Who Should I Start? Sam Darnold or Lamar Jackson


Week 1 Projections

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

Sam Darnold News

Superstar Receiver Boosts Sam Darnold's Dynasty Value

Thursday, June 4, 9:23 AM

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold lacks significant dynasty upside because of his limited mobility, but the presence of superstar wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba does give his outlook a boost. Throwing the ball to the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year last season, Darnold racked up 4,048 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, as well as six lost fumbles. He finished the year as the QB13, one year after ranking as the QB9 with the Vikings. Darnold has had the fortune of playing with elite receivers each of the last two seasons, and it has resulted in low-end QB1 or high-end QB2 results. Therefore, as long as he continues to have Smith-Njigba at his disposal, the 28-year-old ranks as a mid-to-high QB2 in fantasy football. Managers would like to see him cut down on turnovers next year, but we do expect to see his touchdown total increase slightly. Darnold currently ranks as the QB23 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings.


Week 1 Projections

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

Lamar Jackson News

Lamar Jackson Still a Dynasty Cheat Code

Tuesday, June 16, 5:36 AM

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson followed up back-to-back MVP-worthy performances and a dominating QB1 finish in 2024 with a disappointing QB20 finish in 2025, missing four games and hampered by back and hamstring injuries for much of the season. By all accounts, Jackson heads into 2026 close to full health and with a new offensive scheme better designed to take advantage of his unique abilities. Jackson has had the highest passer rating in the league off of play action in each of the past two seasons, but it was used sparingly in Todd Monken's shotgun-heavy offense. With the Bears in 2025, new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle saw his team use play action at the second-highest rate in the league, contributing to Caleb Williams' QB5 finish. Even at 32 years old, five-time Pro Bowler Derrick Henry poses one of the league's most serious threats with a head of steam, which should open up the passing game significantly when Jackson goes under center. At RotoBaller's QB4, Jackson is at his lowest value in the last three years, and with a potentially heightened passing ceiling to go with his unmatched rushing upside, he could ultimately become the biggest steal in 2026 dynasty startups.


Sam Darnold vs. Lamar Jackson

Still trying to decide between Darnold and Jackson? 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 0.0 points this week while Lamar Jackson is projected to score 0.0 points.