Fantasy football managers are always searching for the next difference-maker, especially at the quarterback position. This week presents some interesting options for those looking beyond the obvious names.
There are safe plays and high-upside gambles available, depending on your team’s needs. If you want to get ahead of your competition, pay close attention to the latest quarterback developments in fantasy football.
Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks (vs. ARI)
Sam Darnold is technically 50% rostered in Yahoo leagues, but that’s close enough to mention him here. The Seattle Seahawks quarterback has had only two sub-15-point fantasy weeks this year: the opening game of the season and his Week 7 matchup with the Houston Texans.
Darnold is the QB15 in fantasy points per game this season (17.8), tied with everybody’s second-favorite quarterback, Baker Mayfield. The MVP dark horse has been a top-10 fantasy quarterback in four of his eight games, and in three of his last four.
This week, he faces a tricky matchup against an impressive Arizona Cardinals defense, but he has more than earned the trust of fantasy managers with his performances this season. If it’s a solid floor you’re looking for, Darnold remains one of the safest bets in the business.
Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons (at IND – Berlin Game)
Michael Penix Jr. hasn’t earned nearly the same level of trust that Darnold has, but he is coming off his best fantasy performance since Week 1. The second-year quarterback tallied 22.7 fantasy points, with three touchdowns and no interceptions against one of the better defenses in the NFL, the New England Patriots.
All three of those touchdown passes went the way of Drake London, who could find himself in an intriguing battle with Sauce Gardner this weekend. The Falcons have been inconsistent this year, scoring 10 points or fewer in three of their games.
That being said, the Indianapolis Colts have topped 30 points in four of their last five games, and at least 38 in three of those. If we get a repeat performance from the Atlanta offense, this game carries significant shootout potential.
Darnold is the safe play this week, while Penix is a more boom/bust option for those who need to take a swing or two.
Marcus Mariota, Washington Commanders (vs. DET)
For those in deeper leagues or potentially Superflex leagues, Marcus Mariota should be available with Jayden Daniels injured long-term. The Washington Commanders’ backup is more mobile than most and will probably need to be aggressive to keep up with the Detroit Lions offense on Sunday.
Mariota has been a top-20 fantasy quarterback in all three of his starts this season, including a QB6-overall finish against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3. The Lions, meanwhile, have allowed the 10th-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks (19.1).
Dan Campbell’s men have allowed two touchdowns per game, 7th-most in the league, while Washington has allowed the 11th-most points per game (26.22). It won’t feel great, but Mariota is a viable QB2 option this weekend.