Football
Two NFL Quarterbacks Reshaping 2025 Fantasy Football Drafts!
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One QB injury opened the door for another to shine again—a shift that profoundly impacts both QBs’ fantasy outlook.
It stands to reason that with the draft capital spent on J.J. McCarthy, he would have been the Vikings’ starting QB sooner rather than later in 2024. However, injury derailed his rookie campaign and gave way to Sam Darnold stepping in and posting a career year. It also put the Vikings in an interesting spot. Do they hand the keys to McCarthy, or do they pay Darnold for his 2024? They decided on the former, and Darnold headed west to take over in Seattle for the departed Geno Smith on what could be a three-year, 100.5 million dollar deal. Good for Darnold, but what does this mean in fantasy?
2024 saw Darnold finish seventh both in total points as well as seventh in consistency with a Clutch Rating of 65%. His 35 touchdown passes and 4319 yards were both career highs. He also started all 17 games, so he proved to be durable. After bouncing around, he seemed to find a comfortable spot in Kevin O’Connell’s offense. It also helps a bit to have Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson to throw to.
In Seattle, things look quite a bit different. The top two receivers are Jaxon Smith-Njigba (who I love heading into this season) and newly signed Cooper Kupp. Beyond that, there isn’t much to get excited about in the way of pass catchers in Seattle. The run game in Seattle is clearly the focus, with Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet toting the rock and setting the tone for the rest of the offense. Klint Kubiak’s outside zone running scheme will be the focus, not throwing the ball downfield, as there just isn’t that guy in this offense.
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Who does this hurt?
Minnesota Pass Catchers
J.J. McCarthy has the potential to be a solid pro QB, but for all intents and purposes, he’s a rookie. There are figures to be hiccups along the way this season, and the Minnesota fantasy assets could feel the impact. Be careful drafting the JJ’s, Jordan Addisons, and T.J. Hockenson’s of the world. They could dip a bit and be a value, however.
Who does this help?
Seattle Pass Catchers
While I’m not buying into a repeat performance, Darnold should be a better passer than Smith. I don’t see him being asked to do a ton on offense unless Seattle is trailing. They want to run it, but Darnold should boost JSN and Cooper Kupp a bit.
Darnold is a weird case. I fully do not expect a repeat of his 2024 season as his supporting cast just isn’t nearly as talented. Plus, the offensive play calling won’t be nearly as slick. Seattle will be a run-first team, and while I think JSN will break out this season, Darnold can’t be trusted to repeat his career year. He’s currently sitting with an ADP of 157/QB 26. He’s worth a pick in 2QB leagues, and is a bye-week streamer, but not your week-to-week starter.
You can find & follow Ron Rigney on the X! NFL fantasy quarterbacks!
