Danny Kanell said fantasy gamers should treat Sam Darnold as a trap QB2. Kanell noted Darnold’s lone breakout season came in Kevin O’Connell’s ultra-QB-friendly Minnesota scheme that featured Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson. Seattle just shipped out D.K. Metcalf and swapped Geno Smith for the 27-year-old Darnold, leaving the new signal-caller with a 32-year-old Cooper Kupp, two slot-style receivers and a rookie tight end. Kanell does not believe Darnold can replicate last year’s 7.9 YPA or 3.4% completion-over-expected without elite weaponry and views the three-year, $100 million deal as an anchor on the roster. He recommended passing on Darnold in season-long drafts and fading any early “comeback player” props that open on the market.

Danny Kanell warned that losing Deebo Samuel – Purdy’s most-targeted wideout – is a significant hit to the quarterback’s fantasy ceiling. Kanell questioned the front office’s failure to add a proven replacement, saying the depth chart now leans on rookies and mid-round picks whose immediate impact is uncertain. With Purdy already finishing just 18th in air yards per attempt last year, Kanell expects a conservative passing script and fewer explosive plays, making Purdy more of a QB2 in season-long formats and a DFS fade unless salaries drop.

Danny Kanell urged drafters to buy back into Matthew Stafford after the Rams re-worked his deal and paired him with Davante Adams. Kanell said Stafford’s efficiency spike late last year (8.1 YPA over his final six games once the O-line settled) should carry into 2025 now that he has an elite X receiver who ranked fourth in targets against man coverage despite the Raiders’ QB carousel. With Stafford healthy and Adams commanding double teams, Kanell expects Sean McVay to lean heavily on play-action shots, projecting 4,600 passing yards and 30-plus TDs. He labeled Stafford a top-12 QB in season-long leagues and likes the Rams’ +200 divisional odds before the market adjusts.

Kanell stated he personally started the rumor that Chicago will trade into the top 3-4 picks to secure Ashton Jeanty. His reasoning: new offensive coordinator Ben Johnson comes from Detroit’s two-back system and has already telegraphed a run-heavy identity by investing heavily in offensive line upgrades. Kanell considers Jeanty the clear RB1 of the class—"as good as the Lions’ two backs combined"—and the final piece to a physical, ball-control offense. Bettors looking at first-running-back or team-to-draft props should monitor Bears steam, as Kanell is confident Chicago’s front office is telegraphing its intentions.

Danny Kanell claimed Mike Tomlin is intentionally leaking negative scouting tidbits to push Shedeur Sanders down the board so Pittsburgh can grab him at pick 21. Kanell argued the Steelers cannot count on aging stop-gaps like Mason Rudolph and must secure a long-term quarterback. He contrasted Sanders’ skill set favorably against Kenny Pickett, calling Sanders a clear upgrade with top-10 talent. Bryant McFadden backed the logic, reminding viewers that Pittsburgh has historically benefitted from blue-chip prospects (e.g., Joey Porter Jr.) falling into its lap. The panel agreed the franchise’s biggest error would be passing if Sanders is available, making a draft-prop bet on “Steelers to draft Shedeur Sanders” an attractive long-shot ticket.