Who Should I Start? Tyrod Taylor or Sam Darnold


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.9 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Tyrod Taylor News

Cooper Rush, Tyrod Taylor Could be Options for Jets

Sunday, March 22, 9:46 AM

After trading quarterback Justin Fields to the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason, the New York Jets still need a veteran backup QB for Geno Smith. Carson Wentz re-signed with the Minnesota Vikings, and the Philadelphia Eagles acquired Andy Dalton from the Carolina Panthers. Options are dwindling, but ESPN's Rich Cimini writes that the 32-year-old Cooper Rush could be in play after the Baltimore Ravens recently released him. Re-signing Tyrod Taylor is another option, but the 36-year-old is injury-prone. Other free-agent QBs include Joe Flacco and Russell Wilson. A trade can never be ruled out, but the asking prices remain high around the league. Rush is an eight-year NFL veteran who spent his first seven years with the Cowboys before going 34-for-52 for 303 yards, no touchdowns, and four picks in four games (two starts) for the Ravens in 2025. Taylor replaced Fields as the starter last year in New York but played only six games (four starts) due to injuries and was lackluster, completing 59.7% of his pass attempts for 779 yards, five touchdowns, and five interceptions.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
20.9 9.5 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

Sam Darnold News

Sam Darnold Lacks the Upside to Make Him a Target in Single-QB Drafts

Saturday, July 18, 8:49 AM

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has finished in low-end QB1 territory in each of the past two seasons, first as QB9 in a 2024 season with the Vikings that saw him revive his career, then as QB14 in 2025. While the Seahawks have been praised for their remarkable roster continuity, returning 20 of 22 starters from a Super Bowl-winning team, their biggest change heading into 2026 is one likely to have a direct impact on Darnold. Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has taken the top job in Las Vegas, and stepping into his place is former 49ers tight ends coach Brian Fleury. With 2026 marking Fleury's first time calling plays, it stands to reason that Darnold will less frequently be presented with the easy answers of Kubiak's under-center, play-action-heavy offense or that of Kevin O'Connell from the previous season. Darnold has proven himself more than capable of running high-level offenses, but when paired with one of the league's truly elite defenses, his fantasy ceiling will ultimately be lowered by the lack of a need to consistently keep pace in high-scoring shootouts. At RotoBaller's QB22, Darnold can provide a steadying presence as the second quarterback in superflex leagues, but in single-quarterback formats, there are higher-upside options still available in his area of drafts.


Tyrod Taylor vs. Sam Darnold

Still trying to decide between Taylor and Darnold? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Tyrod Taylor is projected to score 0.9 points this week while Sam Darnold is projected to score 20.9 points.