Who Should I Start? Keith Kirkwood or Sam Darnold

Wednesday, February 19, 9:35 PM

The Baltimore Ravens re-signed veteran wide receiver Keith Kirkwood to an undisclosed deal on Wednesday, according to the league's personnel notice. Kirkwood spent the entire 2024 season on Baltimore's practice squad and will now return to workout with the team this offseason and through training camp this summer. The 30-year-old pass-catcher made his NFL debut in 2018 with the New Orleans Saints and spent two years in the Big Easy before playing two seasons with the Carolina Panthers in 2020 and 2021. He then returned to New Orleans in 2022 and 2023. Kirkwood's best season was his rookie year, when he caught 13 of 21 targets for 209 yards and two touchdowns. He has accumulated only 24 receptions for 294 yards and three touchdowns on 43 targets in his six seasons in the NFL.

Friday, December 26, 11:24 PM

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is a risky streaming option against a talented Carolina Panthers pass defense in Week 17. The Seahawks' passing game has been inconsistent in recent weeks, further adding to the risk factor for Darnold. Carolina is No. 8 against opposing quarterbacks in fantasy. They have also forced 13 interceptions, which is good for No. 9 in the league. Darnold himself has thrown 13 interceptions this season. Seattle should be able to move the ball on the ground, and they may lean less heavily on Darnold and the passing game this week than in normal weeks. Darnold, of course, should continue his smooth connection with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but a high enough passing output to merit a fantasy start may not be in the cards. Proceed with caution with Darnold in Week 17 if you have struggled with injuries at quarterback this year.