Who Should I Start? Sam Darnold or Justin Herbert

BENCH

Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
21.9 7.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Sam Darnold News

Sam Darnold Adjusting to New Offensive Coordinator

Monday, August 3, 5:49 PM

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is entering his second season with the team and his first under new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury. After winning the Super Bowl in 2025 under now-Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak, Darnold and the Seahawks offense will need to adjust to a new playcaller. Darnold described his new coordinator as "stoic, even-keeled, and consistent," a style similar to his previous offensive playcaller in Kubiak. Both were with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023, when Darnold was the backup quarterback, and Fleury was the tight ends coach. While a "Super Bowl Regression" is possible in Seattle, Darnold, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and the rest of the Seahawks offense will hope to go back-to-back this season.

START

Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
23.4 27.3 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

Justin Herbert News

Justin Herbert Exceeding Mike McDaniel's Expectations

Tuesday, August 4, 10:17 AM

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has impressed new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel even more than expected, according to Dan Graziano of ESPN. McDaniel praised Herbert's rare combination of size, arm strength and field vision, saying the quarterback can play with anticipation and reach areas of the field that most passers cannot. He also called Herbert the team's hardest worker, which has helped the rest of the offense buy into the changes being installed. One of those adjustments has Herbert lining up with his left foot forward in the shotgun, allowing him to get the ball out sooner and better match his throws to the timing of the routes. Herbert completed 66.4% of his passes for 3,727 yards, 26 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 16 games last season, while adding a career-high 498 rushing yards. Positive summer reviews do not guarantee a jump in fantasy production, but the early fit between Herbert and McDaniel is encouraging.

Sam Darnold vs. Justin Herbert

Still trying to decide between Darnold and Herbert? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Sam Darnold is projected to score 21.9 points this week while Justin Herbert is projected to score 23.4 points.