Who Should I Start? Sam Darnold or Justin Fields

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.

Tuesday, December 23, 11:45 PM

New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn announced on Tuesday that quarterback Justin Fields (knee) will be placed on Injured Reserve, ending his 2025 season. Fields will be shut down for the final two games of the season after already missing each of the last three contests due to a knee injury. Before the 26-year-old injured his knee, he had been benched in favor of veteran Tyrod Taylor. It was an extremely disappointing 2025 campaign for Fields, who was brought in as a free agent last offseason to be the Jets' starter this year. Fields ended up making only nine starts, completing 62.7% of his 204 pass attempts for 1,259 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception. He ran for 383 yards and four touchdowns on 71 attempts while also losing three fumbles. If he remains with the Jets in 2026, Fields will have to show lots of improvement to be in contention to win the starting gig back.