The season of pain is almost over in Washington. The Commanders have suffered through a brutal string of injuries this year, turning a promising playoff team into a 4-10 squad stumbling to the finish. Jayden Daniels’ injury looms over all and has thrust Marcus Mariota into starting duties. Now the former Heisman winner gets the chance to play spoiler against the visiting Philadelphia Eagles and deny them the opportunity to clinch the NFC East
Philadelphia is a seven-point favorite at -340 on the Moneyline, while Washington is +270 on DraftKings Sportsbook. The game total is set at 44.5 points. Here are my favorite Marcus Mariota player props for this Week 16 NFL game between the Eagles and Commanders.
Best Marcus Mariota Prop Bets
Though Washington’s offense has been collapsing around him, Mariota continues to perform admirably. He’s 19th in EPA per play amongst the 33 quarterbacks to run at least 250 plays this season. For a backup quarterback, that’s about the best you can ask for. He did just enough to propel Washington over the New York Giants last week in the battle of NFC East basement dwellers.
They’ll need Mariota to be on his A-game this week. Philadelphia’s secondary is top-10 in yards allowed per passing attempt, passing touchdowns allowed, and total passing yards allowed. Quinyon Mitchell is the leader of the Birds’ no-fly zone and will be all over Terry McLaurin like some Chrome Hearts on Timothee Chalamet. So, how will Mariota find a way to make plays?
One key absence for this game is Jalen Carter. Philly’s beast of an interior lineman lifts up both their run and pass defense; without him, the playbook opens up a bit more for Washington. I expect a few more run-pass option looks and some lanes to open up on the inside if Mariota wants to scramble. He’s quietly one of the best running quarterbacks in the game, even at 32 years old. In his past three starts, Mariota has run for at least 40 yards.
I expect much of the same on Saturday. In a game that should feature large chunks of negative game script, Washington will have to pass often, and the coverage will be excellent more often than not. Mariota is happy to use his legs instead of forcing tight window throws, so his rushing yardage lines make a lot of sense here.
