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

Friday, October 17, 8:47 PM

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has been an exciting fantasy asset of late. Unfortunately, Darnold draws a very tough matchup against the Houston Texans on Monday night. Houston is the No. 1 overall team against opposing quarterbacks in fantasy in 2025. This passing defense has done well to shut down every opposing quarterback they have played, especially over the past two games. Even Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield had a pedestrian game against this defense in Week 2. Darnold's hot streak has included two straight games with at least 20 fantasy points. Additionally, Darnold has produced at least 242 passing yards in four of his past five games. Best of all, Darnold is protecting the football with just four turnovers this season. Darnold should continue to protect the ball against the Texans this week, but Houston's smothering defense may cap his overall passing output. This projects to be a lower-scoring game in a clash between two elite defenses. As such, Darnold should be rostered, but left on your bench in Week 7.

Friday, October 17, 8:25 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. turned in a slow day at the office in a 31-27 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6, catching just two of his three targets for 20 yards as the team leaned on Josh Downs (concussion) in the passing attack. Pittman has a chance to bounce back on the road in Week 7 against the Los Angeles Chargers as Downs has been ruled out with a concussion. The Chargers have been excellent against receivers in fantasy this season as they are allowing just the 30th-most fantasy points per game to the position through six games. With four touchdowns already in six games, Pittman is safe to deploy as a low-end WR2 in fantasy in Week 7 despite the difficult matchup.