Playoff pressure mounts as Sam Darnold faces a critical test. Can he finally deliver a postseason win and justify his massive contract?
Is Sam Darnold worth $100 million? There is only one way to find out.
When Darnold - considered by many to be a "young journeyman'' - was signed by the Seattle Seahawks to a three-year, $100.5 million contract last offseason - the move was met with criticism.
Would he truly be able to truly lead this team to the playoffs?
That question has been answered; Darnold proved those critics wrong as Seattle ended up going 14-3 ... just as his Minnesota Vikings did last season.
But Darnold didn't win a playoff game as the Vikings were bounced in the Wild-Card round by the Los Angeles Rams.
Here comes another shot.
Tonight, he will get another the opportunity as he debuts as the Seattle playoff QB with the rival Niners coming to town.
But the doubters seem to be waiting ... like vultures.
Via CBS: "Sam Darnold quarterbacked the Seahawks to an NFC West title and the NFC's No. 1 seed, but ...''
But what?
"His play is declining entering the playoffs,'' the site continues. "He has eight total touchdowns and 10 turnovers since Week 11. His NFL-leading 20 turnovers (14 interceptions and six fumbles lost) in 2025 indicate a player prone to making a back-breaking error at any moment.''
That seems ... harsh.
More fair, we think, is to judge Darnold's body of work.
His other numbers suggest he performed like a top-10 QB. And "14-3'' is an indisputable bottom line.
A good bet tonight? Darnold will be able to "bus-drive'' thanks to the Seahawks defense, which ranks No. 2 in the NFL this season in yards allowed.
The Seahawks are 7-point favorites and a good Super Bowl bet. If all of that happens? The $100.5 million contract will look like a bargain.