Who Should I Start? Sam Darnold or Kyler Murray


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 Lacks the Upside to Make Him a Target in Single-QB Drafts

Saturday, July 18, 8:49 AM

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has finished in low-end QB1 territory in each of the past two seasons, first as QB9 in a 2024 season with the Vikings that saw him revive his career, then as QB14 in 2025. While the Seahawks have been praised for their remarkable roster continuity, returning 20 of 22 starters from a Super Bowl-winning team, their biggest change heading into 2026 is one likely to have a direct impact on Darnold. Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has taken the top job in Las Vegas, and stepping into his place is former 49ers tight ends coach Brian Fleury. With 2026 marking Fleury's first time calling plays, it stands to reason that Darnold will less frequently be presented with the easy answers of Kubiak's under-center, play-action-heavy offense or that of Kevin O'Connell from the previous season. Darnold has proven himself more than capable of running high-level offenses, but when paired with one of the league's truly elite defenses, his fantasy ceiling will ultimately be lowered by the lack of a need to consistently keep pace in high-scoring shootouts. At RotoBaller's QB22, Darnold can provide a steadying presence as the second quarterback in superflex leagues, but in single-quarterback formats, there are higher-upside options still available in his area of drafts.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
21.4 27.8 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0

Kyler Murray News

Kyler Murray, Jordan Addison Have Been Working Together for Two Months

Friday, July 24, 4:10 PM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray and wide receiver Jordan Addison have been working out together for the last two months in Dallas, Texas, according to Jordan Schultz. Both players also reported to Minnesota early this week to prepare for the start of training camp, and they both have hopes for a big year in 2026. Murray and Addison are motivated to succeed after down years in 2025. The 28-year-old Murray only played in five games due to a foot injury in his final year in Arizona, throwing for 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions. The former first overall pick in 2019 out of Oklahoma is competing with J.J. McCarthy for the starting QB gig for the Vikes this year, but given his experience and dual-threat abilities, Murray feels like the favorite entering camp. Murray will see his ADP rise if he's named the starter, but right now, he's an intriguing low-cost, low-end QB2 target with upside. Addison, 24, had a career-low 610 receiving yards and only three TDs in 14 games in 2025, but he wasn't helped by the team's lackluster QB play. He's locked in as the WR2 in Minnesota behind Justin Jefferson, and he, too, could be primed for a bounce-back year if Murray wins the job and elevates the passing attack. Addison is currently ranked as RotoBaller's No. 36 fantasy WR for 2026.


Sam Darnold vs. Kyler Murray

Still trying to decide between Darnold and Murray? 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 Kyler Murray is projected to score 21.4 points.