Who Should I Start? Sam Darnold or Drake Maye

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, 8:39 AM

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is looking to build off an impressive win over the Baltimore Ravens in which he had 380 passing yards, 25 rushing yards, and a pair of touchdowns. He takes on the New York Jets in Week 17, and while this favorable matchup could see the Patriots run the ball often, Maye still has a chance to rack up fantasy points and touchdowns. The Jets have allowed the ninth-most fantasy points and seventh-most passing touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks in 2025, which is good news for Maye and his fantasy managers. In his last game against the Jets, he amassed 281 passing yards, one touchdown, and zero turnovers. However, there's bad news, too: the Patriots' receiving corps is limping into Week 17. At the wide receiver position, Kayshon Boutte (concussion) is ruled out, Mack Hollins (abdomen) is ruled out, and DeMario Douglas (hamstring) is listed as questionable. Maye's top passing options in the passing game will be Stefon Diggs, Kyle Williams, and Hunter Henry. Those are three dependable targets, but Maye will have fewer options if he's looking to spread the ball around. Despite the depleted supporting cast, we still expect Maye to take full advantage of this very favorable matchup. He ranks as a top-five fantasy quarterback for Week 17.