Sam Darnold

Sam Darnold is the QB19 in fantasy points per game with seven QB1 outings this season. Among 45 qualifying passers, Darnold has been exemplary, ranking seventh in passing yards per game, first in yards per attempt, second in highly accurate throw rate, and fifth in hero throw rate. Darnold should flirt with QB1 production this week. Since Week 12, Carolina has allowed the 11th-most passing yards per game, the 11th-highest yards per attempt, and the sixth-highest CPOE.

Sam Darnold overcame a turnover-filled second half to lead a game-winning drive in overtime against the Rams on Thursday, completing 22 of 34 passes for 270 yards and two touchdowns. The veteran signal-caller also contributed three rushes for seven yards, though his two interceptions—bringing his season total against Los Angeles to six—helped keep the game close.

Fantasy Impact

Darnold rebounded late in the contest, connecting with AJ Barner for a 26-yard touchdown to narrow the deficit in the fourth quarter. In overtime, he marched the offense 65 yards on nine plays, capping the drive with a four-yard touchdown pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba before finding Eric Saubert for the game-winning two-point conversion. This marked Darnold's third multi-touchdown effort in his last five games as he prepares for a Week 17 road test against the Panthers.