Head to Head

Updated August 16, 2026 from live stats

Marcus Mariota vs Will LevisWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

DraftCall Analytics

Start Will Levis over Marcus Mariota in 2026.

Will Levis averaged 13.2 PPG in 2025 to Marcus Mariota's 12.6, a 0.6 point per game edge. Levis also stayed healthier, playing 14 games to 10, which steadies his weekly floor.

The Bottom Line

Statistically, Will Levis and Marcus Mariota are interchangeable on a season-long basis. The 0.6-PPG gap is one broken play per game. For weekly start/sit calls, check opponent defense and recent form before defaulting to the name.

Low confidence: the production gap is narrow enough that weekly context matters more than the season line.

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QBWashington Commanders#31

Marcus Mariota

PPG

12.6

Games

Pass Yds

1,695

Pass TDs

Rush Yds

297

Rush TDs

Bye

Week 7

QBTennessee Titans#99PPG LEADER

Will Levis

PPG

13.2

Games

Pass Yds

2,780

Pass TDs

Rush Yds

245

Rush TDs

Bye

Week 5

The Edge Chart

Marcus Mariota

Will Levis

Head to Head

12.6 PPG13.2 PPG

10 GP14 GP

Bye: Week 7Bye: Week 5

Fantasy Tiers

Marcus Mariota: Tier 6 (Bench/Bye Fill) QB (ranked #31 at the position). Will Levis: Unranked QB. Among the top 32 quarterbacks this season, Marcus Mariota is producing at 57% of elite pace and Will Levis at 60%. That ranking gap means Marcus Mariota carries more trade value and a higher draft cost in 2026.

Marcus Mariota vs Will Levis: The Full Breakdown

This is a genuine coin flip on paper. Marcus Mariota finished the 2025 season at 12.6 PPG over 10 games with the Washington Commanders, while Will Levis clocked in at 13.2 across 14 appearances for the Tennessee Titans. A 0.6-point gap means any given week could go either way.

With a margin this thin, season averages are not the deciding factor. Weekly variables like opponent defense, game script, and injury status carry more weight than a fraction of a PPG. The right start in Week 6 might be the wrong start in Week 14.

Both lean on arm talent and offensive scheme as traditional pocket passers. Marcus Mariota threw for 1695 yards and 10 touchdowns, while Will Levis posted 2780 yards and 17 scores. Volume, red zone efficiency, and game script are the key week-to-week differentiators when neither carries rushing upside.

One scheduling note: Marcus Mariota is off Week 7 and Will Levis Week 5. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in quarterback for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.

Trade Value + Dynasty Outlook

Both are in a similar trade value range. A straight swap would be fair in most leagues, with the tiebreaker going to whichever manager values schedule or bye week more. Dynasty outlook: Marcus Mariota (age 32) is on the back end of his prime. Strong now, but dynasty value declines year over year. Will Levis (age 27) is in his prime window. Peak production now with steady value for the next 3-4 seasons.

Did You Know?

•Will Levis outscored Marcus Mariota by a projected 10 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•Will Levis played 14 games in 2025 compared to Marcus Mariota's 10. That durability gap means Will Levis contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
•Will Levis scored 20 total touchdowns in 2025 (1.4 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at quarterback.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Marcus Mariota vs Will Levis: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	Marcus Mariota	Will Levis
PPG (Half-PPR)	12.6	13.2
Games Played	10	14
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	126	185
Passing Yards	1,695	2,780
Passing TDs	10	17
Pass Yds/Game	169.5	198.6
Rushing Yards	297	245
Rushing TDs	1	3
Total TDs	11	20
TDs/Game	1.1	1.4
Age	32	-
Experience	10 yrs	-
Bye Week	Week 7	Week 5

Summary

13.2 PPG for Will Levis versus 12.6 for Marcus Mariota in 2025. The baseline favors Will Levis, though the right weekly matchup can flip the script. For a full breakdown that weighs matchup quality, form, and injury reports, try DraftCall's AI comparison engine.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Marcus Mariota or Will Levis in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, Will Levis has the edge at 13.2 PPG compared to Marcus Mariota's 12.6 PPG. However, the best start depends on weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status. DraftCall's app provides real-time AI-powered verdicts that factor in all of these variables.

How many fantasy points did Marcus Mariota and Will Levis average in 2025?▾

Marcus Mariota averaged 12.6 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 10 games in 2025. Will Levis averaged 13.2 PPG over 14 games. That is a difference of 0.6 points per game.

When are Marcus Mariota and Will Levis's bye weeks in 2026?▾

Marcus Mariota (WAS) has a bye in Week 7, and Will Levis (TEN) has a bye in Week 5. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Marcus Mariota or Will Levis a better fantasy quarterback in 2026?▾

Will Levis outscored Marcus Mariota by 0.6 PPG in 2025, which gives him the edge heading into 2026. For a week-by-week verdict, DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality and recent trends in real time.