Lamar Jackson vs Sam Darnold: Who Should You Start?
If you are choosing between Lamar Jackson and Sam Darnold for your lineup, you are not alone. Lamar Jackson finished the 2025 season at 17.1 PPG for the Baltimore Ravens (13 games), and Sam Darnold averaged 14.7 for the Seattle Seahawks (17 games).
That 2.4-point weekly advantage for Lamar Jackson is meaningful but not automatic. Fantasy football is a week-to-week sport, and the answer to "who should I start" often changes based on opponent, recent form, and game environment. Season averages set the baseline; weekly context makes the call.
Both lean on arm talent and offensive scheme as traditional pocket passers. Lamar Jackson threw for 2549 yards and 21 touchdowns, while Sam Darnold posted 4048 yards and 25 scores. Volume, red zone efficiency, and game script are the key week-to-week differentiators when neither carries rushing upside.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Lamar Jackson sits Week 14 while Sam Darnold is off Week 10. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
