2024 Pass/Rush Stats
YDS
24
TD
0
INT
1
YDS
2
TD
0
2025 Projections
2025 Fantasy Outlook
At 6-foot-1, 225 pounds with an above-average arm and NFL starting experience, Howell looks the part as a competent backup to new Vikings starter J.J. McCarthy. In 2023 with the Commanders, Howell started all 17 regular-season games, logging a 21:21 TD:INT while winning just four games. He was then dealt to Seattle, where he backed up Geno Smith until the Seahawks revamped the QB room by signing Sam Darnold and drafting Jalen Milroe this offseason, leading to him being traded to Minnesota. He seems like the favorite over Brett Rypien for the No. 2 gig. Read Past Outlooks
RANKS
Poor showing in Saturday's start
Howell completed one of five passes for 13 yards and an interception in Saturday's 20-12 preseason loss to the Patriots. He added 14 rushing yards on three carries.
ANALYSIS
The fourth-year QB isn't exactly known for his mobility, but he gained more yards on the ground than through the air in two drives as part of an overall poor performance from the Vikings' offense. Howell is set as the top backup to J.J. McCarthy this season, but the 2024 first-round pick would have to be a significant flop, or suffer another serious injury, for the former Commander and Seahawk to see more than mop-up duty this season.
The fourth-year QB isn't exactly known for his mobility, but he gained more yards on the ground than through the air in two drives as part of an overall poor performance from the Vikings' offense. Howell is set as the top backup to J.J. McCarthy this season, but the 2024 first-round pick would have to be a significant flop, or suffer another serious injury, for the former Commander and Seahawk to see more than mop-up duty this season.
NFL Stats
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Fantasy/Red Zone Stats
See red zone opportunities inside the 20, 10 and 5-yard lines along with the percentage of time they converted the opportunity into a touchdown.
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Advanced NFL Stats
How do Sam Howell's 2024 advanced stats compare to other quarterbacks?
This section compares his advanced stats with players at the same position. The bar represents the player's percentile rank.
The longer the bar, the better it is for the player.
Bad Pass %
35.7%Avg Target Depth
4.4 YdsSack Rate
22.2%Avg Receiver YAC
1.6 YdsReceiver Drop %
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2024 NFL Game Log
2024
2023
2022
2024 NFL Game Log
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Snap Distribution / Depth Chart
Snap Counts
Snap %
2024 Sam Howell Split Stats
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Measurables Review
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How do Sam Howell's measurables compare to other quarterbacks?
This section compares his draft workout metrics with players at the same position. The bar represents the player's percentile rank. For example, if the bar is halfway across, then the player falls into the 50th percentile for that metric and it would be considered average.
Height
6' 1"Weight
225 lbsHand Length
9.13 inArm Length
30.75 inPast Fantasy Outlooks
2024
2023
2022
Howell ended up starting 17 games for Washington last year only because backup Jacoby Brissett injured his hamstring the week Howell was to be benched late in the season. Howell was actually a competent No. 2 fantasy QB the first half of the season, and even in Weeks 11-13 when he had 1:5 TD:INT he stayed afloat with four rushing touchdowns. But the last four games were especially dreadful -- three TDs, seven INTs, 4.7 YPA -- and sealed his fate with the Commanders. He was the only QB in the league with at least 14 starts who failed to throw more touchdowns than interceptions (21:21). The Seahawks traded for Howell in March to back up Geno Smith, which seems like an appropriate spot for the 2022 fifth-round pick. At 6-1, 220, with an above-average arm, Howell could again be useful in two-QB leagues should Smith go down, as the Seahawks have a nice group of playmakers in DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Kenneth Walker.
More Fantasy News
Will start Saturday's game
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said Thursday that Howell will start Saturday's preseason game against the Patriots.
ANALYSIS
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Runs for TD against Texans
Howell completed 11 of 13 passes for 105 yards and added two yards and a touchdown on four carries in Saturday's 20-10 preseason win over Houston.
ANALYSIS
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On the move to Minnesota
Howell was traded from the Seahawks to the Vikings on Saturday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
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Receiving trade interest
The Seahawks have received trade inquiries about Howell and are open to trading him, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
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Competing for backup job
Howell will compete for the No. 2 job behind Sam Darnold after the Seahawks signed Drew Lock on Friday, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.
ANALYSIS
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
No lock for QB2 spot?
Alec Lewis of The Athletic believes undrafted rookie Max Brosmer is in contention for Minnesota's backup quarterback spot alongside Howell.
ANALYSIS
J.J. McCarthy is locked in atop the depth chart, but Brosmer has impressed Minnesota's coaching staff. In two preseason games, Brosmer has thrown for 203 yards, one touchdown and one interception compared to Howell's 118 passing yards and one interception. Both contenders for the top backup spot are 24 years old, but Howell has a significant edge in NFL experience, having started 18 games for the Commanders in the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
J.J. McCarthy is locked in atop the depth chart, but Brosmer has impressed Minnesota's coaching staff. In two preseason games, Brosmer has thrown for 203 yards, one touchdown and one interception compared to Howell's 118 passing yards and one interception. Both contenders for the top backup spot are 24 years old, but Howell has a significant edge in NFL experience, having started 18 games for the Commanders in the 2022 and 2023 seasons.