Should you draft Sam Darnold in 2024? Fantasy outlook, ADP and more for Vikings QB

Sam Darnold joined the Minnesota Vikings ahead of the 2024 NFL season to add depth to their quarterback position. He was originally expected to serve as a back-up this year, but his situation recently changed. He's now projected to be their starter, which has put him on the radar in fantasy football. Here's where his outlook currently stands with drafts season quickly approaching.

Sam Darnold's 2024 Fantasy Outlook

Sam Darnold

The Minnesota Vikings used a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to select JJ McCarthy as their new quarterback. He was unfortunately injured during the preseason and they received a devastating diagnosis. He reportedly tore his meniscus in his knee and has been ruled out for the entire 2024 NFL season.

The injury to McCarthy opens the door for Sam Darnold to serve as the Vikings' starting quarterback this year. He was acquired during the offseason to help replace Kirk Cousins, who shockingly departed the team, to join the Atlanta Falcons. All starting quarterbacks are potential fantasy football options, so Darnold suddenly holds some value this year.

The veteran quarterback has mostly served as back-up in recent years after sailed runs as a starter with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers. He got the opportunity to start the final game of last season for the San Francisco 49ers and he turned in a decent performance. This includes 189 passing yards and touchdown, along with 19 rushing yards and another touchdown.

Darnold's rushing upside was also demonstrated duing his time with the Panthers, including seven rushing touchdowns in 28 games. This has always been a valuable trait for fantasy football quarterbacks, so Darnold could have some sneaky value. This will be supplemented by playing in a Vikings offense that surround him with elite weapons.

Is Sam Darnold a good pick in Fantasy Football this year?

Sam Darnold will certainly be a risky quarterback to trust for the 2024 fantasy football season, but he also has some upside as a result of his skillset and situation with the Minnesota Vikings. In addition to his seven rushing touchdowns with the Panthers, he also turned in 328 rushing yards during that time.

If the Vikings can design ways for Darnold to contribute as a rusher in their offensive scheme, his fantasy value will increase. He has severely struggled at times as a passer, including just 63 passing touchdowns and a massive 56 interceptions, so they could find more creative ways for him to be productive. Utilizing his legs is one way to do that, and the ideal way for his fantasy value.

Darnold will also have a strong arsenal of weapons to work with, including Justin Jefferson, arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL. Jordan Addison adds another solid wide receiver in the mix, while his running back duo of Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler are both strong receivers out of the backfield.

TJ Hockenson is also one of the best tight ends in the league, though he will miss time as he is still recovering from an injury. The excellent supporting cast, rushing upside, and offensive-minded head coach Kevin O'Connell give Darnold more upside than many other quarterbacks in the late rounds of fantasy drafts.

Where should you draft Sam Darnold this year?

While Sam Darnold will bring upside with him to the 2024 fantasy football season, he still makes for an unreliable quarterback to trust in drafts. He holds his most value as a bench piece in traditional formats that allow for just one quarterback in starting lineups. In these leagues, he makes sense as a QB2, especially for teams that skip drafting an elite quarterback.

Where Darnold can make more of a case for himself as a potential starter in fantasy football is in 2QB and Superflex leagues. Quarterbacks come at much more of a premium in these formats, especially in leagues with 12 or more teams, because almost all of the NFL starters will be in weekly fantasy lineups. The new Vikings starter has more upside than many other lower-level options.

Taking all of this into consideration, Sam Darnold's ADP should be in the late rounds for rosters seeking a QB2 in fantasy drafts. His favorable situation on the Minnesota Vikings gives him plenty of upside as a passer, and if he can utilize his rushing skills again this year, it will significantly increase his potential value.

Managers considering Darnold in their fantasy drafts should reference Sportskeeda's Who Should I Draft tool. This will allow them to compare his fantasy projections to the relevant option and help them to determine if he is the best pick.