Who Should I Start? Kirk Cousins or Sam Darnold

Saturday, September 27, 7:46 PM

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Atlanta Falcons have no plans on trading quarterback Kirk Cousins, at least "for now." There are several factors to consider regarding a potential deal involving the signal-caller. He has a no-trade clause. In addition, his hefty contract is something most teams aren't willing (or able) to take on. After Michael Penix Jr. played poorly in the Week 3 blowout loss to the Carolina Panthers, some believed Cousins would reclaim his spot as the team's starting quarterback. However, that's not the case, with Penix in line to remain under center. Of course, anything could change. With that said, as long as Cousins isn't starting, he's not worth rostering in any format. On the other hand, his fantasy stock could climb significantly if he gets shipped elsewhere and gets a chance to start. Cousins briefly saw some action in Week 3, throwing for 29 yards off 5-for-7 passing.

Tuesday, October 14, 4:59 PM

Fantasy managers were understandably skeptical as to whether quarterback Sam Darnold could follow up his outstanding 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings this year after heading to the NFC West to play for the Seattle Seahawks. Through six weeks with his new team, it's clear that the former third overall pick out of USC is picking up where he left off. The 28-year-old continued to play well in Week 6 against a ball-hawking Jacksonville Jaguars defense and finished just shy of 300 yards passing with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Darnold has latched onto star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba as his go-to target, and it's working. Since a mediocre 150-yard, no-touchdown performance in Week 1, Darnold has thrown for multiple touchdowns in five games and has gone 98-for-138 for 1,391 yards, 11 TDs, and three picks. He continues to be aggressive downfield and should at least be rostered in every fantasy league as a high-end QB2 going forward. He'll really be tested in Week 7 against a Houston Texans defense that has allowed the fewest fantasy points per game to opposing QBs through five games.