Who Should I Start? Sam Darnold or Michael Penix Jr.


Week 1 Projections

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0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Sam Darnold News

Sam Darnold Profiles as a Safe QB2 in Dynasty Formats Heading into 2026

Monday, March 16, 10:19 AM

Even after finishing 10th in the 2024 MVP vote while leading the Minnesota Vikings to a 14-win season, veteran quarterback Sam Darnold had his doubters heading into 2025. The 28-year-old signed with the Seattle Seahawks and quieted the critics in his first season in Seattle, completing 67.7% of his pass attempts for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions while leading the Seahawks to victory in Super Bowl LX. Seattle's dominant defense kept the team in run-heavy game scripts, but Darnold averaged an incredibly efficient 8.5 yards per pass attempt when allowed to let it loose. Darnold has recorded double-digit interceptions in every season where he's started at least 11 games, so turnovers will likely always be a part of his profile. Still, he's proven himself to be a capable NFL starter who can thrive in the right environment. While Seattle lost offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak over the offseason, the team still has a strong infrastructure around Darnold that includes superstar wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Darnold profiles as a solid fantasy QB2 in dynasty formats heading into 2026 and beyond.


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

Michael Penix Jr. News

Falcons Don't Want to Rush Michael Penix Jr.'s Rehab

Monday, March 30, 7:59 AM

Atlanta Falcons new head coach Kevin Stefanski said that the team isn't going to rush quarterback Michael Penix Jr.'s (knee) rehab from a torn ACL that he suffered last season, according to Marc Raimondi of ESPN. The Falcons aren't putting a timetable on Penix this offseason after his season-ending knee injury in Week 11 of 2025. However, there have been reports that Penix is expected to be ready to return to action at some point in training camp this summer. By then, it could be too late for the former first-rounder out of the University of Washington if Tua Tagovailoa has already impressed the coaching staff in the competition for the starting QB job in 2026. Penix has torn the ACL in his knees already three times, dating back to college, so the Falcons have every reason to take it slow with the lefty signal-caller. Tua probably has the inside edge on the job in his first year in Atlanta, and Penix's lengthy injury history is ruining his dynasty/keeper stock. Depending on how Penix's rehab goes in the coming months, he could open training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list.


Sam Darnold vs. Michael Penix Jr.

Still trying to decide between Darnold and Penix Jr.? 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 Michael Penix Jr. is projected to score 0.0 points.