Who Should I Start? Sam Darnold or Jalen Hurts

Friday, October 9, 12:47 PM

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts had a difficult outing in a 24-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4. He posted season-lows in completions (12), passing yards (93) and completion percentage (44.4%). And most unfortunately for Philadelphia, the Eagles had a 20-10 lead with just over four minutes left to play, yet lost the game to L.A. Hurts and the Eagles will look to bounce back against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5 in London. The Jaguars boast the No. 2 scoring defense in the NFL (13.3 points per game allowed) and the No. 3 rushing defense (74.3 yards per game allowed). Jacksonville is also the best team in the league in turnover differential (plus-six), is tied for the most interceptions (six) and is tied for second in total takeaways (eight). Where the Jacksonville defense has struggled, however, is passing yards allowed, with 280.3 yards allowed per game, which ranks second to last in the NFL. According to Pro Football Reference, Jacksonville is allowing 14.3 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks (tied for eighth-best in the NFL). The Philadelphia offense is dealing with multiple injuries, including to running backs Saquon Barkley (hamstring) and Tank Bigsby (abdomen), and wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring), and will be short-handed against the Jaguars. Hurts will need to use his arm and his legs effectively to assure the Eagles don't lose for the third consecutive week. In 2026, Hurts has completed 68 out of 114 passes (59.6%) for 713 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions. He has added 105 rushing yards and an additional score. Hurts ranks as RotoBaller's No. 18 quarterback for Week 5 and is projected to score 15.7 fantasy points. It isn't the easiest matchup against Jacksonville, but Hurts should still be started in most formats.