Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is a worthwhile player to start in fantasy football this week as the Seahawks prepare to take on the San Francisco 49ers.
The 49ers are undefeated at 4-0 to begin the year, but the matchup presents its share of challenges and favorable advantages for Darnold, whose volume in the passing game, touchdown production and playmaking give him QB1 upside.
Darnold has completed 45 of 69 passes for 560 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions in three games played thus far this season. He only played in the early portion of the Seahawks’ season opener, and consequently, his numbers almost entirely reflect his play across two weeks of play. Darnold has completed 65.2 percent of his passes, and has a 101.1 passer
rating for the season. He has added 11 rushing yards on four attempts and has been sacked four times for 25 yards lost.
The veteran QB Darnold’s six touchdown passes provide a strong fantasy foundation, and his four-touchdown performance in Week 3 against the Washington Commanders point to what he is capable of producing with a high amount of passing attempts.
The 49ers have allowed 859 passing yards and four passing touchdowns through four games. Opposing quarterbacks have completed 64.8 percent of their passes against San Francisco, showing that their defense is stout. Nevertheless, Darnold has a history of playing well against contending teams dating back to last season, and may be able to exploit opportunities for Seattle to sustain drives through the air.
Darnold’s passing volume may rise if Seattle is forced to keep pace with San Francisco’s offense. With Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Cooper Kupp and other reliable targets available, Darnold is a sensible Week 5 starter in most fantasy formats.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks QB Sam Darnold an intriguing start/sit QB to weigh in Week 5
