Who would have thought that quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Marcus Mariota would be starting NFL games in Week 8 of the 2025 season? That just goes to show how unpredictable the NFL Can be.
This week, Flacco will make his third start in a row for the Cincinnati Bengals, filling in for an injured Joe Burrow, after being acquired from the Cleveland Browns via trade on October 7. Mariota will also make his third start of the season, filling in for an injured Jayden Daniels, who is dealing with an ankle sprain.
Both quarterbacks will have intriguing matchups as Flacco’s Bengals take on the New York Jets this Sunday and with Mariota’s Commanders taking on the Kansas City Chiefs.
Joe Flacco Outlook
Joe Flacco has played most of the 2025 season, starting in six total games with two teams. With the Browns, he got off to a 1-3 start, and threw for 815 yards, two touchdowns, and six interceptions. It looked as if his career was done before being traded to Cincy.
In his last two games, Flacco has pulled out some more magic out of his bag, completing 65.2 percent of his passes while throwing for 561 yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions.
He has benefited from the lethal WR duo of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Marcus Mariota Outlook
Marcus Mariota got the call to start this week against the Kansas City Chiefs as the Washington Commanders ruled out Jayden Daniels today, who is steal dealing with an ankle sprain.
Mariota started two games earlier this season while Daniels was out, defeating the Las Vegas Raiders and then losing to the Atlanta Falcons. He filled in for Daniels who left last Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys with an injury.
In the three games he’s appeared in, Mariota has completed 60.3 percent of his passes for 426 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. He’s also rushed for 94 yards and a touchdown.
Verdict
Joe Flacco has a favorable matchup against the New York Jets while Marcus Mariota has a tough primetime matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Flacco has also weapons in Chase and Higgins that he can rely on while the Commanders‘ WR room has been beat up all season. Go with Flacco over Mariota if you have to choose between the two in fantasy or for any other lineups.
Read More:
Start ’Em Sit ’Em Week 8: Best Fantasy Defense Options & Matchups To Target
Deebo Samuel Injury Update: What Fantasy Owners Need to Know About Commanders WR Ahead Week 8
