Who Should I Start? Sam Darnold or Baker Mayfield

Thursday, February 5, 4:39 PM

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (oblique) was a full participant in practice on Thursday, according to Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic. Darnold was upgraded after being listed as limited on Wednesday's injury report. The 28-year-old signal-caller injured his left oblique in practice just days before the team's Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers. He attempted only 17 passes in the 41-6 blowout win over the Niners, but Darnold bounced back for fantasy managers in the 31-27 win over the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship, going 25-for-36 for a season-high 346 yards and three touchdowns. Darnold won't have an easy test against the New England Patriots' defense in Super Bowl LX this Sunday, but he should be able to move the ball enough to put Seattle in position to win the game. Fantasy managers should not be worried at all about his oblique affecting his performance.

Wednesday, January 28, 5:18 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield will have a third different offensive coordinator in Zac Robinson in 2026 in his third year with the organization. Mayfield had his least productive year in Tampa in 2025, although a midseason left-shoulder injury may have been to blame. The 30-year-old veteran had 3,693 passing yards, 26 touchdown passes, 11 interceptions, and a 63.2 completion percentage in 17 starts. He added 55 carries for 382 yards and a touchdown on the ground to finish as the QB12 in fantasy scoring. Mayfield's passing yards, completion percentage, and touchdowns were his fewest in his three years in Tampa. The two-time Pro Bowler plays with as much passion at the QB position as anyone else in the league, but his reckless playing style leaves him open to injury. Mayfield will have plenty of weapons again in 2026 to make him worth consideration as a low-end QB1/high-end QB2 in fantasy football.