Sam Darnold

Sam Darnold: Start or Sit?

QB•vs LAC•Fantasy Football verdict

Starting QB with prototypical size and arm strength. Full 17-game workload, 4,000-yard passer whose turnover volume caps efficiency.

This week’s verdict

Toss-Up· low

Solid 24.3 implied total as a 3-point favorite, but QB24 consensus and a middling LAC matchup (13 of 32) make him a streamer, not a lock.

Projected
Same in standard, half-PPR and PPR
Consensus
QB24
position rank
Opponent
LAC
this week
Implied total
24.3
team points
  • LAC ranks 13 of 32 against QBs (a middle-of-the-road matchup, 3-game sample).
  • Vegas implies 24.3 team points as 3.0-point favorites.
  • Listed QB on the latest depth chart with a 55% snap share.

The call

  • The game script helps. Seattle is a -3.0 favorite with a 24.3 implied team total, which supports a 17.0-point projection and the model's start-lean.
  • The rank holds him back. QB24 is replacement level in a 12-team single-QB league, so starting him over a typical waiver option is close to even.
  • The matchup is no edge. LAC grades 13 of 32 against QBs, slightly tougher than average, though that rests on a 3-game sample at 0.25 confidence.
  • He carries no injury designation this week. The September report of limited practice before the Commanders game is old news. What tips it: start him if your alternative ranks below QB24, he is filling a bye, or you play superflex. Sit him if you have a top-15 option.

Verdicts based on PPR scoring.

The market’s number

Sportsbook lines are the sharpest weekly projection there is.

PASS YDS
O/U 232.5
-113 / -111
Passing Yards Props →
PASS TD
O/U 1.5
-128 / +100
Passing Touchdowns Props →
INT
O/U 0.5
+106 / -136
Interceptions Thrown Props →
RUSH YDS
O/U 4.5
-115 / -109
Rushing Yards Props →
LAC@
SEASun, Oct 4, 4:25 PM ET · Box score, injuries, and every prop on this gameView the game →

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Sam Darnold — last 3 weeks

Week 3vs WSH
Week 2vs ARIDNP
Week 1vs NE

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Latest on Darnold

Status

Sam Darnold practiced with the Seahawks for the first time in two weeks on Wednesday, Sept. 23 as a limited participant in practice four days before the Seahawks play at the Washington Commanders.

Yahoo Sports · Sep 24, 2026
Fantasy football last-minute pickups for Week 4: Raymond, Waller among top options

If injuries or tough matchups have you seeking help, Matt Bowen provides options at each key position.

ESPN · Oct 3, 2026
Sam Darnold laments 'bad decision' in return for Seahawks

Sam Darnold's return from the glute injury that sidelined him for most of the Seahawks' first two games was shaping up to be memorable until a "bad decision" late proved costly against the Commanders.

ESPN · Sep 27, 2026

Reported by the sources listed — not independently verified.

Verdict history

WeekVerdictReason
2026 Week 4Toss-Up· lowSolid 24.3 implied total as a 3-point favorite, but QB24 consensus and a middling LAC matchup (13 of 32) make him a streamer, not a lock.
2026 Week 3Sit· highDarnold is ruled Out with the glute; encouraging practice buzz doesn't change that he can't be in a Week 3 lineup.

This week’s toughest calls

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