Who Should I Start? Sam Darnold or Michael Penix Jr.
Week 3 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23.3 | 8.8 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Sam Darnold News
Sunday, September 27, 5:17 PM
After missing Week 2 with a glute injury, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold returned to action in a 33-31 Week 3 loss to the Washington Commanders. Darnold put up big numbers, as he completed 31 out of 45 pass attempts (68.9%) for 379 yards and four touchdowns, while adding one rush for five yards. However, he also threw two interceptions. Darnold scored 28 fantasy points in standard scoring leagues. Darnold suffered a glute injury on the first drive of the 2026 season opener, a 13-10 win over the New England Patriots. He missed the matchup against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2, which the Seahawks won 31-7. While the Seahawks are relieved to have Darnold back in the starting lineup, it wasn't enough for Seattle to get a road win against the Commanders on Sunday.
Week 3 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20.0 | 8.8 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Michael Penix Jr. News
Friday, September 25, 5:58 AM
In his first game back since suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 11 of 2025, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was effective. The 26-year-old completed 18 of 25 pass attempts for 256 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, and led his team to a 35-14 win over the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night. Atlanta finished the game with nearly 250 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns, which kept Penix Jr. from having to do too much with his arm. Still, the third-year quarterback averaged a highly efficient 10.2 yards per pass attempt and helped power a massive game from star Falcons wideout Drake London, who recorded nine catches for 194 yards on 10 targets. Penix Jr. offers zero upside with his legs and will likely often be handing the ball off to Falcons running back Bijan Robinson when the team gets near the goal line, both of which limit his fantasy value. At the same time, Penix Jr. could establish himself as a solid QB2 option for fantasy managers if he can stay healthy.
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 23.3 points this week while Michael Penix Jr. is projected to score 20.0 points.
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