Who Should I Start? Sam Darnold or Kyler Murray

Friday, October 17, 8:47 PM

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has been an exciting fantasy asset of late. Unfortunately, Darnold draws a very tough matchup against the Houston Texans on Monday night. Houston is the No. 1 overall team against opposing quarterbacks in fantasy in 2025. This passing defense has done well to shut down every opposing quarterback they have played, especially over the past two games. Even Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield had a pedestrian game against this defense in Week 2. Darnold's hot streak has included two straight games with at least 20 fantasy points. Additionally, Darnold has produced at least 242 passing yards in four of his past five games. Best of all, Darnold is protecting the football with just four turnovers this season. Darnold should continue to protect the ball against the Texans this week, but Houston's smothering defense may cap his overall passing output. This projects to be a lower-scoring game in a clash between two elite defenses. As such, Darnold should be rostered, but left on your bench in Week 7.

Saturday, October 18, 2:32 PM

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the Arizona Cardinals are "planning to start" Jacoby Brissett at quarterback in Week 7 against the Green Bay Packers, meaning quarterback Kyler Murray (foot) will likely miss his second straight game due to a mid-foot sprain. Murray is officially listed as questionable, but Rapoport notes that Brissett was working with the starters during the open portion of the team's practice, while Murray threw to practice-squad wide receivers. Murray has mostly struggled across five games in 2025, completing 68.3% of his pass attempts for 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions. The 28-year-old still brings value as a rusher (173 rushing yards, one touchdown), but not quite enough to always overcome his inefficiencies as a passer. Brissett played well in Murray's absence in Week 6, throwing for over 300 yards against the Indianapolis Colts. Still, Brissett profiles as a low-end streaming option for fantasy managers in two-quarterback formats in a tougher Week 7 matchup against Green Bay.