Who Should I Start? Sam Darnold or Kyler Murray

Friday, September 12, 12:01 PM

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold will look to bounce back in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. In his first start as a Seahawk. Darnold posted just 150 passing yards on 16 completions. 124 of those yards went to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The Seahawks' offense lacks rhythm and cohesiveness, although that is to be expected with a new scheme and so many new pieces. Week 2 presents a new opportunity, but it may not bring fantasy fun. The Steelers' defense should improve upon its poor outing in Week 1 against the Jets. On the flip side, the Seahawks' offense can also go nowhere but up. Either way, Darnold should not be rostered right now. While he has a great chance to play well for Seattle this year, his 2024 fantasy breakout was fueled by his 35 touchdown passes. That seems like an unlikely feat for Darnold to achieve in this scheme. Unless the Seahawks' pass rate grows substantially, Darnold should not be on the fantasy radar.

Saturday, September 13, 9:29 AM

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray finished just outside of QB1 territory in Week 1 after throwing two touchdowns against the New Orleans Saints. His accuracy looked good most of the time, but the passing attack didn't gain many yards (163), and he was sacked five times. Fortunately, for Murray and company, the Carolina Panthers gave up 378 total yards and didn't register a single sack against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1. With the Panthers' run defense especially looking horrendous, Murray gains even more value given the report that the team has tried to scheme more scrambling opportunities. Fantasy managers can look to Murray as a QB1 heading into Week 2, hoping that he gains even more chemistry with Marvin Harrison Jr.