Who Should I Start? Jimmy Garoppolo or Sam Darnold

Saturday, September 6, 9:56 PM

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay views quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo as a "starting-caliber" option. Matthew Stafford is in line to start on Sunday versus the Houston Texans. However, with the veteran signal-caller battling a lingering back injury, the Rams are confident Garoppolo can fill in admirably if necessary. From a fantasy standpoint, Stafford has had a better career. Still, with concerns about his health, Garoppolo may get a chance to start at some point moving ahead. The 33-year-old played for the Patriots, 49ers, and Raiders before arriving in Los Angeles in 2024 to suit up for the Rams. In 82 regular-season contests, he's thrown for 15,828 yards, 96 touchdowns, and 52 interceptions off 67.4% passing while also leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl in 2019. All things considered, Garoppolo doesn't have much fantasy value at the moment. If Stafford goes down this season due to the nagging back issue, Garoppolo could prove useful for those participating in deeper SuperFlex formats, especially with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams at his disposal.

Friday, December 5, 11:12 AM

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is a riskier option in Week 14 against the Atlanta Falcons. Despite the Falcons' terrible record, they have been solid against the pass this season. Darnold himself has hit a serious skid over the last several weeks. He has only cracked double-digit fantasy points once in the last four weeks. The recent run of bad games has been primarily caused by a plethora of turnovers and a lack of touchdown passes to make up for them. Darnold's 10 interceptions and five fumbles lost are already one turnover shy of his total from 2024. The Seahawks should have plenty of success running against the Falcons, which may be a better game plan for the team while Darnold works through his struggles. Of course, the Seahawks have great offensive potential, and Darnold could get back on track in any given week. There are some desperate fantasy managers out there with the Patriots and Giants on bye this week. Darnold is a risky play with an extremely low floor, but with a solid ceiling as well.