Who Should I Start? Sam Darnold or Malik Willis


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
20.9 9.5 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

Sam Darnold News

Sam Darnold Looking to Improve Footwork, Limit Turnovers

Thursday, June 25, 4:49 PM

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory in his first year with the team in 2025, but after a mediocre performance in the Super Bowl win over the New England Patriots, the veteran signal-caller knows he has plenty to work on going into his ninth year in the NFL. Darnold didn't turn the ball over in the postseason, but he had 20 regular-season turnovers (14 interceptions and six fumbles lost). "I think the biggest thing is continuing to build off of my weaknesses, understanding what I wasn't great at this past year, which I think for me is continuing to hone in on the deep ball, understand how I can be better that way, quieting my feet in the pocket," Darnold said. The former No. 3 overall pick by the New York Jets in 2018 out of USC threw for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns and 14 picks during 17 regular-season starts to finish as the QB13 in fantasy. The 29-year-old has one of the best receivers in the game in Jaxon Smith-Njigba at his disposal, but the Seahawks will be relying on rookie running back Jadarian Price after letting Kenneth Walker III walk in free agency. His QB13 finish in 2025 might be his ceiling when considering the lack of depth on Seattle's offense and the fact that the offense will be run by a first-time play-caller in Brian Fleury.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
19.9 34.8 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0

Malik Willis News

Malik Willis Could See His Dynasty Value Rise

Thursday, July 2, 5:14 AM

As part of a full offensive rebuild that saw them say goodbye to their head coach and playcaller, starting quarterback, and top two wide receivers, the Miami Dolphins signed former Packers backup quarterback Malik Willis to a three-year, $67.5 million contract and have since done a reasonable job of restocking what was at the time a fully barren pass-catching group. Miami spent five of its 13 2026 draft picks on receiver and tight end, and if Willis can keep the offense afloat in his first season at the helm, 2027 promises what looks to be a deep draft class and an outstanding group of potential free agents. Sharing a backfield with De'Von Achane, Willis could provide a usable fantasy floor in 2026 through checkdowns and his own rushing ability, having added an unreal 11.8 fantasy points per game with his legs in his last three starts. If Willis can make it to 2027 with a hold on the starting job, Miami could retool quickly, and his dynasty value could soar, making him a worthwhile investment at his current ranking of RotoBaller's QB25.


Sam Darnold vs. Malik Willis

Still trying to decide between Darnold and Willis? 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 20.9 points this week while Malik Willis is projected to score 19.9 points.