Who Should I Start? Ezekiel Elliott or Sam Darnold

Monday, March 16, 10:19 AM

Even after finishing 10th in the 2024 MVP vote while leading the Minnesota Vikings to a 14-win season, veteran quarterback Sam Darnold had his doubters heading into 2025. The 28-year-old signed with the Seattle Seahawks and quieted the critics in his first season in Seattle, completing 67.7% of his pass attempts for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions while leading the Seahawks to victory in Super Bowl LX. Seattle's dominant defense kept the team in run-heavy game scripts, but Darnold averaged an incredibly efficient 8.5 yards per pass attempt when allowed to let it loose. Darnold has recorded double-digit interceptions in every season where he's started at least 11 games, so turnovers will likely always be a part of his profile. Still, he's proven himself to be a capable NFL starter who can thrive in the right environment. While Seattle lost offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak over the offseason, the team still has a strong infrastructure around Darnold that includes superstar wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Darnold profiles as a solid fantasy QB2 in dynasty formats heading into 2026 and beyond.