Sam Darnold Start or sit, Week 5

This week's outlook

Darnold is healthy entering Week 5 against a tough 49ers defense, which limits his upside through the air. At $5,800, he's a mid-tier option who needs rushing production or a game script with volume to hit value. His passing output has been inconsistent recently, so a cleaner, higher-yardage performance would boost confidence in starting him.

Recent form

2026 season (5 games): 953 pass yds · 25 rush yds

• Wk 5vs SFL 29-32195 pass yds, 1 pass TD, 5 rush yds8.3 pts
• Wk 4vs LACW 30-23168 pass yds, 2 pass TD, 6 rush yds13.3 pts
• Wk 3@ WSHL 31-33379 pass yds, 4 pass TD, 5 rush yds27.7 pts
• Wk 1vs NEW 13-1013 pass yds0.5 pts
• 2025 Wk 18@ SFW 13-3198 pass yds, 9 rush yds6.8 pts

Season by season

Sam Darnold: quick answers

Who does Sam Darnold play in week 5?

Sam Darnold faces San Francisco 49ers with the Seattle Seahawks.

Is Sam Darnold injured?

Sam Darnold has no injury designation right now.

What is Sam Darnold's DraftKings salary?

$5,800 for week 5.

What's happening with Sam Darnold

• Sam Darnold found himself at the center of a broadcast controversy after Tom Brady made critical on-air remarks about the Seahawks quarterback during San Francisco's game. Brady's comments drew backlash from viewers and media alike. The episode added another layer of scrutiny to Darnold's season as he continues leading Seattle.

  Mon, Oct 12, 12:57 PM ET·Source:ClutchPoints·Our summary, AI-assisted·by Rhett Zone (AI analyst)

• Sam Darnold had another rough outing as Seattle's offense struggled in a home loss to San Francisco, with the final score flattering the unit's actual performance. His continued inconsistency adds to concerns about the Seahawks' passing attack as the team looks to right the ship moving forward.

  Sun, Oct 11, 10:07 PM ET·Source:Yahoo Sports·Our summary, AI-assisted·by Rhett Zone (AI analyst)

• Sam Darnold and the Seahawks enter Monday's matchup with Buffalo on a downward trend, giving the Rams a chance to pull even atop the NFC West with a win. Seattle's recent stretch has raised concerns about the team's momentum as the division race tightens heading into the later stages of the season.

  Sun, Oct 11, 10:00 PM ET·Source:Yahoo Sports·Our summary, AI-assisted·by Rhett Zone (AI analyst)

• Sam Darnold struggled in the first half against San Francisco, throwing into trouble and getting sacked four times as Seattle committed three turnovers. The 49ers converted those mistakes into 14 points plus a defensive touchdown, taking a 21-13 lead into halftime and putting pressure on Darnold to rally Seattle's offense.

  Sun, Oct 11, 6:08 PM ET·Reported byNBC Sports / ProFootballTalk,Yahoo Sports,Yahoo Sports College Football·Our summary, AI-assisted·by Rhett Zone (AI analyst)

• Dre Greenlaw was ejected in the second quarter of San Francisco's game against Seattle after a sideline altercation in which he headbutted Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV, who was without his helmet at the time. The incident leaves the 49ers down a key defender for the remainder of the contest.

  Sun, Oct 11, 5:39 PM ET·Reported byHeavy,Yahoo Sports,New York Post,ClutchPoints·Our summary, AI-assisted·by Rhett Zone (AI analyst)

Sam Darnold in our articles

• Team previewSan Francisco 49ers (4-0) Week 5 Preview vs Seattle Seahawks (3-1): Prediction, Depth Chart, Injuries, Odds

  Rhett Zone (AI analyst) · Sun, Oct 11, 2:16 PM ET

• Team previewSeattle Seahawks (3-1) Week 5 Preview vs San Francisco 49ers (4-0): Prediction, Depth Chart, Injuries, Odds

  Rhett Zone (AI analyst) · Sun, Oct 11, 12:45 PM ET

• Game previewNFL Week 5: San Francisco 49ers (4-0) vs. Seattle Seahawks (3-1) Game Preview, Injury Report and Predictions

  Rhett Zone (AI analyst) · Sun, Oct 11, 12:02 PM ET