Sam Darnold has finally gotten his feet wet with the Seahawks. After a much-improved (and near-MVP) campaign last season for the Vikings, Darnold arrived in Seattle as their $100-million man and new franchise quarterback. With big contracts come big expectations, especially on a team that wants to contend for the playoffs this season. Thursday’s matchup is a key step in solidifying himself as their unquestioned leader under center.
The Seahawks are visiting the Cardinals tonight. On DraftKings Sportsbook, Seattle is favored by 1.5 points and the game carries a combined total of 43.5. Let’s dig into my favorite Sam Darnold prop bet for tonight’s Seahawks-Cardinals contest.
Best Sam Darnold Prop Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
Week 1 wasn’t a fun debut for Darnold. Facing a lethal 49ers defense and his former coach in Kyle Shanahan, Sam completed 16-of-23 passes for 150 yards while losing a fumble. He was able to cut a bit loose in Week 2, completing 22-of-33 passes for 295 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He was able to shred the decrepit Saints defense in Week 3, going 14-of-18 for 218 yards and two touchdowns before handing things over to Drew Lock.
Seattle didn’t sign Darnold to be their superstar QB. His job is to be an exceptional game manager; and averaging 221 yards per game on a 70.3% completion rate, I’d say he has done just that. But he’ll have a big opportunity on Thursday.
Through three games, the Cardinals are 30th in passing yards allowed. A lot of this is game script related. Due to their first two games against the Saints and Panthers, Arizona is 13th in net yards per attempt allowed. Their stout run defense (10th in yards per carry allowed) has forced teams to look to the air in order to keep drives moving.
No case exemplifies that better than last week against the 49ers. Arizona bottled up Christian McCaffrey on the ground for 52 yards on 17 carries. San Francisco was forced to go to the air often to pull out the win. Backup QB Mac Jones, despite being without his top tight end and top two receivers, racked up 284 yards through the air.
Darnold is twice the quarterback that Jones is. He’s got superior weapons in the passing game. Even though Seattle will relentlessly try to establish the run, I expect the resurgent Darnold to get his numbers through the air.
