Who Should I Start? Sam Darnold or Brock Purdy

Friday, December 26, 11:24 PM

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is a risky streaming option against a talented Carolina Panthers pass defense in Week 17. The Seahawks' passing game has been inconsistent in recent weeks, further adding to the risk factor for Darnold. Carolina is No. 8 against opposing quarterbacks in fantasy. They have also forced 13 interceptions, which is good for No. 9 in the league. Darnold himself has thrown 13 interceptions this season. Seattle should be able to move the ball on the ground, and they may lean less heavily on Darnold and the passing game this week than in normal weeks. Darnold, of course, should continue his smooth connection with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but a high enough passing output to merit a fantasy start may not be in the cards. Proceed with caution with Darnold in Week 17 if you have struggled with injuries at quarterback this year.

Sunday, January 11, 2:50 PM

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy had a performance to forget in his team's regular-season finale, throwing for 127 yards and an interception in a loss to the Seattle Seahawks. However, the 26-year-old was playing excellent football before running into Seattle, throwing for 893 yards and 11 touchdowns across a three-game stretch between Week 15 and Week 17. In the Wild Card Round, San Francisco will take on a tough matchup in the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles' defense finished the regular season ranked fifth in yards per pass attempt allowed (6.4) and allowed the fewest passing touchdowns (14) of any team in the NFL. On the plus side for Purdy, 49ers superstar left tackle Trent Williams (hamstring) is expected to play against the Eagles after missing Week 18 with a hamstring injury. All in all, RotoBaller ranks Purdy as the QB7 for fantasy managers in playoff leagues heading into Wild Card Weekend.