Who Should I Start? Sam Darnold or Tyler Shough


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
21.9 8.2 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

Sam Darnold News

Sam Darnold has Unusual Strain, Timetable Remains TBD

Thursday, September 10, 3:24 PM

Tests showed that Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (hip) has an unusual muscle strain in his hip area that he suffered on the first offensive drive of Wednesday's season-opening win over the New England Patriots, according to Tom Pelissero of The Ringer. There is no consideration at this point of putting Darnold on Injured Reserve, but his timetable for a return remains to be determined. Reports earlier suggested that the Seahawks "dodged a bullet" with Darnold's right-hip injury, but he might not be out of the woods yet. The 29-year-old signal-caller is expected to miss the Week 2 contest against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals, but if he recovers nicely, he could be in play for Week 3 against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Sept. 27. Still, the consensus is that Darnold avoided a long-term injury. Until he can return, backup Drew Lock will be thrust into starting duties for the Seahawks. In Week 2 versus the Cardinals, he should only be a fantasy streaming option in deep two-QB superflex formats.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
22.7 17.4 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0

Tyler Shough News

Tyler Shough Has Streaming Upside Against Detroit

Saturday, September 12, 10:59 AM

New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough is one of the more interesting streaming options for Week 1 against Detroit. He settled in after taking over last season, throwing for 2,256 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions across nine starts. The finish was especially encouraging. Over his final five games, Shough threw for 1,316 yards and five touchdowns while adding 135 yards and three scores on the ground. Detroit gave up 4,027 passing yards and 31 passing touchdowns in 2025, and starting safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph will both miss the opener. That gives Shough a favorable spot with Chris Olave leading the passing game, even with rookie Jordyn Tyson on injured reserve. RotoBaller has Shough at QB16 for Week 1. He is not a locked-in QB1, but managers looking for a streamer can use him with real top-12 upside if this game turns into a shootout.


Sam Darnold vs. Tyler Shough

Still trying to decide between Darnold and Shough? 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 21.9 points this week while Tyler Shough is projected to score 22.7 points.