Baker Mayfield vs Sam Darnold
Two quarterbacks fantasy managers weigh against each other for 2026. Here is the head-to-head on projections, expert consensus, ADP and usage, with our Clutch Score verdict on who to draft.
Who to draft
Strong edge · 95% confident
Baker Mayfield- Higher projection: 275 vs 263 pts
- Experts agree: consensus rank 118 vs 137
- More points per game: 16.6 vs 14.7
Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold are a common 2026 draft-day decision at quarterback. Baker Mayfield holds the edge in expert consensus (QB19 to QB22). Baker Mayfield typically comes off the board first, around pick 145 (round 13) to Sam Darnold's pick 163. The 2026 projections give a modest edge: Baker Mayfield at 275 PPR points (16.2 per game) versus Sam Darnold at 263.
Last season Baker Mayfield carried the heavier workload (97% snap share, 55 touches to Sam Darnold's 35), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. For a 2026 redraft, Baker Mayfield is the clear pick on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and an earlier ADP.
Head-to-head
| Stat | Mayfield | Darnold |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 275 | 263 |
| Points / game | 16.6 | 14.7 |
| Games played | 17 | 17 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #118 | #137 |
| ADP | 145 | 163 |
| Positional rank | QB12 | QB13 |
| Snap share | 97% | 96% |
| Red-zone touches | 8 | 6 |
| Age | 31 | 29 |
| Bye week | 10 | 11 |
Highlighted value wins each row. Season stats are 2025 (PPR); projections, ADP and consensus are for 2026.
Setting a lineup this week? Start/sit: Baker Mayfield or Sam Darnold.
Frequently asked
Should I draft Baker Mayfield or Sam Darnold in 2026?
Baker Mayfield is a clear call over Sam Darnold for 2026, on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and an earlier ADP.
Who is projected to score more, Baker Mayfield or Sam Darnold?
Baker Mayfield carries the higher 2026 projection at 275 PPR points (16.2 per game), compared with 263 for Sam Darnold.
Where are Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold being drafted?
Baker Mayfield has an ADP around pick 145 (round 13), while Sam Darnold goes closer to pick 163 (round 14).
Who is ranked higher, Baker Mayfield or Sam Darnold?
Expert consensus ranks Baker Mayfield (QB19) ahead of Sam Darnold (QB22) for 2026.
More comparisons
Verdict blends projections, usage, positional rank, consensus and health. Data via the Sleeper API and FantasyPros consensus, refreshed daily.