Bryce Young 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
Sam Darnold- Higher projection: 263 vs 236 pts
- Experts agree: consensus rank 137 vs 160
- More points per game: 14.7 vs 14.3
Bryce Young and Sam Darnold are a common 2026 draft-day decision at quarterback. Sam Darnold holds the edge in expert consensus (QB22 to QB26). Sam Darnold typically comes off the board first, around pick 163 (round 14) to Bryce Young's pick 226. The 2026 projections clearly separate them: Sam Darnold at 263 PPR points (15.5 per game) versus Bryce Young at 236.
Last season Bryce Young carried the heavier workload (96% snap share, 54 touches to Sam Darnold's 35), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. Bryce Young is the younger option (age 25), which tilts the long-term and dynasty edge. For a 2026 redraft, Sam Darnold is the clear pick on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and an earlier ADP.
Head-to-head
| Stat | Young | Darnold |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 236 | 263 |
| Points / game | 14.3 | 14.7 |
| Games played | 16 | 17 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #160 | #137 |
| ADP | 226 | 163 |
| Positional rank | QB19 | QB13 |
| Snap share | 96% | 96% |
| Red-zone touches | 11 | 6 |
| Age | 25 | 29 |
| Bye week | 5 | 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: Bryce Young or Sam Darnold.
Frequently asked
Should I draft Bryce Young or Sam Darnold in 2026?
Sam Darnold is a clear call over Bryce Young for 2026, on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and an earlier ADP.
Who is projected to score more, Bryce Young or Sam Darnold?
Sam Darnold carries the higher 2026 projection at 263 PPR points (15.5 per game), compared with 236 for Bryce Young.
Where are Bryce Young and Sam Darnold being drafted?
Sam Darnold has an ADP around pick 163 (round 14), while Bryce Young goes closer to pick 226 (round 19).
Who is ranked higher, Bryce Young or Sam Darnold?
Expert consensus ranks Sam Darnold (QB22) ahead of Bryce Young (QB26) for 2026.
More comparisons
Verdict blends projections, usage, positional rank, consensus and health. Data via the Sleeper API and FantasyPros consensus, refreshed daily.