Sam Darnold
  • Sam Darnold

  • QB
  • , Minnesota Vikings
  • 27
  • 225 lbs
  • 6' 3"
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Scouting report

by Brandon Niles

SF QB Sam Darnold - Week 8 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 8 vs. Cincinnati Bengals

With Brock Purdy in concussion protocol, Sam Darnold is set to make his first start for the 49ers. Darnold had some moderate success in Carolina and New York, but was never consistent enough to stick. He has the best supporting cast he’s ever had now, however, so the 49ers are hoping he can get the offense back on track after a couple of disappointing losses.

This week, Darnold has a nice matchup against a Cincinnati defense that ranks 22nd in aFPA to opposing quarterbacks. Darnold should find success in what could be a shootout. Darnold is no stranger to fantasy success in the past, and with the weapons he has at his disposal, we have him ranked as a low-end QB1 option in fantasy leagues.

Update: Looks like Brock Purdy is ready to go, so make sure Darnold is no longer in your lineup.

by Brandon Niles

CAR QB Sam Darnold - Week 17 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 17 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Sam Darnold hasn’t been super prolific since taking over as the starter four games ago, but he’s been very solid and pretty efficient. He’s also led the Panthers to a 3-1 record. Darnold threw for 250 yards and a touchdown last week against the Lions and added 19 yards and another score on the ground. Darnold now has six touchdowns - including two rushing - and zero interceptions over his four starts.

This week, Darnold has an above-average matchup against the Buccaneers, who rank 19th in aFPA to opposing quarterbacks. He shouldn’t be in the conversation as a QB1 option in most fantasy leagues, but in 2QB formats, he’s worth a gamble in a key divisional matchup.

by Brandon Niles

CAR QB Sam Darnold - Week 16 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 16 vs. Detroit Lions

Sam Darnold had 225 yards and a touchdown last week. He’s not doing anything incredible, but he hasn’t thrown an interception and has accounted for four touchdowns - including one rushing - and two victories in three games as the starter.

Darnold has some upside this week in a great matchup with the Lions, who rank 30th in aFPA to opposing quarterbacks. He’s still Sam Darnold, so take the upside with a grain of salt, but if you’re in a two-QB league and desperate, you can talk yourself into starting him. The game should feature a lot of passing and Darnold has looked mildly competent in recent outings.

by Brandon Niles

CAR QB Sam Darnold - Week 14 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 14 at Seattle Seahawks

Sam Darnold returned to the starting position before the bye last week, and delivered a victory over the Broncos. Darnold threw for 164 yards and a touchdown, and he also ran in a score in a lopsided victory. Darnold has some upside against the Seahawks this week, who rank 17th in aFPA to opposing quarterbacks. However, he also has a very low floor against a couple of ball-hawking corners. He’s also a candidate to get yanked, given how much the team has struggled all season. Consider him a desperation start in deep, 2QB leagues at best.

by Brandon Niles

CAR QB Sam Darnold - Week 17 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 17 at New Orleans Saints

The Panthers are on a horrible slide and look atrocious on offense. Sam Darnold may get the start, but he was used intermittently with Cam Newton last week, making it hard to trust his snaps. Whether Darnold starts or not against a tough Saints defense, leave him on waivers.

by Brandon Niles

CAR QB Sam Darnold - Week 16 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 16 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

There are rumors of Sam Darnold getting a chance to play in a supplemental role this week. Even if those rumors come to fruition, split touches and the struggling nature of this offense make him hard to trust. No thank you. Leave him on waivers.

by Brandon Niles

CAR QB Sam Darnold - Week 9 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 9 vs. New England Patriots

Sam Darnold had 129 yards passing and 66 yards on the ground last week against the Falcons before leaving with a concussion. His status for next week is up in the air, but regardless of whether or not he’s active, fantasy managers should stay away from the Panthers quarterback situation. Darnold’s been bad over the past several games and the Patriots are seventh in aFPA to opposing quarterbacks. He should be on waivers in most leagues.

Sam Darnold news