Jordan Love or Marcus Mariota: Who Should You Start?

The call

• Consensus has him at QB20 with 14.9 projected points, right at the replacement line in a 12-team league. That is a borderline QB1, not a weekly starter.
• The matchup is neutral at best: TB ranks 14 of 32 in DvP vs QBs, and that rests on a 3-game sample with 0.25 confidence, so there is little signal either way.
• Game script is modestly supportive. A 24.5 implied team total and a near pick'em spread (-1.5) point to a competitive game where Love keeps throwing.
• ESPN reports he has been quick-pressured 37 times in three games, a real drag on efficiency. Start him if your alternative ranks below QB20, and lean toward a higher-ranked streamer if one is available.

The call

• The setup is good if he plays. Washington's 26.0 implied total and a -1.5 spread point to a competitive game with scoring chances, and 18.4 PPR is borderline QB1 territory in 12-team leagues.
• The matchup helps a little: IND ranks 23 of 32 in DvP. That rests on a 3-game sample with 0.25 confidence, so don't lean on it.
• The real risk is the role. The sheet lists him at QB with no designation, but ESPN (2026-09-30) only says he has a 'strong chance' to start in place of Jayden Daniels. If Daniels plays, Mariota scores near zero. The Dopp headline is unverified and adds nothing concrete.
• What tips it: confirmation that Daniels is out moves this to a start over a typical streamer. If you can't get that before lock, start a QB whose role is guaranteed.