Sam Darnold's impressive performance this season, including a standout game against the Falcons, has created a dilemma for the Minnesota Vikings. With a passer rating of 108.1, Darnold is outperforming former Vikings QB Kirk Cousins' best season, raising questions about whether the team should retain him or move forward with rookie J.J. McCarthy. The Vikings face a tough decision as Darnold approaches free agency, potentially commanding a lucrative contract, while the team has already invested in McCarthy as their future quarterback.
In NFL Week 14, Sam Darnold shone with five touchdowns leading the Vikings to a significant win over the Falcons, overshadowing Kirk Cousins' return to Minnesota. Bryce Young impressed for the Panthers against the Eagles, showing promise after being benched earlier in the season. Meanwhile, the Jets, despite Aaron Rodgers' strong performance, suffered another late-game collapse under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich. Mike Tomlin's Steelers continued their strong season with a win over the Browns, solidifying their playoff contention.
The Minnesota Vikings are preparing for a challenging game against the Tennessee Titans, with predictions favoring a Vikings win despite concerns over quarterback Sam Darnold's recent performance. The Vikings' defense, led by Brian Flores, has been strong, but rookie Dallas Turner's limited role raises questions. Meanwhile, rookie QB J.J. McCarthy is recovering from knee surgery, and veteran safety Harrison Smith continues to impress both on and off the field. The team's financial future and player contracts are also under scrutiny as they plan for upcoming seasons.
The Minnesota Vikings secured a 21-13 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, improving their record to 6-2. The win was crucial as the Vikings won't have another home game until December. The defense was particularly strong, not allowing a touchdown and limiting the Colts to 68 rushing yards. Despite some offensive struggles in the first half, including two interceptions by Sam Darnold, the team rallied in the second half with key contributions from players like T.J. Hockenson and Cam Akers. The victory keeps the Vikings in second place in the NFC North.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Sam Darnold stands to earn a $300,000 contract incentive if he plays at least 25 percent of the offensive snaps and the team wins against the Los Angeles Rams in the regular-season finale. The game has no bearing on the 49ers' playoff seeding as they are already locked in as the NFC's No. 1 seed. Darnold, who signed a one-year deal with the 49ers and has been the backup for most of the season, will make his first start while Pro Bowl quarterback Brock Purdy rests. The Rams are also playoff-bound and will rest key players like Matthew Stafford and Aaron Donald. Darnold has no regrets about his decision to join the 49ers, despite having had more lucrative offers.
Sam Darnold is set to start for the San Francisco 49ers in their final regular-season game against the Los Angeles Rams, with a chance to earn a $300,000 incentive if he plays at least 25 percent of the offensive snaps and the team wins. The 49ers have already secured the NFC's No. 1 playoff seed, while the Rams are playoff-bound as well. Darnold, who signed a one-year contract with the 49ers, has no regrets about his decision despite limited playtime this season and could also earn additional bonuses for postseason play.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Sam Darnold stands to earn a $300,000 incentive if he plays at least 25 percent of the offensive snaps and the team wins against the Los Angeles Rams in their regular-season finale. Darnold, who signed a one-year contract with the 49ers, will make his first start for the team while Pro Bowl quarterback Brock Purdy rests. The 49ers have already secured the NFC's No. 1 playoff seed, and the Rams are set to be either the sixth or seventh seed. Despite receiving more lucrative offers, Darnold has no regrets about joining the 49ers and could also earn additional bonuses for postseason play.
San Francisco 49ers GM John Lynch expressed high praise for backup quarterback Sam Darnold, who is set to start in the regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Rams, with the team resting Pro Bowl QB Brock Purdy. Darnold, who joined the 49ers on a one-year deal, has impressed the organization with his practice performances and arm talent. With Purdy sidelined for precaution, Darnold gets a chance to showcase his skills in a game situation, potentially influencing his future with the 49ers or elsewhere in the NFL as his contract is set to expire.
San Francisco 49ers General Manager John Lynch expressed high praise for backup quarterback Sam Darnold, who has impressed the team with his performance in practice. With the 49ers resting Pro Bowl quarterback Brock Purdy for the regular-season finale, Darnold is set to start against the Los Angeles Rams. Despite his past struggles with the Jets and Panthers, Darnold's talent and arm strength have earned respect within the organization, and the 49ers are keen on retaining him beyond his current one-year contract, although his future will depend on the opportunities available to him in the NFL.
San Francisco 49ers' backup quarterback Sam Darnold is set to start in the regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Rams as the team prepares for the playoffs with Brock Purdy. Darnold, who has not started an NFL game this season, views this as an opportunity to prepare for potential playoff action and to showcase his skills for free agency. The 49ers have secured the No. 1 seed in the NFC, allowing them to rest starters and give Darnold meaningful game time. Meanwhile, the team is dealing with various player injuries, and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks has been recognized by the NFLPA as the second-best defensive coordinator in the league.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has decided to rest starting quarterback Brock Purdy for the upcoming game against the Los Angeles Rams, with Sam Darnold set to start in his place. The decision comes as the 49ers have already secured the top seed in the NFC playoffs and a bye. Several other key players, including Christian McCaffrey and Nick Bosa, are preparing for the game but may see limited playtime to avoid injury before the playoffs. Shanahan emphasizes the importance of the team staying sharp while managing players' health, as they aim to enter the postseason in optimal condition.
The San Francisco 49ers will rest starting quarterback Brock Purdy and play Sam Darnold in their final regular-season game against the Los Angeles Rams, with both teams having secured their playoff positions. Coach Kyle Shanahan plans to maintain a competitive mindset despite resting key players. Christian McCaffrey, who will not play due to a mild calf strain, views his potential NFL rushing title as a reflection of the team's collective effort. The 49ers are managing several injuries but are preparing for the playoffs with a focus on maintaining readiness and momentum.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has announced that quarterback Brock Purdy will not play in the regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Rams, with Sam Darnold set to start instead. Purdy, who set a franchise record with 4,280 passing yards this season, will rest alongside other key players like Christian McCaffrey, as the 49ers have already secured the NFC's No. 1 playoff seed. The team is preparing for the Divisional round in their quest for a sixth Lombardi Trophy.
Sam Darnold is set to start as quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 18, as announced by 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. This decision comes as the 49ers have secured the top seed and their current QB, Brock Purdy, has been managing injuries. The Rams will also see a quarterback change with Carson Wentz starting in place of Matthew Stafford. The 49ers will be without running back Christian McCaffrey for the game.
