Who Should I Start? Raheem Mostert or Sam Darnold

Friday, October 10, 7:33 PM

Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert struggled to make an impact in his change-of-pace role during Week 5, totaling just 22 yards on a season-high seven touches. While the 33-year-old veteran still flashes big-play ability--highlighted by a 37-yard run against the Bears earlier this year--his current workload leaves him well outside fantasy relevance. Mostert should be viewed strictly as a handcuff to rookie standout Ashton Jeanty, who has firmly established himself as the lead back. Still, with Dylan Laube and Zamir White buried on the depth chart, Mostert remains the clear next man up if Jeanty were to miss time. For now, he's best left on the waiver wire outside of deeper leagues or as insurance for Jeanty managers looking to protect one of fantasy's rising assets.

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.