Sam Darnold Fantasy outlook, stats and Week 4 start/sit for 2026
- Age
- 29
- Height / weight
- 6'3", 225 lb
- Experience
- 9th season
- Drafted
- 2018 R1, #3
2026 Season
- PPR PPG
- 15.1
- Pos rank
- QB29
- Rostered
- 62%
Week 4 vs. Chargers, Sun Oct 4, 4:25 PM ET 15th vs. QBs, neutral
Sam Darnold Fantasy Football Stats & Analysis
Scoring rate
15.1 PPG
Played
2 games
Role
Flex
Trend
Stable
Sam Darnold's 2026 Season, Week by Week
2 games played: one top-5 week and one bust. The next four matchups are a tough stretch ahead.
- Week 1, Win,vs NE,0.5,QB36
- Week 2, Win,at ARI,—,Did not play
- Week 3, Loss,at WAS,29.7,QB2
- Up next. Week 4, Oct 4,vs LAC,NeutralChargers vs. QBs
- Week 5, Oct 11,vs SF,Tough49ers vs. QBs
- Week 6, Oct 15,at DEN,NeutralBroncos vs. QBs
- Week 7, Oct 25,vs KC,ToughChiefs vs. QBs
Matchup rank is PPR points allowed to QBs through Week 4. 1st allows the most, 32nd the fewest.
Should You Start or Roster Sam Darnold?
Darnold is averaging 15.1 PPR points per game through 2 games, with 392 passing yards, 4 TD and 2 INT, plus 5 rushing yards. That ranks QB29, which makes him depth in one-QB leagues and a bye-week fill-in in superflex.
He is completing 68.1% of his passes at 8.3 yards per attempt. His most-targeted receivers have been Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Rashid Shaheed.
His best week was QB2 in Week 3 at the Commanders (29.7 points); his worst, QB36 in Week 1 against the Patriots (0.5). One favorable matchup is ahead: the Cardinals (4th vs. QBs) in Week 9.
For the season-long call, whether to hold, trade or start him, check where Darnold ranks among all QBs in Redraft Command.
Sam Darnold 2026 Game Log
| Wk | Opp | Result | FPTS | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | vs Patriots | W 13–10 | 0.5 | QB36 |
| 3 | @ Commanders | L 31–33 | 29.7 | QB2 |
| Total | 1–1 | 30.2 | QB29 |
Career Fantasy Stats by Season
| Season | Team | GP | Pass yds | TD | INT | Rush yds | FPTS | PPG | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | SEA | 2 | 392 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 30.2 | 15.1 | — |
| 2025 | SEA | 17 | 4,048 | 25 | 14 | 95 | 249.4 | 14.7 | QB13 |
| 2024 | MIN | 17 | 4,319 | 35 | 12 | 212 | 320.0 | 18.8 | QB9 |
| 2023 | SF | 10 | 297 | 2 | 1 | 15 | 24.4 | 2.4 | QB53 |
| 2022 | CAR | 6 | 1,143 | 7 | 3 | 106 | 89.3 | 14.9 | QB36 |
| Career | 102 | 20,823 | 127 | 84 | 1,072 | 1385.1 | 13.6 |
Rest-of-Season Outlook and Availability
Outlook
The knock is the non-existent rushing floor, just 95 yards and zero rushing scores in 2025, which caps his ceiling relative to mobile QB1s. He is a reliable two-QB and superflex starter and a strong streaming option in 1QB leagues, but the lack of designed legs and a touchdown regression risk make him a back-end QB1 rather than a set-and-forget weekly anchor for 2026. Behind him on the depth chart: Drew Lock. Full outlook
Injury status
Active, no designation
He has missed 1 game this season. Career games missed to injury: 26. Injury history
- 2025left chestPlayed through
- 2024wristPlayed through
- 2024left kneePlayed through
- 2022ankle11 games
QBs like Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold Fantasy Football FAQ
Should I start Sam Darnold in Week 4?
Sam Darnold is depth in one-QB leagues and a bye-week fill-in in superflex for Week 4 against the Chargers, as the QB29 in PPR total points this season (15.1 a game). The Chargers rank 15th in PPR points allowed to QBs, a neutral matchup. Get the start/sit call for Darnold.
How many fantasy points is Sam Darnold averaging in 2026?
Sam Darnold is averaging 15.1 PPR fantasy points per game in 2026, 30.2 points across 2 games. His last game produced 29.7 points.
Where does Sam Darnold rank in fantasy football in 2026?
Sam Darnold ranks QB29 in PPR total points in 2026, through 2 games. That makes him depth in one-QB leagues and a bye-week fill-in in superflex. View his complete season statistics.
Is Sam Darnold worth rostering in fantasy football?
Yes, in the right league: Sam Darnold is a streamer in superflex and 2QB leagues and waiver-wire material in 1QB leagues. He is rostered in 62% of Sleeper leagues.
What is Sam Darnold's fantasy football role?
Sam Darnold is the Seahawks' starting QB, with Drew Lock behind him. He is averaging 23.5 pass attempts and 0.5 carries a game in 2026.
What are Sam Darnold's upcoming fantasy football matchups?
Sam Darnold's next three games are Week 4 vs. the Chargers (15th in PPR points allowed to QBs, neutral), Week 5 vs. the 49ers (25th in PPR points allowed to QBs, tough) and Week 6 at the Broncos (20th in PPR points allowed to QBs, neutral). Zero of them are favorable by points allowed to the position.
How consistent has Sam Darnold been in fantasy football this season?
Sam Darnold has finished as a top-12 QB in 1 of his 2 games this season. His weekly scoring has a standard deviation of 20.6 points around his 15.1-point average.
What is Sam Darnold's fantasy floor and ceiling?
This season Sam Darnold's floor has been 0.5 PPR points (Week 1, QB36) and his ceiling 29.7 (Week 3, QB2). His median week has been 15.1 points. See Darnold's full game log.
Sam Darnold 2026 Stats
2026 through Week 4 · Seattle SeahawksTouchdowns account for 53% of his fantasy production, making his weekly output highly TD-dependent.
Passing
- Yards
- 392
- Comp %
- 68.1%
- TD
- 4
- INT
- 2
32/47 Comp/Att8.3 Y/A104.2 Rating
Rushing
- Yards
- 5
- TD
- 0
1 Att5.0 Y/C
Fantasy (PPR)
- Points
- 30.2
- Pos rank
- QB29
29.7 Best Week 3 @ WAS0.5 Worst Week 1 vs NE
Advanced Passing Stats
Darnold throws downfield at about a league-average rate.
| Stat | 2026 Thru Wk 4 | 2025 16 games | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | ||||
| EPA per play | +0.07 | 51st | +0.09 | 68th |
| Success rate | 53.1% | 86th | 51.0% | 93rd |
| Completion rate | 68.1% | 66th | 67.2% | 73rd |
| Yards per attempt | 8.3 | 89th | 8.5 | 98th |
| TD rate | 8.5% | 86th | 5.5% | 85th |
| Usage | ||||
| Pass attempts per game | 23.5 | 11th | 28.2 | 35th |
| Style | ||||
| Time to throw | — | — | 2.86s | 59th |
| Air yards per attempt | 6.6 | 23rd | 8.0 | 55th |
| Deep-attempt rate | 6.3% | 11th | 10.9% | 45th |
| Context | ||||
| Completion % over expected | +4.0 | 63rd | +5.1 | 93rd |
| Pressure rate | 30.6% | 9th | 21.3% | 57th |
Percentiles: 2026 through Week 4 among 36 qualified QBs · 2025 (16 games, weeks 1–17) among 41. Grey bars describe style, not quality.
Profile: Darnold beats his expected completion rate and gains a lot per attempt, but throws little.
For fantasy: his floor is his volume, 23.5 pass attempts and 0.5 carries a game this season; efficiency decides how much of it becomes points.
Fantasy Points per Game, Every Season
15.1
Fantasy PPG
196
Pass yds/g
2.0
Pass TD/g
Sam Darnold career stats by season
| Season | GP | Cmp | Att | Pass yds | TD | INT | Rush yds | FPTS | PPG | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026to date | 2 | 32 | 47 | 392 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 30.2 | 15.1 | — |
| 2025 | 17 | 323 | 477 | 4,048 | 25 | 14 | 95 | 249.4 | 14.7 | QB13 |
| 2024 | 17 | 361 | 545 | 4,319 | 35 | 12 | 212 | 320.0 | 18.8 | QB9 |
| 2023 | 10 | 28 | 46 | 297 | 2 | 1 | 15 | 24.4 | 2.4 | QB53 |
| 2022 | 6 | 82 | 140 | 1,143 | 7 | 3 | 106 | 89.3 | 14.9 | QB36 |
| 2021 | 12 | 243 | 406 | 2,527 | 9 | 13 | 222 | 161.3 | 13.4 | QB29 |
| 2020 | 12 | 217 | 364 | 2,208 | 9 | 11 | 217 | 141.0 | 11.8 | QB30 |
| 2019 | 13 | 273 | 441 | 3,024 | 19 | 13 | 62 | 191.2 | 14.7 | QB27 |
| 2018 | 13 | 239 | 414 | 2,865 | 17 | 15 | 138 | 178.4 | 13.7 | QB25 |
| Career | 102 | 1,798 | 2,880 | 20,823 | 127 | 84 | 1,072 | 1385.1 | 13.6 | — |
What His Career Numbers Say
13.6
Career PPG
102 games over 9 seasons
75%
Availability
Share of team games he played
27%
Top-12 weeks
Share of his games as a QB1
8.5
Weekly swing
Standard deviation, moderate
Darnold has averaged 13.6 fantasy points per game over 102 games and 9 seasons, with one top-12 finish (2024). The average hides two careers: 14.8 a game in his eight seasons with a starter's volume, 2.4 in the one without it.
So far in 2026 he is at 15.1 per game, level with 2025. His volume is down (23.5 pass attempts a game against 28.1) but he is doing more with it. His most-targeted receivers this season have been Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Rashid Shaheed.
Career numbers describe the past; for what he is worth from here, see Darnold's rest-of-season rank and trade value in Redraft Command.
Career highs
- 4,319Pass yards2024
- 35Pass TD2024
- 320.0Fantasy pts2024 · QB9
- 20,823Career pass yds2018–2026
QBs like Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold Stats FAQ
How many fantasy points does Sam Darnold have in 2026?
Sam Darnold has 30.2 PPR fantasy points in 2026 through Week 4, 15.1 per game across 2 games. That total ranks QB29 at the position. See how those numbers break down week by week.
How many passing yards does Sam Darnold have this season?
Sam Darnold has 392 passing yards in 2026 through Week 4, 196 a game over 2 games, on 32 of 47 completions. His high was 379 yards, in Week 3 at the Commanders.
How many passing touchdowns does Sam Darnold have this season?
Sam Darnold has thrown 4 touchdown passes in 2026 through Week 4.
How many interceptions has Sam Darnold thrown this season?
Sam Darnold has thrown 2 interceptions in 2026 through Week 4, one every 24 attempts, against 4 touchdown passes.
What is Sam Darnold's completion percentage?
Sam Darnold is completing 68.1% of his passes in 2026, 32 of 47, at 8.3 yards per attempt.
How many rushing yards does Sam Darnold have this season?
Sam Darnold has 5 rushing yards on 1 carry in 2026 through Week 4. His high was 5 yards, in Week 3 at the Commanders.
How many games has Sam Darnold played in 2026?
Sam Darnold has played 2 games in the 2026 season through Week 4, after missing 1 game to injury.
What were Sam Darnold's stats last season?
In 2025, Sam Darnold completed 323 of 477 passes for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, adding 95 rushing yards in 17 games. That was 249.4 PPR points (14.7 per game), a QB13 finish.
What are Sam Darnold's career NFL stats?
Across 9 seasons and 102 games, Sam Darnold has 20,823 passing yards, 127 touchdown passes and 84 interceptions, plus 1,072 rushing yards, for 1385.1 PPR fantasy points (13.6 per game).
How many touchdowns does Sam Darnold have in his career?
Sam Darnold has thrown 127 touchdown passes and run for 14 touchdowns in his NFL career, 141 in all, over 102 games.
How many career passing yards does Sam Darnold have?
Sam Darnold has 20,823 career passing yards over 9 seasons, on 1,798 completions in 2,880 attempts.
Sam Darnold Game Log 2026
Games played
2
FPTS/G (PPR)
15.1
Pass yds/g
196
Pass TD/g
2.0
Cmp %
68.1%
Rush yds/g
3
Across 2 games in 2026, Sam Darnold has averaged 196 passing yards, 2.0 passing touchdowns and 15.1 PPR fantasy points per game. Sam Darnold has finished as a top-12 QB in 1 of those weeks, and inside the top 24 in 1. The best week was Week 3 against WAS (29.7 points); the lowest was Week 1 against NE (0.5).
| Wk | Opp | Result | FPTS | CMP/ATT | PASS YDS | PASS TD | INT | CAR | RUSH YDS | RUSH TD | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NE32nd | W 13-10 | 0.5 | 1/2 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | QB36 |
Week 1 · NE · W 13-10 · 0.5 pts
How the 0.5 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 2 | Did not play | ||||||||||
| 3 | WAS2nd | L 31-33 | 29.7 | 31/45 | 379 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 0 | QB2 |
Week 3 · WAS · L 31-33 · 29.7 pts
How the 29.7 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
Opponent rank is fantasy points allowed to QBs across 2026: 1st allows the most, 32nd the fewest.
Where His Weeks Finished
One QB1 week and one bust. For a quarterback ranked QB29 overall, the spread matters more than the average: you get a top-5 ceiling and a waiver-wire floor.
Game-by-Game Breakdown
Season high in a shootout
31/45, 379 yds, 4 TD, 2 INT. 1 carry, 5 yds.
A 45-attempt game while chasing points produced four total touchdowns. 23 of those throws went to Jaxon Smith-Njigba (14 targets) and AJ Barner (9), and his TD passes went to Smith-Njigba, Eric Saubert and Cooper Kupp. His most efficient game of the season at 8.4 yards per attempt.
Held in check by New England
1/2, 13 yds, 0 TD, 0 INT.
14 of his 2 throws went to Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11 targets) and Cooper Kupp (3). Just 6.5 yards per attempt. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
Upcoming Matchups
View matchup — Seattle Seahawks vs Los Angeles Chargers
View matchup — Seattle Seahawks vs San Francisco 49ers
View matchup — Seattle Seahawks vs Denver Broncos
View matchup — Seattle Seahawks vs Kansas City Chiefs
Sam Darnold Game Log 2022
Games played
6
FPTS/G (PPR)
14.9
Pass yds/g
191
Pass TD/g
1.2
Cmp %
58.6%
Rush yds/g
18
Across 6 games in 2022, Sam Darnold has averaged 191 passing yards, 1.2 passing touchdowns and 14.9 PPR fantasy points per game. Sam Darnold has finished as a top-12 QB in 2 of those weeks, and inside the top 24 in 5. The best week was Week 17 against TB (22.6 points); the lowest was Week 18 against NO (2.9).
| Wk | Opp | FPTS | CMP/ATT | PASS YDS | PASS TD | INT | CAR | RUSH YDS | RUSH TD | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Did not play | |||||||||
| 2 | Did not play | |||||||||
| 3 | Did not play | |||||||||
| 4 | Did not play | |||||||||
| 5 | Did not play | |||||||||
| 6 | Did not play | |||||||||
| 7 | Did not play | |||||||||
| 8 | Did not play | |||||||||
| 9 | Did not play | |||||||||
| 10 | Did not play | |||||||||
| 11 | Did not play | |||||||||
| 12 | DEN31st | 16.9 | 11/19 | 164 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 1 | QB16 |
Week 12 · DEN · 16.9 pts
How the 16.9 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 13 | Did not play | |||||||||
| 14 | SEA19th | 11.8 | 14/24 | 120 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 30 | 0 | QB20 |
Week 14 · SEA · 11.8 pts
How the 11.8 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 15 | PIT18th | 13.2 | 14/23 | 225 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | QB20 |
Week 15 · PIT · 13.2 pts
How the 13.2 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 16 | DET1st | 21.9 | 15/22 | 250 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 19 | 1 | QB8 |
Week 16 · DET · 21.9 pts
How the 21.9 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 17 | TB21st | 22.6 | 23/37 | 341 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 20 | 0 | QB6 |
Week 17 · TB · 22.6 pts
How the 22.6 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 18 | NO20th | 2.9 | 5/15 | 43 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 32 | 0 | QB35 |
Week 18 · NO · 2.9 pts
How the 2.9 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
Opponent rank is fantasy points allowed to QBs across 2022: 1st allows the most, 32nd the fewest.
Where His Weeks Finished
Two QB1 weeks, three QB2 weeks and one bust. For a quarterback who finished QB22 overall, the spread mattered more than the average: you got a top-12 ceiling and a waiver-wire floor.
Game-by-Game Breakdown
Held in check by New Orleans
5/15, 43 yds, 0 TD, 2 INT. 6 carries, 32 yds.
7 of his 15 throws went to DJ Moore (4 targets) and Terrace Marshall Jr. (3). Just 2.9 yards per attempt. Two interceptions in a game that landed well below his season average.
QB1 week at Tampa Bay
23/37, 341 yds, 3 TD, 1 INT. 5 carries, 20 yds. 2 fumbles lost.
A 37-attempt game produced three total touchdowns. 14 of those throws went to DJ Moore (10 targets) and Shi Smith (4), and his TD passes went to Tommy Tremble, Moore and Smith. At 9.2 yards per attempt, he pushed the ball downfield.
QB1 week vs. Detroit
15/22, 250 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT. 6 carries, 19 yds, 1 TD.
10 of his 22 throws went to DJ Moore (7 targets) and Terrace Marshall Jr. (3), and his TD pass went to Moore. His most efficient game of the season at 11.4 yards per attempt. A clean, mistake-free start that landed well above his season average.
Steady in a loss vs. Pittsburgh
14/23, 225 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT. 2 carries, 2 yds.
9 of his 23 throws went to DJ Moore (6 targets) and Chuba Hubbard (3), and his TD pass went to Moore. At 9.8 yards per attempt, he pushed the ball downfield. A clean, mistake-free start that landed well below his season average.
Steady in a win at Seattle
14/24, 120 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT. 4 carries, 30 yds.
7 of his 24 throws went to Laviska Shenault Jr. (4 targets) and Chuba Hubbard (3), and his TD pass went to Shi Smith. Just 5.0 yards per attempt. A clean, mistake-free start that landed well below his season average.
Steady in a win vs. Denver
11/19, 164 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT. 3 carries, 3 yds, 1 TD.
9 of his 19 throws went to DJ Moore (6 targets) and Terrace Marshall Jr. (3), and his TD pass went to Moore. A clean, mistake-free start that landed well above his season average.
QBs like Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold Game Log FAQ
How did Sam Darnold do in his last game?
Sam Darnold scored 29.7 PPR points in Week 3 at the Commanders, a 33–31 loss, a QB2 finish. He completed 31 of 45 passes for 379 yards with 4 touchdowns and 2 interceptions, and ran 1 time for 5 yards. View his 2026 season totals.
How many fantasy points did Sam Darnold score in his last game?
Sam Darnold scored 29.7 PPR fantasy points in his last game, Week 3 at the Commanders, a QB2 finish for the week. That was 14.6 above his season average of 15.1.
How many passing yards did Sam Darnold have in his last game?
Sam Darnold threw for 379 yards in Week 3 at the Commanders, completing 31 of 45 passes, and added 5 rushing yards.
How many touchdowns did Sam Darnold throw in his last game?
Sam Darnold threw 4 touchdown passes in Week 3 at the Commanders with 2 interceptions.
What were Sam Darnold's stats in Week 1?
In Week 1 against the Patriots, a 13–10 win, Sam Darnold completed 1 of 2 passes for 13 yards. That was 0.5 PPR points, a QB36 finish.
What was Sam Darnold's best game this season?
Sam Darnold's best 2026 game was Week 3 at the Commanders: 29.7 PPR points, a QB2 finish. He completed 31 of 45 passes for 379 yards with 4 touchdowns and 2 interceptions, and ran 1 time for 5 yards.
What was Sam Darnold's worst game this season?
Sam Darnold's lowest-scoring 2026 game was Week 1 against the Patriots: 0.5 PPR points, a QB36 finish. He completed 1 of 2 passes for 13 yards.
In how many games has Sam Darnold thrown a touchdown pass this season?
Sam Darnold has thrown a touchdown pass in 1 of his 2 games this season, and scored a touchdown of any kind in 1.
Can I see Sam Darnold's game logs from previous seasons?
Yes. The season selector above the game log switches it to Darnold's weekly results from any season from 2018 through 2025.
Sam Darnold Rest-of-Season Outlook
Efficient QB3 for deep leagues only
Preseason Projection vs. Reality
He finished QB13 last season at 14.7 points per game.
Our Take After Week 4
Through 2 games he's QB29 at 15.1 PPR points per game, against 14.7 over 17 games last season (QB13). The role is producing the same fantasy output two years running.
Last season he ranked 28th of 41 in passing volume (28.1 attempts per game), 13th of 41 in efficiency (0.089 EPA per play) and 32nd of 41 in rushing (5.6 rush yards per game). His points come from his efficiency. Rushing is the soft spot. Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Rashid Shaheed are his top two targets.
The main risk is the job itself. He's the listed starter with Drew Lock next on the depth chart, and a benching or an injury would take his value to zero overnight.
Read our preseason outlook (June 2026)
Published June 17, 2026. Kept for reference; the take above replaces it.
Darnold has quietly stacked two top-five fantasy quarterback seasons. In 2025 with Seattle he played all 17 games, completed 67.7 percent for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns and 14 picks, adding a 5.2 CPOE and 0.089 EPA per play en route to 235.4 points and a QB5 rank. That followed his 2024 MVP-adjacent breakout in Minnesota: 35 touchdowns, 4,319 yards, and 308 points, also QB5. The efficiency profile is legitimate, an on-target rate near 80 percent and 57 throws of 20-plus yards in 2025, though the touchdown total dipped from 35 to 25 year over year.
The knock is the non-existent rushing floor, just 95 yards and zero rushing scores in 2025, which caps his ceiling relative to mobile QB1s. He is a reliable two-QB and superflex starter and a strong streaming option in 1QB leagues, but the lack of designed legs and a touchdown regression risk make him a back-end QB1 rather than a set-and-forget weekly anchor for 2026.
What Drives His Outlook
His 2025 rank among the 41 quarterbacks who played at least six games. Each bar is one quarterback, best on the left; his is highlighted.
Passing volume
Efficiency
Rushing
- Success rate
- 51.0%
- CPOE
- +5.2
- Sacks taken
- 27
- Pressure rate
- 21.0%
- Bad-throw rate
- 14.6%
- Deep-attempt rate
- 10.5%
What Could Change His Value
Upside
- The scheduleNone of his next four opponents is a top-10 matchup for QBs.Wk 4 LAC, 15thWk 5 SF, 25thWk 6 DEN, 20thWk 7 KC, 32nd
- Strong efficiency0.089 EPA per play, 13th of 41 QBs in 2025.
Risk
- Job securityDrew Lock is next on the depth chart; a benching or injury hands him the job.
- Limited rushing5.6 rush yards per game, 32nd of 41 QBs in 2025.
- Tough matchupsThe 49ers in Week 5 (25th) and the Chiefs in Week 7 (32nd) are among the stingiest defenses against QBs.
QBs like Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold Fantasy Outlook FAQ
What is Sam Darnold's fantasy outlook for the rest of the 2026 season?
Sam Darnold projects as an efficient QB3 for deep leagues only for the rest of the 2026 season: a streamer in superflex and 2QB leagues and waiver-wire material in 1QB leagues. His efficiency (0.089 EPA per play, 13th of 41 QBs in 2025) supports that. His rushing (5.6 rush yards per game, 32nd of 41 QBs in 2025) holds him back. See his live rank in Redraft Command.
What is Sam Darnold's rest-of-season fantasy ranking?
Sam Darnold is the QB29 in PPR points per game through Week 4. That puts him in QB3 territory, waiver-wire material in 12-team 1QB leagues.
What is Sam Darnold's projected role going forward?
Sam Darnold is the listed starting QB, with Drew Lock next on the depth chart. Nothing on the chart threatens the job, so the role is his to lose on performance.
What is Sam Darnold's fantasy football upside?
Sam Darnold's upside: his ceiling this season is 29.7 PPR points (Week 3, QB2) and his efficiency (0.089 EPA per play, 13th of 41 QBs in 2025) gives him a weekly floor to build on.
What could hurt Sam Darnold's fantasy value?
Sam Darnold's risks: Drew Lock is next on the depth chart if he is benched or hurt, his rushing (5.6 rush yards per game, 32nd of 41 QBs in 2025) limits his scoring and the 49ers in Week 5 and the Chiefs in Week 7 are tough matchups. See his injury status and history.
How difficult is Sam Darnold's remaining fantasy schedule?
Difficult: of his next seven games, 1 comes against a top-10 matchup for QBs and 2 against one of the stingiest defenses, by PPR points allowed to the position.
Sam Darnold Injury Update & History
Practice participation
Week 4 reports: Wed, Thu, FriWhat it means: Darnold was on the Week 3 report, practiced in full on Friday and played.
| Week | Injury | Wed | Thu | Fri | Game status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 4vs LAC, Oct 4 | — | — | — | Oct 2 | Due Fri |
| Week 3@ WAS, Sep 27 | — | — | — | Full | Played |
| Week 2@ ARI, Sep 20 | Glute | — | — | DNP | Out |
Injury History at a Glance
Eight logged injuries in nine seasons, including two shoulder injuries. His lost time is spread out: the most any one injury cost was 11 games.
Durability
71/100
Games missed
Injuries
Longest absence
High ankle sprain · 2022
Where He's Been Hurt
Marker size shows games missed. A dashed ring means he played through it.
| Body part | Injuries | Games missed |
|---|---|---|
| Ankle | 1 | 11 |
| Shoulder | 2 | 9 |
| Back | 1 | 3 |
| Foot / toe | 1 | 3 |
| Abdomen | 1 | 0 |
| Hand / thumb | 1 | 0 |
| Knee | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 8 | 26 |
Injury risk profile: High
- Shoulder injuries in 2020 and 2021
- Oblique in 2025, played through
- 26 games in 9 seasons, 11 of them in 2022
- 8 injuries spread across 7 body parts
Sam Darnold Injury History
Every logged injury, most recent first. Games missed are regular-season games.
- 2025
Oblique · Left Postseason
Sustained an oblique injury during practice ahead of the divisional round playoff game, was limited in practice but played through it in the postseason.
- 2024
Hand Played through
Dealt with a minor hand injury but was a full participant in practice ahead of Week 11 with no injury designation.
- 2024
Knee Bruise · Left Played through
Underwent an MRI on his left knee after a low hit in Week 3 but only missed one play and did not miss any games.
- 2022
High Ankle Sprain 11 games
Suffered a high ankle sprain in the third preseason game and was placed on injured reserve, returning in Week 12.
- 2021
Scapula Fracture · Right 5 games
Sustained an incomplete fracture of the scapula in his throwing shoulder and was placed on injured reserve, returning in Week 16.
- 2020
AC Joint Sprain · Right 4 games
Sprained the AC joint in his throwing shoulder against the Broncos, causing him to miss two games. Re-aggravated his previous shoulder injury in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs, leading to him missing the next two games.
- 2019
Mononucleosis 3 games
Diagnosed with mononucleosis after the season opener, causing him to miss three games.
- 2018
Foot Sprain 3 games
Suffered a foot sprain that sidelined him for three games during his rookie season.
If Darnold Misses Time
Next man up: Drew Lock
Drew Lock is next on the Seahawks depth chart at quarterback. In superflex leagues he's worth a speculative bench spot for Darnold managers; in 1QB leagues he's a waiver add only if Darnold misses time.
Who else it affects
A quarterback change matters most for Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Rashid Shaheed, his two most-targeted pass catchers this season.
QBs like Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold Injury FAQ
Is Sam Darnold injured?
No. As of October 2, 2026, Sam Darnold is active with no injury designation. He has missed 1 game this season.
Is Sam Darnold playing this week?
Sam Darnold has no injury designation for Week 4 against the Chargers on Sunday, October 4, so he is on track to play. Darnold was on the Week 3 report, practiced in full on Friday and played. Should you start him?
Has Sam Darnold missed any games this season?
Yes. Sam Darnold has missed 1 game in 2026 and played in 2.
What is Sam Darnold's injury history?
Sam Darnold has 8 logged NFL injuries, which have cost him 26 games in all: 11 for a high ankle sprain in 2022, 5 for a right scapula fracture in 2021, 4 for a right AC joint sprain in 2020, 3 for a mononucleosis injury in 2019 and 3 for a foot sprain in 2018.
What was Sam Darnold's most recent injury?
Sam Darnold's most recent logged injury was a left oblique injury in Week 20 of 2025. He played through it and missed no regular-season games.
Does Sam Darnold have any recurring injuries?
Yes: shoulder injuries in 2020 and 2021 (9 games missed).
What was Sam Darnold's worst injury?
Sam Darnold's longest absence came from a high ankle sprain in 2022, which cost him 11 games of the 26 he has missed in his career.
Latest Sam Darnold News & Updates
Tosses four TDs in return to lineup (opens in new tab)
Returned to the lineup and threw four touchdowns.
Fantasy take: He played in Week 3: 29.7 PPR points, a QB2 finish.
Season Timeline
Every update this season, grouped by week, newest first.
Week 3Sep 27L 31–33 @ WAS
Fantasy impact: Positive. Darnold posts season high in loss at Washington
29.7 fantasy points · QB2 · 14.6 above his 15.1 average
Darnold completed 31 of 45 passes for 379 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions in the 33–31 loss at Washington. Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the team with 14 targets.
Game logFantasy impact: Neutral. Returning to action Sunday (opens in new tab)
Back in action Sunday after missing time.
Fantasy take: He played in Week 3: 29.7 PPR points, a QB2 finish.
Read full report (opens in new tab)Fantasy impact: Neutral. On 'good track' for Sunday, per coach (opens in new tab)
Trending toward playing Sunday per his coach.
Fantasy take: He played in Week 3: 29.7 PPR points, a QB2 finish.
Read full report (opens in new tab)Fantasy impact: Neutral. Officially limited to begin week (opens in new tab)
Opened the week as a limited participant in practice.
Fantasy take: He played in Week 3: 29.7 PPR points, a QB2 finish.
Read full report (opens in new tab)Fantasy impact: Neutral. Will practice Wednesday (opens in new tab)
Set to return to practice Wednesday after sitting out.
Fantasy take: He played in Week 3: 29.7 PPR points, a QB2 finish.
Read full report (opens in new tab)Week 2Sep 20W 31–7 @ ARI
Fantasy impact: Neutral. Ahead of schedule in recovery (opens in new tab)
Recovering ahead of schedule.
Fantasy take: Context for his season; the Outlook tab has our rest-of-season view.
Read full report (opens in new tab)Fantasy impact: Negative. Could practice this week (opens in new tab)
Potentially trending toward a return as practice this week remains on the table.
Fantasy take: He did not play in Week 2.
Read full report (opens in new tab)Fantasy impact: Negative. Won't play in Week 2 (opens in new tab)
Sidelined for Week 2.
Fantasy take: He did not play in Week 2.
Read full report (opens in new tab)Fantasy impact: Neutral. Could have four-week timeline (opens in new tab)
Reportedly facing a potential four-week absence.
Fantasy take: Context for his season; the Outlook tab has our rest-of-season view.
Read full report (opens in new tab)Fantasy impact: Neutral. Expected back after short absence (opens in new tab)
Should return soon following a brief stint on the sideline.
Fantasy take: Context for his season; the Outlook tab has our rest-of-season view.
Read full report (opens in new tab)Fantasy impact: Negative. Dealing with glute injury (opens in new tab)
Battling a glute injury that could affect availability.
Fantasy take: He did not play in Week 2.
Read full report (opens in new tab)Fantasy impact: Negative. Receives good news on hip injury (opens in new tab)
Avoids serious hip injury, trending toward playing.
Fantasy take: He did not play in Week 2.
Read full report (opens in new tab)Fantasy impact: Neutral. Expected to miss at least one game (opens in new tab)
Will sit out at least one game, opening backup opportunities.
Fantasy take: A depth-chart change: his role drives his value, and the Outlook tab has the full picture.
Read full report (opens in new tab)Fantasy impact: Negative. Dodges bullet but could miss time (opens in new tab)
Avoided serious injury but may sit out some games.
Fantasy take: He did not play in Week 2.
Read full report (opens in new tab)Week 1Sep 9W 13–10 vs NE
Fantasy impact: Negative. Darnold struggles vs. New England
0.5 fantasy points · QB36 · 14.6 below his 15.1 average
Darnold completed 1 of 2 passes for 13 yards in the 13–10 win vs. New England. Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the team with 11 targets.
Game logFantasy impact: Neutral. Ruled out with injury (opens in new tab)
Will not return after exiting with an injury.
Fantasy take: He played in Week 1: 0.5 PPR points, a QB36 finish.
Read full report (opens in new tab)Fantasy impact: Neutral. Questionable to return (opens in new tab)
Could return after being listed questionable; monitor his status before kickoff.
Fantasy take: He played in Week 1: 0.5 PPR points, a QB36 finish.
Read full report (opens in new tab)OffseasonJune
Fantasy impact: Neutral. Approaches Year 2 with Seattle (opens in new tab)
Enters second season with Seattle looking to build on his role.
Fantasy take: A depth-chart change: his role drives his value, and the Outlook tab has the full picture.
Read full report (opens in new tab)
No updates of this type yet this season.
Seahawks Teammates News
Updates on the players who catch Darnold's passes.
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Another massive performance Sunday (opens in new tab)Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR. 36 targets this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
- Rashid Shaheed: Bigger role in 2026? (opens in new tab)Rashid Shaheed, WR. 12 targets this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
Around the Seahawks
QBs like Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold News FAQ
What is the latest news on Sam Darnold?
The latest Darnold update, from September 27: Tosses four TDs in return to lineup. Returned to the lineup and threw four touchdowns.
How does the latest Sam Darnold news affect his fantasy value?
Not much: He played in Week 3: 29.7 PPR points, a QB2 finish. See the updated fantasy outlook.
Has Sam Darnold's role changed?
The latest depth-chart news on Darnold: Expected to miss at least one game (September 10). Will sit out at least one game, opening backup opportunities.
Sam Darnold Bio
Sam Darnold is a quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, where he wears No. 14. Born June 5, 1997, in Capistrano Beach, CA, he attended San Clemente and played college football at USC.
The New York Jets selected Darnold in round 1, pick 3, of the 2018 NFL Draft. He was traded to the New York Jets on March 17, 2018. He was traded to the Carolina Panthers on April 5, 2021. Since then, Darnold played for the Carolina Panthers (2021–2022), San Francisco 49ers (2023) and Minnesota Vikings (2024) and joined the Seattle Seahawks in 2025.
In 102 regular-season games since 2018, he has thrown for 20,823 yards and 127 touchdowns.
Career Timeline
5 stops with 5 teams in 9 seasons. Each block's width is the time he spent there.
What happened at each stop
Most recent first.
Seattle Seahawks Current team2025–present
He was the starter, with 18 starts in 19 games. Member of the Super Bowl LX champion Seahawks.
Minnesota Vikings2024
He was the starter, with 17 starts in 17 games.
San Francisco 49ers2023
He made 1 start in 10 games.
Carolina Panthers2021–2022
Acquired in a trade with the New York Jets on April 5, 2021. He was the starter, with 18 starts in 18 games.
New York Jets2018–2020
Selected in round 1, pick 3, of the 2018 NFL Draft. He was the starter, with 38 starts in 38 games.
College: USC
Transactions
- SignedSigned a three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks.
- SignedAgreed to terms on a one-year, $10 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings.
- SignedSigned with the San Francisco 49ers.
- ActivatedActivated by the Carolina Panthers.
- Placed on IRPlaced on injured reserve by the Carolina Panthers.
- Placed on IRPlaced on injured reserve by the Carolina Panthers.
- ActivatedActivated by the Carolina Panthers.
- Placed on IRPlaced on injured reserve by the Carolina Panthers.
- Placed on IRPlaced on injured reserve by the Carolina Panthers.
- ContractFifth-year option exercised by the Carolina Panthers.
- TradedTraded by the New York Jets to the Carolina Panthers for G Trey Smith, a 2022 second-round pick and a 2022 fourth-round pick.
- SignedSigned a four-year, $30.25 million rookie contract with the New York Jets.
- DraftedSelected by the New York Jets in round 1, pick 3.
- TradedTraded by the Indianapolis Colts to the New York Jets for G Quenton Nelson, OT Braden Smith, TE Dallas Goedert and CB Rock Ya-Sin.
QBs like Sam Darnold
About Sam Darnold: Bio FAQ
How old is Sam Darnold?
Sam Darnold is 29 years old. He was born on June 5, 1997. 2026 is his 9th NFL season.
How tall is Sam Darnold?
Sam Darnold is 6 feet 3 inches tall (6'3"), listed at 225 pounds, and plays quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks.
How much does Sam Darnold weigh?
Sam Darnold weighs 225 pounds, his listed weight on the Seattle Seahawks roster. He is listed at 6'3".
What number does Sam Darnold wear?
Sam Darnold wears number 14 for the Seattle Seahawks. He plays quarterback.
What position does Sam Darnold play?
Sam Darnold plays quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, wearing number 14. 2026 is his 9th season in the NFL.
What team does Sam Darnold play for?
Sam Darnold plays for the Seattle Seahawks as a quarterback. He has been with the Seahawks since 2025.
Where did Sam Darnold go to college?
Sam Darnold played college football at USC, after attending San Clemente (CA). The New York Jets drafted him out of USC in 2018.
When was Sam Darnold drafted?
The New York Jets selected Sam Darnold in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft with the 3rd overall pick, out of USC.
What round was Sam Darnold drafted in?
Sam Darnold was a first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, taken 3rd overall by the New York Jets.
What pick was Sam Darnold in the NFL Draft?
Sam Darnold was the 3rd overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, selected by the New York Jets in the first round.
Where is Sam Darnold from?
Sam Darnold went to high school in California, at San Clemente, before playing college football at USC.
When is Sam Darnold's birthday?
Sam Darnold's birthday is June 5. He was born on June 5, 1997 and is 29 years old.
How long has Sam Darnold been in the NFL?
2026 is Sam Darnold's 9th NFL season; he entered the league in 2018 as a first-round pick of the New York Jets. View his career statistics.
What teams has Sam Darnold played for?
Sam Darnold has played for the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks. View his career statistics.
Has Sam Darnold won a Super Bowl?
Yes. Sam Darnold was a member of the Seattle Seahawks team that won Super Bowl LX after the 2025 season.