Alright, so I got really into this fantasy football thing, and let me tell you, it’s been a wild ride. I decided to give it a shot this season, and picked up Marcus Mariota for my team. I’d heard some buzz about him, figured he might be a decent pick. Here’s how it all went down.
First Steps and Getting Mariota
First off, I joined a league with some buddies. We did the whole draft thing, which was pretty intense. Everyone’s shouting out names, trying to get the best players. When it came to my turn to pick a quarterback, I remembered Mariota. He wasn’t the top pick, but I had a hunch he could do well. So, I grabbed him for my team.

Early Season – High Hopes
At the start of the season, I was feeling pretty good about Mariota. He had a few solid games where he racked up some decent points. I was like, “Yeah, this is going great!” I even bragged a bit to my friends about how I made a smart move picking him. But, you know, it’s a long season, and things can change fast.
Mid-Season – The Rollercoaster
Then came the middle of the season. Man, it was like a rollercoaster. Mariota had some good games, but also some real stinkers. One week he’d be throwing touchdowns and running like crazy, getting me a bunch of points. The next week, he’d be throwing interceptions and barely doing anything. It was frustrating! I started to second-guess my decision. My friends were teasing me, saying I should’ve picked someone else. I spent hours checking stats, reading articles, trying to figure out if I should keep him or trade him.
The Decision – To Keep or Not to Keep
This was the toughest part. I agonized over whether to keep Mariota or try to trade him for another quarterback. I looked at the waiver wire, compared stats, and even asked for advice on some forums. It was a real dilemma. On one hand, he had the potential to be great. On the other hand, he was so inconsistent.
Late Season – A Glimmer of Hope
Towards the end of the season, Mariota started to show some signs of life again. He had a couple of games where he really shined. He was making smart plays, throwing accurately, and even running for some touchdowns. I started to feel a bit better about keeping him. It was like he was finally hitting his stride. Maybe my patience was paying off, I thought.
Playoffs – The Final Test
Then came the playoffs. This was it, do or die. I decided to stick with Mariota. I figured, “I’ve come this far with him, might as well see it through.” In the first playoff game, he did alright. Not amazing, but enough to help me win. I was relieved. But then, in the next game, he had a rough one. Threw a couple of interceptions, didn’t score much. And just like that, my fantasy season was over.
Reflections and Lessons Learned
Looking back, it was a crazy experience with Mariota. I learned a lot about fantasy football, about making tough decisions, and about dealing with ups and downs. Would I pick him again? Maybe, maybe not. It depends on how he’s doing next season. But one thing’s for sure, it’s all about the thrill of the game, the strategy, and the fun of competing with friends.
Here are some things I jotted down during the season:

- Keep an eye on trends: Watch how players perform over several games.
- Don’t panic: One bad game doesn’t mean it’s all over.
- Trust your gut: Sometimes you just have to go with your instincts.
- Have fun: It’s just a game, enjoy the ride!
So yeah, that’s my story with Marcus Mariota in fantasy football. It was a wild, unpredictable, and ultimately fun experience. I can’t wait to see what happens next season!