Who Should I Start? Sam Darnold or Mac Jones

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.

Friday, October 17, 10:44 PM

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (knee, oblique) will be under center in the Week 7 matchup versus Atlanta. With Brock Purdy (toe) still working his way back, Jones will get a chance to make amends for his two-interception showing in the recent loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. To be fair, the 27-year-old has played well enough throughout the 2025 campaign, tossing for 1,252 yards, six touchdowns, and three picks while completing 67.3% of his attempts. Unfortunately, the 49ers will be without Ricky Pearsall (knee). However, Jones will still have Christian McCaffrey, Kendrick Bourne, and Jauan Jennings in his arsenal. George Kittle (hamstring) will also make his return after being sidelined since the Week 1 win over the Seattle Seahawks. All things considered, the signal-caller may not be the safest fantasy option in single-quarterback setups against an improved Falcons defense. Still, with Sunday's contest anticipated to be one of the highest-scoring games on the Week 7 schedule, Jones can realistically be utilized by those participating in Superflex formats.