Who Should I Start? Sam Darnold or Kaleb Johnson

Thursday, October 9, 10:45 AM

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has been one of the NFL's most efficient passers through the first five weeks of the season. The veteran has completed 73% of his passes (third-best in the NFL) while ranking seventh in both passing yards and touchdowns. After a breakout 2024 campaign in Minnesota, where he threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, some questioned whether Darnold could replicate that success in Seattle. So far, he's answered emphatically. With Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerging as a true No. 1 receiver, Darnold is producing like a top-10 fantasy quarterback. The Seahawks face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6, who lead the NFL in interceptions, making Darnold a slightly risky start. Still, he remains a strong high-end QB2 with weekly upside in fantasy leagues moving forward.

Tuesday, September 30, 11:59 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie running back Kaleb Johnson had his best chance yet for a breakout game in Week 4 with Steelers RB1 Jaylen Warren (knee) sidelined by a knee injury. However, Johnson remained stuck behind veteran back Kenneth Gainwell, who logged 134 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 25 total touches against the Minnesota Vikings. Johnson had just six carries for 22 yards, and has recorded just eight carries for 21 yards on the season. Pittsburgh has a bye in Week 5, and Warren may be ready to return in Week 6 for the Steelers' matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Even if Warren remains out, there's little reason to think Johnson would be set to jump Gainwell on the running back depth chart in Pittsburgh. The 22-year-old rookie maintains fantasy appeal in dynasty leagues, but he's tough to roster with any confidence in redraft formats.