Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is being highlighted as a potential value bet to lead the National Football League in passing yards for the upcoming season, despite odds that place him behind several less proven or injured players. Sportsbooks currently list Darnold at 28/1, with 14 other players having better odds.
Darnold, 27, experienced a career resurgence in the 2024 season with the Vikings, throwing for over 4,300 yards and ranking fifth in the league. He followed this performance with another 4,000-yard season for the Seahawks in 2025, despite ranking only 15th in passing attempts. This consistent production across different teams and offensive coordinators has built confidence in his ability to maintain a high level of play.
The list of quarterbacks with better odds than Darnold includes favorites like Jared Goff, Joe Burrow, and Dak Prescott, all of whom have strong track records. However, the odds also favor players like Patrick Mahomes, who is recovering from a torn ACL, and Bo Nix, who suffered an ankle injury. Additionally, sophomore quarterback Tyler Shough, who averaged fewer passing yards per game than Darnold last season, is also positioned ahead of him in the odds.
Darnold's success in Seattle was bolstered by a strong defense and potent receiving threats. Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the league in receiving yards last season with over 1,700, and veteran Cooper Kupp remains a significant weapon. The addition of Rashid Shaheed via trade also provides deep-threat speed, complementing Darnold's ability to deliver accurate long passes.
Coming off a Super Bowl victory and a personally successful season, Darnold is expected to carry strong confidence into the new year. His combination of proven performance and favorable odds makes him an attractive pick for bettors looking for value. The analysis suggests that Darnold's 28/1 odds present an opportunity to bet on him leading the league in passing yards before the season begins.