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Fantasy analyst buying on Sam Darnold in new Seahawks offense

Can Sam Darnold replicate his monster 2024 season during Year 1 in Seattle?
Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) celebrates running back Aaron Jones' (33) touchdown run against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) celebrates running back Aaron Jones' (33) touchdown run against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

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The Seattle Seahawks are putting faith in quarterback Sam Darnold to lead their new-look offense in 2025. It's a bold move, and while many are skeptical, there are plenty of reasons to believe it could work.

Darnold, 27, had an incredible year with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024. Prior to last season, nobody could have predicted Darnold signing a $100 million contract. But when you put up All-Pro numbers at quarterback, you're going to get paid.

Given the drastic changes on offense, It may be tough for the Seahawks improve upon their 10-win season from a year ago. However, one NFL fantasy analyst is predicting big things from Darnold and the offense in 2025.

"Fantasy football gamers should be fired up as well," wrote Andrew Cooper of Fantasyalarm.com. "And it’s not just about what Sam Darnold brings to the table but about what new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s scheme will bring as well. This is a smart quarterback jumping into one of the most QB-friendly offenses in the league."

The former No. 3 overall pick was selected by the New York Jets to be the franchise savior back in 2018, but an incompetent organization doomed Darnold the same way it doomed Geno Smith once upon a time.

Like Smith, Darnold eventually found success after getting away from the Jets. He thrived under Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell last season. The Seahawks have some talented pieces on offense, but they don't have the offensive line that Minnesota has.

Klint Kubiak
May 11, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak looks on during the rookie minicamp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Cooper is still buying in, though, citing Seattle's offensive scheme, coaching staff and weapons as evidence to why it could work.

"And, yes, he did have a great coach, great scheme, and great weapons in Minnesota," wrote Cooper. "But I’ll argue that the coaching, the scheme, and the weapons in Seattle can put Darnold in a position to succeed once again."

It's interesting to see someone taking a more optimistic approach, but if the Seahawks don't protect Darnold, what happens outside of the pocket won't matter much.

The team has 10 picks in the upcoming NFL draft, including five in the first 100 selections. That should be more than enough to find a few key starters up front.

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Matt Urben
MATT URBEN

Matt Urben is a sportswriter for multiple outlets, including MLive.com and USA TODAY Sports Media Group. He has covered numerous NFL teams, including the Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs. Matt grew up in Michigan, where he currently resides with his fiancé and dog. He is a graduate of MPI Film School and the University of Michigan.