Who Should I Start? Sam Darnold or Marquise Brown

Thursday, October 9, 10:45 AM

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has been one of the NFL's most efficient passers through the first five weeks of the season. The veteran has completed 73% of his passes (third-best in the NFL) while ranking seventh in both passing yards and touchdowns. After a breakout 2024 campaign in Minnesota, where he threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, some questioned whether Darnold could replicate that success in Seattle. So far, he's answered emphatically. With Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerging as a true No. 1 receiver, Darnold is producing like a top-10 fantasy quarterback. The Seahawks face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6, who lead the NFL in interceptions, making Darnold a slightly risky start. Still, he remains a strong high-end QB2 with weekly upside in fantasy leagues moving forward.

Saturday, October 4, 11:30 PM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown was on the injury report with an ankle injury, but practiced fully all week and does not have an injury designation for Monday night. Brown will face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5. The 28-year-old had a solid game against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4, catching three passes for 38 yards and a touchdown. Brown took an expected step back with the return of Xavier Worthy, and this decreased usage should continue against the Jaguars. The Jacksonville defense is middle-of-the-pack in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers, and Kansas City is second in pass rate over expectation, so the passing volume should be there for Brown to be productive. Brown is ranked WR42 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a deeper league flex option this week.