Sam Darnold has turned his career around with the Minnesota Vikings this season. While he is on just a one-year deal, he opened the door for a lot of offers in free agency. Darnold’s dynasty outlook is extremely positive heading into 2025.
Sam Darnold: Vikings Quarterback Dynasty Outlook
Current Performance
Through 15 games, Darnold is currently the QB8 in fantasy for total points. He’s also the QB8 with an average of 18.8 points per game, ahead of players like Patrick Mahomes and Kyler Murray. Darnold has connected with star wide receiver Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison to help create a fluid offense in Minnesota.
He’s set career highs in both passing yards and passing touchdowns in Minnesota. Coming into the season, there was a debate on how long he would even be the starter with J.J. McCarthy looming. In hindsight, McCarthy wouldn’t have played even if he was fully healthy.
Darnold has four games this season with 3+ touchdown passes and two games with 300+ passing yards. He’s proving everyone wrong this season. However, he now has to show the world he can play at this level for more than one season.
Sam Darnold Dynasty Price
Darnold’s dynasty price has continued to increase as the season has progressed. Fantasytradecalc has a list of all trades involving him, whether he was the only piece being dealt or included in a package.
Some of the trades for Darnold are more conservative where he’s swapped for a draft pick or two in Rounds 2 or 3. Other trades are much of aggressive where he’s swapped for quarterbacks like Kyler Murray, Trevor Lawrence or included in a bundle for C.J. Stroud.
What to do With Sam Darnold in Dynasty Leagues
There’s no doubt Darnold is going to be a fantasy-relevant quarterback in 2025. However, it’s anyone’s guess as to which team he plays for which is the only reason to question just how strong he will be next season and beyond. That has led to some pessimism around the fantasy world.
As a result, below is going to break things down for those who are risk averse and those who are risk seekers.
Risk-Averse Managers
Risk-averse managers are going to be paranoid he gets signed by a team like the Tennessee Titans who (for the time being) don’t have many weapons for him. They may opt to trade Darnold now or just as the offseason begins for fear his value will drop. Risk-averse managers know Darnold is good, but the uncertainty about his future will scare them too much.
Risk-Seeking Managers
Risk-seeking managers don’t care where Darnold ends up. They believe in him and are willing to play him. Darnold is a starting quarterback in their eyes, and they know he will make their team better. Risk-seeking managers hope he goes somewhere like the New York Giants and be able to throw the ball to Malik Nabers. If they don’t already have Darnold, they will be acquiring him sooner rather than later.
Main Photo Courtesy of Jeffrey Becker – Imagn Images
