Why Seahawks QB Sam Darnold is one of the NFL's biggest sleepers for Week 9
For Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, the 2025 season is about proving a point.
Darnold, 28, had a career season with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, completing 66.2 percent of his passes for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions to earn his first Pro Bowl selection. Despite that, many claimed that he hadn't truly broken out after all these years, but that it was just a fluke and he would regress back to the mean. Heck, even the Vikings decided to let him go to free agency instead of re-sign him.
That decision turned out to be a blessing for the Seahawks. In his first season in the Emerald City, Darnold is playing just as well as he did last year, as he's completed 68.2 percent of his passes for 1,754 yards, 12 touchdowns and only four interceptions.
He's already formed a dangerous connection with Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who leads the league in receiving yards, and has been remarkably efficient throwing the ball.
Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
As the Seahawks come out of their bye week to face the struggling Washington Commanders on "Sunday Night Football," Bleacher Report's Moe Moton believes Darnold has a chance to make another statement. Moton named Darnold to his list of the biggest Fantasy Football sleepers of Week 9, predicting another big game for the resurgent quarterback.
"Coming off a bye week, Sam Darnold faces the Washington Commanders' reeling pass defense, which allowed 236 or more yards to opposing quarterbacks in each of the last three weeks," Moton wrote.
"Those signal-callers, Caleb Williams, Dak Prescott and Patrick Mahomes, all finished top-10 in fantasy scoring among quarterbacks in weeks against the Washington unit. The Commanders allow the sixth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. With an extra week to prepare for this contest, Darnold will be ready to carve up one of the league's worst pass defenses.
"Primary slot receiver Cooper Kupp and Jaxon Smith-Njigba could take advantage of a matchup with cornerback Mike Sainristil, who's struggling in coverage, allowing a 103.1 passer rating. Darnold leads the league in yards per completion (13.4) and averages nearly two touchdown passes per game. Don't be surprised if he throws for 250-plus yards and a couple of touchdowns Sunday night."
The Commanders rank 26th in passing yards allowed (244 per game), and their secondary seems ill-equipped to take on a white-hot Smith-Njigba. If Darnold can exploit that weakness, then he should have another big game.
Lamar Jackson Puts Ravens' Playoff Hopes on His Shoulders, Vows to Lead Team to Championship for His Teammates and Believers
As the Baltimore Ravens gear up for a crucial playoff run, quarterback Lamar Jackson has made it clear that he is ready to carry the weight of the team’s championship aspirations on his shoulders. With the Ravens' hopes of securing a Super Bowl title resting squarely on his performance, Jackson has expressed his determination to not let down his teammates, coaches, and all those who have believed in him throughout his career.
“This team has put a lot of trust in me, and I’m not going to let them down,” Jackson said after a recent practice. “I’ve got a responsibility to my teammates, my coaches, and the city of Baltimore to do everything I can to lead this team to a championship. We’re not just aiming for the playoffs—we’re aiming for that ring, and I’ll do whatever it takes to get there.”
Jackson, who has long been known for his electrifying playing style and ability to make plays when the game is on the line, understands the magnitude of the challenge ahead. However, his confidence and resolve are stronger than ever as he focuses on helping the Ravens navigate through the playoff gauntlet.
“The playoffs are where legacies are made,” Jackson continued. “I know there’s a lot of pressure, but I’ve always thrived in these kinds of moments. It’s about making the plays when it counts, and I’m ready to do that for my guys. We’ve worked too hard to come this far just to fall short.”
As Jackson prepares for the postseason, his leadership and playmaking ability will be key to the Ravens’ success. His ability to remain composed under pressure and deliver in critical moments will be crucial as the team looks to make a deep playoff run. Jackson’s commitment to his teammates and the city has only intensified as the stakes get higher.
“I’m doing this for my brothers in that locker room,” Jackson said. “They’ve got my back, and I’ve got theirs. We all want the same thing—our Super Bowl. That’s what I’m focused on, and I know we’ve got the talent and heart to get it done.”
With the Ravens’ playoff hopes firmly in Jackson’s hands, the pressure is on, but the quarterback’s confidence and determination will be pivotal as they embark on their journey toward a championship. The road to the Super Bowl won’t be easy, but Jackson is more committed than ever to leading the charge.
