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

Friday, September 5, 2:19 PM

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is not worth starting in Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers project to have a solid defense with coordinator Robert Saleh back in the fold, and it remains to be seen if Darnold's breakout season in 2024 was a mirage. However, Darnold's level of play is worth monitoring in Week 1. He is joining an offense coordinated by Klint Kubiak with ties back to Darnold's year in San Francisco as a backup quarterback. The offense is going to play to Darnold's strengths, and he could very well succeed at a high level this season. Darnold is coming off a season in which he was the QB9 in Minnesota. While we certainly do not expect that of Darnold without wide receiver Justin Jefferson in 2025, he could still be an excellent streamer or QB2. Watch Darnold closely in Week 1. Even solid success against the 49ers' defense would suggest that we are in for another season of fantasy fun with the eight-year veteran.

Friday, September 5, 12:12 PM

Despite not picking up any playing time during the preseason, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is all geared up for the team's Week 1 meeting with the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers. "I know when game day comes up, the whole game plan will be in. I'll be ready," said Penix Jr. The University of Washington alum will head into his first season as the team's starter, but will do so having only worked with the first-team offense in practice situations thus far. It's fair to expect that there may be some ramp-up time as the offense attempts to find its groove, but the team is all-in on the second-year signal-caller as their leader. Penix Jr. doesn't hold much value in single-QB leagues for now, but he's an intriguing QB2 option in superflex formats and a hold in dynasty leagues. He's RotoBaller's QB19 in the Week 1 rankings.