Minnesota Vikings Quarterback Sam Darnold Having Career Resurgence? Fantasy Football Impact

Former USC Trojans Sam Darnold will face a familiar opponent on Sunday, his former team the San Francisco 49ers, where he spent the 2023 season as a backup. Can Darnold get the win against his previous squad?

Sep 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) drops back to pass during the first quarter against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold had a strong debut in Sunday’s win over the New York Giants. He found his rhythm early, becoming the third player in Vikings history to complete 12 or more consecutive passes to open a season, joining Kirk Cousins and Fran Tarkenton. 

The former USC Trojans quarterback looked sharp all game, finishing 19 of 24 for 208 yards, two touchdowns and an interception with a 113.2 passer rating. 

"I think for me it was coming out here and just playing my game,” Darnold said. “Playing one play at a time. Just playing with confidence," he said. "I think that's the biggest thing. We've got a great offense, a great system. If I just play all the time and do all the things I need to do to execute, we'll be all right."

Darnold will face a familiar opponent on Sunday, his former team the San Francisco 49ers, where he spent the 2023 season as a backup. The 27-year-old signal-caller was able to reflect on his time in the Bay Area on Wednesday. 

Sep 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) drops back to pass during the first quarter against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

“I learned so much last year, just what we did every single week,' Darnold said. "Just being able to learn every single game plan and study throughout the week. I think that was the biggest takeaway that I had. With all the different things we had to know as a quarterback going into a game. I think I learned a ton about myself last year and learned a lot about football.”

His former coach Kyle Shanahan is excited for the opportunity Darnold has in front of him. 

"Yeah, I thought it was a real good spot for him,” Shanahan said. “And I was happy for him. I was hoping he'd find no good spots and come back here. But I was happy for him. He got this opportunity because Sam more than deserves it. Sam is a starting quarterback in this league and he should run with it."

At USC, Darnold was named the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year in 2016, despite not becoming the starter until week four. He led the Trojans to 52-49 win over Penn State in the Rose Bowl. His 31 passing touchdowns set a school record for the most passing touchdowns by a freshman.  

In 2017, Darnold led the Trojans to the Pac-12 title game, defeating Stanford 31-28 for the school's first conference championship since 2008. He was named the game’s MVP. That season, Darnold threw for a then-school record 4,143 yards. 

Dec 29, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) prior to the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2017 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images / Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images

Darnold had a rough start to his career after the New York Jets selected him with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Turnovers were a problem his final season at USC and continued to plague him in the NFL. He struggled behind poor offensive line play and a lack of talent at the skill positions. Darnold was brought in to the savior a franchise but, instead he lasted just three seasons before the Jets moved onto Zach Wilson. 

New York traded Darnold to the Carolina Panthers in April 2021. Darnold got off to a fast start, leading the Panthers to a 3-0 record but managed to go just 1-8 over his next nine starts.  

The following season Carolina brought in Baker Mayfield to be the team’s starting quarterback. Mayfield eventually lost his starting position and released by the Panthers in December 2022. Darnold would start the final six games of the season, leading Carolina to a 4-2 record. 

Darnold became a free agent after the season and got the restart he desperately needed when he signed a one-year deal with San Francisco in 2023 to be the backup to Brock Purdy. 

“I think Sam being around, the Niners and Kyle (Shanahan) and how he coached that group last year, I think he took a lot out of that,” said Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell. 

Fantasy Football Impact: 

Darnold ranked 13th amongst quarterbacks in fantasy points in week one with 15.6. This week he faces a much tougher test vs. the 49ers defense. Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers struggled against San Francisco on Monday night and managed to only put up 9.6 points.

However, having superstar receiver Justin Jefferson and a great offensive mind like O’Connell at your side certainly does help Darnold's value. 

The Vikings will look to start the season 2-0 when they host the 49ers on Sunday, September 15 at U.S. Bank Stadium. Kickoff is at 10:00 a.m. PST.

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