C.J. Stroud 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 248 pts
- Experts agree: consensus rank 137 vs 138
- Better positional rank: QB13 vs QB21
C.J. Stroud and Sam Darnold are a common 2026 draft-day decision at quarterback. Sam Darnold holds the edge in expert consensus (QB22 to QB23). Sam Darnold typically comes off the board first, around pick 163 (round 14) to C.J. Stroud's pick 202. The 2026 projections give a modest edge: Sam Darnold at 263 PPR points (15.5 per game) versus C.J. Stroud at 248.
Last season C.J. Stroud carried the heavier workload (93% snap share, 48 touches to Sam Darnold's 35), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. C.J. Stroud is the younger option (age 24), 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 | Stroud | Darnold |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 248 | 263 |
| Points / game | 15.5 | 14.7 |
| Games played | 14 | 17 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #138 | #137 |
| ADP | 202 | 163 |
| Positional rank | QB21 | QB13 |
| Snap share | 93% | 96% |
| Red-zone touches | 8 | 6 |
| Age | 24 | 29 |
| Bye week | 8 | 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: C.J. Stroud or Sam Darnold.
Frequently asked
Should I draft C.J. Stroud or Sam Darnold in 2026?
Sam Darnold is a clear call over C.J. Stroud for 2026, on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and an earlier ADP.
Who is projected to score more, C.J. Stroud or Sam Darnold?
Sam Darnold carries the higher 2026 projection at 263 PPR points (15.5 per game), compared with 248 for C.J. Stroud.
Where are C.J. Stroud and Sam Darnold being drafted?
Sam Darnold has an ADP around pick 163 (round 14), while C.J. Stroud goes closer to pick 202 (round 17).
Who is ranked higher, C.J. Stroud or Sam Darnold?
Expert consensus ranks Sam Darnold (QB22) ahead of C.J. Stroud (QB23) for 2026.
More comparisons
Verdict blends projections, usage, positional rank, consensus and health. Data via the Sleeper API and FantasyPros consensus, refreshed daily.