule, he could become a valuable streaming option down the stretch.
Should Marcus Mariota Be a Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Add in Week 12?
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
Mariota’s Fantasy Upside Against Upcoming Matchups
When it comes to the uncertainty at quarterback this late in the fantasy season, managers searching for stability must adjust their expectations. Mariota isn’t someone to rush out and grab, especially with a bye week looming for the Commanders. Recent performances, while not inspiring, offer just enough consistency to merit watching his status as the fantasy playoffs draw near.
Looking at upcoming matchups, avoiding Mariota for Week 13 is the clear move, given Denver’s defense. However, brighter opportunities may arise against opponents like the Giants and Cowboys, who have both shown some vulnerability to quarterbacks at times this year. This schedule gives Mariota a path to relevance, though it comes with risk and should be regarded with appropriate caution.
In a fantasy landscape where quarterback options are increasingly limited, managers can’t expect weekly heroics from Mariota. Instead, he fits as a contingency plan — a player with a serviceable floor for those navigating injuries or byes at the toughest position to fill. While his “aggressiveness rating” is low, the reality is that reliable production of any kind can make the difference in late-season matchups.
Ultimately, keeping Mariota on your radar is the right approach. He shouldn’t be a priority add, but given the state of the waiver wire, just having another potential starter like Mariota in mind could prove valuable as the fantasy playoffs approach. Be prepared, keep expectations realistic, and let the matchups guide your decisions.
