Who Should I Start? Sam Darnold or Bijan Robinson

Friday, September 5, 2:19 PM

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is not worth starting in Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers project to have a solid defense with coordinator Robert Saleh back in the fold, and it remains to be seen if Darnold's breakout season in 2024 was a mirage. However, Darnold's level of play is worth monitoring in Week 1. He is joining an offense coordinated by Klint Kubiak with ties back to Darnold's year in San Francisco as a backup quarterback. The offense is going to play to Darnold's strengths, and he could very well succeed at a high level this season. Darnold is coming off a season in which he was the QB9 in Minnesota. While we certainly do not expect that of Darnold without wide receiver Justin Jefferson in 2025, he could still be an excellent streamer or QB2. Watch Darnold closely in Week 1. Even solid success against the 49ers' defense would suggest that we are in for another season of fantasy fun with the eight-year veteran.

Sunday, September 7, 6:31 PM

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson was stuffed on the ground, but still had a strong performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Robinson got off to a great start with a 50-yard receiving touchdown on the opening drive. The Falcons continued to throw the ball his way as Robinson couldn't get anything going on the ground. He rushed 12 times for 24 yards in the Week 1 loss. However, Robinson salvaged his fantasy value by hauling in six of his seven targets for 100 yards through the air with one touchdown. He'll hope to have more success on the ground during the Week 2 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.