Who Should I Start? Sam Darnold or Luis Perez

Saturday, August 17, 3:28 PM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold won't be active for Saturday's preseason showdown with the Cleveland Browns. Instead, No. 2 signal-caller Nick Mullens will get the start. With J.J. McCarthy (knee) out for the season, Darnold is now atop the Vikings depth chart. The 27-year-old spent his first six seasons in the league with the Jets, Panthers, and 49ers. However, he never met expectations, throwing for 12,064 yards, 63 touchdowns, and 56 interceptions while completing just 59.7% of his throws. While McCarthy could still eventually earn the starting job in Minnesota, Darnold has a chance to turn things around this season, especially with Justin Jefferson on the roster, arguably the top wideout in the National Football League.

Saturday, August 17, 11:22 PM

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Luis Perez completed 13 of his 20 pass attempts for 78 yards, no scores, and no interceptions in the Chargers second preseason game. He took one sack and lost a fumble. Perez and Easton Stick are presumably competing for the backup quarterback job in Los Angeles, a role that could be immediately relevant since Justin Herbert is dealing with a foot injury and Week 1 quickly approaches. Perez was very much a game manager in this one, and that's more or less his upside. Even if he gets the job and plays in the regular season, he won't be much of a fantasy asset.