Mac Jones vs Sam Darnold: Who Should You Start?
If you are choosing between Mac Jones and Sam Darnold for your lineup, you are not alone. Mac Jones finished the 2025 season at 12.4 PPG for the San Francisco 49ers (11 games), and Sam Darnold averaged 14.7 for the Seattle Seahawks (17 games).
That 2.3-point weekly advantage for Sam Darnold 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. Mac Jones threw for 2151 yards and 13 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.
One scheduling note: Mac Jones is off Week 9 and Sam Darnold Week 10. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in quarterback for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.
