Who Should I Start? Geno Smith or Sam Darnold

Sunday, August 24, 1:17 PM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith looked sharp in Sunday's preseason finale, leading the first-team offense on a 60-yard scoring drive in his lone series. The veteran capped the drive with a 17-yard strike to rookie wideout Dont'e Thornton Jr. in the end zone. Smith has shown poise throughout camp, and with Chip Kelly's up-tempo offense beginning to click, expectations are rising in Las Vegas. While Smith enters the year projected as a fantasy QB2, his efficiency and potential volume in a suddenly explosive system could make him a sneaky value pick in deeper formats.

Wednesday, September 3, 12:03 PM

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold was "mostly impressive because of his discipline" as a passer in training camp, according to Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic. Per Dugar, Darnold ranked second in the NFL in offensive plays of at least 20 yards (62) while playing for the Minnesota Vikings in 2024. However, Dugar writes, "that's not the Darnold we saw in training camp." It appears the Seahawks may be placing more of an emphasis on ball control and safe completions in the short and intermediate areas of the field in Darnold's first season with the team. The 28-year-old is reliant on big yardage and touchdown totals to score fantasy points. Darnold profiles as a fantasy QB3 who may not factor at all in 2025.