Who Should I Start? Joe Flacco or Sam Darnold

Wednesday, October 22, 8:24 AM

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco led the offense to its best performance of the season in Week 7 against the Steelers, throwing for 342 yards and three touchdowns as the team scored 33 points in an upset win. Despite joining the Bengals just over two weeks ago, Flacco has been a clear upgrade at quarterback, totaling 561 yards, five touchdowns, and no interceptions with a 65.2% completion rate across his two starts. The 40-year-old will go on the road in Week 8 to face a New England defense that has allowed the fewest fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks.

Friday, October 17, 8:47 PM

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has been an exciting fantasy asset of late. Unfortunately, Darnold draws a very tough matchup against the Houston Texans on Monday night. Houston is the No. 1 overall team against opposing quarterbacks in fantasy in 2025. This passing defense has done well to shut down every opposing quarterback they have played, especially over the past two games. Even Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield had a pedestrian game against this defense in Week 2. Darnold's hot streak has included two straight games with at least 20 fantasy points. Additionally, Darnold has produced at least 242 passing yards in four of his past five games. Best of all, Darnold is protecting the football with just four turnovers this season. Darnold should continue to protect the ball against the Texans this week, but Houston's smothering defense may cap his overall passing output. This projects to be a lower-scoring game in a clash between two elite defenses. As such, Darnold should be rostered, but left on your bench in Week 7.