Who Should I Start? Sam Darnold or Jake Browning

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.

Wednesday, August 14, 9:34 AM

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning (ribs) is expected to miss time with a rib injury, according to head coach Zac Taylor. Browning filled in admirably for Joe Burrow when the latter missed a large chunk of last season with a wrist injury, prompting the team to re-sign him as their backup quarterback. Veteran Logan Woodside and undrafted free agent Rocky Lombardi will be the quarterbacks under center when the Bengals travel to Chicago for their second preseason game.