Sam Darnold, who revitalized his career with the Minnesota Vikings and ranked among the top quarterbacks in fantasy football during the 2024 season, now faces uncertainty in 2025 after joining the Seattle Seahawks. Despite Seattle operating a pass-heavy offense that favored throwing on 60 percent of plays in 2024, projections show Darnold falling far from top quarterback statuses in fantasy football rankings next year.
While Darnold was viewed as a top-10 fantasy quarterback in 2024, most experts place him outside the top 20 for 2025. ESPN’s top-25 quarterback list does not include Darnold, and Yahoo Sports ranks him at No. 26. This raises questions about whether Darnold is considered a sleeper or a bust in upcoming fantasy drafts, especially with ESPN analyst Tyler Fulghum specifically labeling him a quarterback bust for 2025.
Comparative Rankings and Notable Quarterbacks Ahead of Darnold
Darnold’s projected average draft position reflects this low standing, coming in at 169 overall and No. 29 among quarterbacks on ESPN. Those ranked above him feature a mixture of established stars and promising rookies, including Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen, Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson, and Washington Commanders’ Jayden Daniels. Daniels himself is a particularly interesting case, as he rose to become one of the top fantasy performers during his rookie season and now holds a top-three quarterback projection for 2025.
Other quarterbacks ahead of Darnold include Philadelphia Eagles’ Jalen Hurts, Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes, and more recent NFL entries like the Minnesota Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy, who is surprisingly ranked above Darnold despite not yet playing a regular season game. Additionally, rookies such as Tennessee Titans’ Cam Ward and Cleveland Browns’ Shedeur Sanders also surpass Darnold, underscoring the gap between expectations and projections for the Seattle signal-caller.
Factors Contributing to Sam Darnold’s Lower Ranking
Several aspects might explain why Darnold’s fantasy stock has dipped. Although the Seahawks’ offense emphasizes passing, Darnold’s propensity for turnovers may be a concern for fantasy owners. In 2024, he threw 35 touchdowns but also committed 12 interceptions. Historically, he has never completed a full season without exceeding 10 interceptions, which can significantly diminish fantasy value.
The offensive environment has also changed for Darnold. Departing from Minnesota means losing star wide receivers like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, who were both key weapons in the Vikings passing attack. Seattle’s receiving corps includes promising players like Jackson Smith-Njigba and newly added Cooper Kupp, but it remains to be seen whether these additions can compensate for the loss of premier talent like Jefferson.
Emerging Quarterbacks and Their Fantasy Impact
The quarterback landscape around Darnold is shifting with newcomers gaining favor in fantasy drafts. Jayden Daniels is projected to continue his impressive rookie performance trajectory, while rookies such as Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are attracting attention for their upside. This influx of young talent challenges Darnold’s standing, making him a less attractive fantasy option despite Seattle’s passing tendencies.
Veterans such as Aaron Rodgers, who now plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers, also rank higher than Darnold, further highlighting the skepticism surrounding Darnold’s potential fantasy output in 2025. Quarterbacks like Jordan Love, Kyler Murray, and Brock Purdy continue to maintain or improve their positions above Darnold, adding to the competitive depth at the position.
Implications for Fantasy Football Managers
The coming season presents a complex decision for fantasy managers considering Sam Darnold. His declining projection, compounded by key offensive changes and his history with interceptions, raises doubts about his reliability as a fantasy asset. Although Seattle’s offense is conducive to passing success, it has not sufficiently boosted Darnold’s standing in fantasy rankings.
For owners searching for value at quarterback, more promising options include rookies like J.J. McCarthy, who possesses potential despite his lack of NFL regular-season experience, and established stars expected to maintain high production. Meanwhile, Darnold’s categorization as a potential “bust” suggests caution before selecting him in fantasy drafts.
Going forward, monitoring Darnold’s preseason performance and the development of Seattle’s receiving group will be key to determining whether his fantasy outlook improves. Until then, those drafting quarterbacks in 2025 may place him lower on their boards in favor of more secure or higher-upside players.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Sam Darnold sober?
A. He stopped drinking alcohol in 1980 after his struggle with addiction, which started with a martini at his parents’ house when he was 12. Since then, he has focused on helping teenagers recover from similar issues. For many years, he has supported at-risk youth in Orange County, California. “I haven’t used drugs or alcohol in 38 years,” he says.
Q. Why did Sam Darnold see ghosts?
A. Darnold described how they used to joke about “seeing ghosts” during games. He mentioned that he once said this to his coach while feeling frustrated because they were losing 40 to nothing. Unfortunately, this comment was accidentally caught on live TV.
Q. Did Sam Darnold have an MRI?
A. Sam Darnold’s recent injury concern seems minor. An MRI of the Minnesota Vikings quarterback’s knee showed only a bruise. Thankfully, there is no structural damage. According to NFL reporter Tom Pelissero, Darnold is expected to keep playing without missing any games. This is very positive news.
Q. What disease did Sam Darnold get?
A. Darnold appeared on ESPN’s The Michael Kay Show for his weekly segment. They asked him how he got mono, often known as “the kissing disease.” Laughing, Darnold responded, “I’m not sure. It’s a tricky illness that you might have for months before it affects you…”