Sam Darnold is stepping into a new chapter as he moves from the Minnesota Vikings to the Seattle Seahawks, facing considerable doubt about his future performance. Many critics question his ability to succeed behind one of the NFL’s weakest offensive lines, but the common assumption that he will slip back to the inconsistency shown during his early New York Jets days is both premature and exaggerated. His new environment provides a fresh opportunity to prove his worth, particularly for those interested in his Sam Darnold fantasy football potential.
Uncovering Fantasy Football Value When Expectations Are Low
While skepticism surrounds Darnold, this creates a unique advantage for fantasy football managers aiming to find valuable late-round selections. Darnold is likely to be overlooked in early drafts, making him accessible for players searching for high-upside picks. An analyst highlighted his impressive 2022 season, noting,
“Last season, Darnold revitalized his career, throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns. Those stats were good enough to land him at QB9 in total points. He topped 20 fantasy points in nine games and showed he can produce in a competent system.”
—Analyst
Joining the Seahawks grants Darnold the chance to connect with a dynamic receiving duo in Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp, enhancing his ability to generate significant fantasy points. This potential is further emphasized by the analyst’s confidence:
“Darnold is a late-round QB primed to outperform his draft cost. I’m scooping him up in my superflex leagues whenever I can.”
—Analyst
Current Draft Status and Upcoming Difficult Opponents
At present, Darnold’s average draft position (ADP) remains quite low, ranked around 159 overall, with only 27% of Yahoo fantasy rosters including him and fewer than 10% on ESPN. This low selection rate could appeal to fantasy players looking for undervalued assets this season. However, Darnold’s start won’t be easy. His initial two games pit him against the San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers, both recognized as top defenses for restricting quarterback fantasy production last year.
The 49ers are expected to enter the season with renewed strength, especially with Robert Saleh resuming duties as their defensive coordinator. Despite these tough matchups, there is hope that Darnold will gradually settle into Seattle’s offense and perform more effectively throughout the remainder of the season.
Future Outlook: Potential Growth for Darnold and Seahawks Supporters
Looking beyond the early contests, Sam Darnold’s ability to thrive in Seattle’s system presents an enticing option for fantasy managers willing to monitor his development closely. Those uncertain about their starting quarterbacks might consider adding Darnold later in the season through waivers, banking on his upside to provide solid returns as he finds his rhythm.
The Seahawks face a crucial season ahead, and Darnold’s drive to overcome negativity and prove his critics wrong could play a vital role in reshaping his career trajectory. For fantasy football enthusiasts, betting on Darnold’s growth offers the possibility of substantial rewards if he delivers on his promise. This season marks a pivotal moment as Darnold stands ready to carve out a fresh path with Seattle, transforming skepticism into opportunity.