QB: Sam Darnold - MIN

2024 Season Summary (Minnesota Vikings)

• Passing Yards: 4,319 (5th in NFL)

• Touchdowns: 35 (5th)

• Interceptions: 12

• Completion %: 66.2% (career-high)

• Fantasy Finish: QB9 in fantasy PPG (~18.1)

  
  

Efficiency Gains

• 29.5% TD rate vs. ~8.8% sack rate

• Career-best TD-INT ratio (35:12) with 66.2% completion rate

  
  

Accolades

• First Pro Bowl selection (2025)

• PFWA Most Improved Player (2024)

• Started strong: At least 2 passing TDs in each of his first 4 games with the team

Offseason Changes & Context

• Signed 3-year, $100.5M deal with Seattle ($37.5M guaranteed for 2025)

• Seahawks moved on from Geno Smith, DK Metcalf, and Tyler Lockett

• HC Mike Macdonald confirmed Darnold as the projected starter for 90%+ of offensive snaps

2025 Fantasy Football Outlook

Positives

• Snap Volume: Clear QB1 in Seattle with full workload

• Proven Ceiling: 4,319 yards and 35 TDs in 2024 sets a high baseline

• Efficiency Boost: High aDOT, lower sack rate, and increased TD rate all point toward sustainable aggression

Risks

• Receiving Weapons Downgrade: With Metcalf and Lockett gone, Seattle leans on Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp

• Offensive Philosophy: Macdonald’s defensive background may reduce passing volume

• Regression Warning: Career-best year likely to regress slightly; projections show dips in yardage and TDs

Headliner Take

Sam Darnold enters 2025 as the clear starting quarterback for the Seahawks after a career-best 2024 season with over 4,300 passing yards and 35 touchdowns for the Vikings. While his improved efficiency and aggressive downfield passing give him fantasy upside, his new situation in Seattle presents challenges. The Seahawks have a downgraded receiving corps following the departures of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, and a defensive-minded coaching staff may favor a run-heavy approach. As a result, Darnold profiles as a mid to low end QB2 in standard formats, with more appeal in SuperFlex or 2-QB leagues where volume starters are valuable.