Who Should I Start? Sam Darnold or Dillon Gabriel

Friday, October 17, 8:47 PM

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has been an exciting fantasy asset of late. Unfortunately, Darnold draws a very tough matchup against the Houston Texans on Monday night. Houston is the No. 1 overall team against opposing quarterbacks in fantasy in 2025. This passing defense has done well to shut down every opposing quarterback they have played, especially over the past two games. Even Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield had a pedestrian game against this defense in Week 2. Darnold's hot streak has included two straight games with at least 20 fantasy points. Additionally, Darnold has produced at least 242 passing yards in four of his past five games. Best of all, Darnold is protecting the football with just four turnovers this season. Darnold should continue to protect the ball against the Texans this week, but Houston's smothering defense may cap his overall passing output. This projects to be a lower-scoring game in a clash between two elite defenses. As such, Darnold should be rostered, but left on your bench in Week 7.

Sunday, October 26, 4:35 PM

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski told the media that Dillon Gabriel will remain the team's starting quarterback following their Week 9 bye. Gabriel struggled in Sunday's loss to the Patriots, completing 60 percent of his passes for just 156 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. The rookie had struggled through his three previous starts, but the lone bright spot during that span was the fact that Gabriel had not turned over the football. That streak came to an end in Week 8 as the Patriots picked him off twice. Cleveland's quarterback room also features Shedeur Sanders (back) and Bailey Zappe, neither of whom has played an NFL snap in 2025. Gabriel will have at least one more opportunity to save his job when the 2-6 Browns face the New York Jets in Week 10.