Who Should I Start? Sam Darnold or D'Andre Swift

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.

Saturday, December 27, 4:48 PM

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift had 13 carries for 58 yards and added 12 yards on two receptions in the 22-16 overtime win over the Green Bay Packers. After lighting up the Cleveland Browns in Week 15, Swift struggled, posting his second-lowest fantasy output this season. With the Bears adopting an RB-by-committee approach featuring seventh-round rookie Kyle Monangai, Swift's production has been inconsistent in recent weeks. Swift and Monangai have been fairly split since the Week 5 bye, but with the Bears running the ball effectively under Ben Johnson, both backs carry fantasy value moving forward. He faces a 49ers defense that has ranked in the middle of the pack against the run this season. With the current landscape in this Bears backfield, Swift will be hit or miss in Week 17.