Who Should I Start? Sam Darnold or Baker Mayfield

Friday, December 5, 11:12 AM

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is a riskier option in Week 14 against the Atlanta Falcons. Despite the Falcons' terrible record, they have been solid against the pass this season. Darnold himself has hit a serious skid over the last several weeks. He has only cracked double-digit fantasy points once in the last four weeks. The recent run of bad games has been primarily caused by a plethora of turnovers and a lack of touchdown passes to make up for them. Darnold's 10 interceptions and five fumbles lost are already one turnover shy of his total from 2024. The Seahawks should have plenty of success running against the Falcons, which may be a better game plan for the team while Darnold works through his struggles. Of course, the Seahawks have great offensive potential, and Darnold could get back on track in any given week. There are some desperate fantasy managers out there with the Patriots and Giants on bye this week. Darnold is a risky play with an extremely low floor, but with a solid ceiling as well.

Thursday, December 4, 5:37 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (shoulder) continues to manage an AC joint sprain in his left (non-throwing) shoulder that he suffered in Week 12, but he was upgraded to a full practice on Thursday after putting in a limited session on Wednesday. In the Week 13 win over the Arizona Cardinals, Mayfield went 18-for-28 passing for 194 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions while running for 27 yards. The 30-year-old veteran might be dealing with his left-shoulder injury the rest of the year, but he will be active for a Week 14 divisional contest this Sunday against the 2-10 New Orleans Saints. Don't be fooled by the Saints' record. Their defense is their strength, and they've allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game to QBs the last three weeks. In the first meeting with New Orleans, Mayfield went 15-for-24 passing for 152 yards with no TDs or interceptions. He'll be in play as a low-end QB1 in fantasy this weekend, and he could be getting top receiver Mike Evans (collarbone) back from IR.