Caleb Williams 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
Caleb Williams- Higher projection: 299 vs 263 pts
- Experts agree: consensus rank 63 vs 137
- More points per game: 19.1 vs 14.7
Caleb Williams and Sam Darnold are a common 2026 draft-day decision at quarterback. Caleb Williams holds the edge in expert consensus (QB7 to QB22). Caleb Williams typically comes off the board first, around pick 71 (round 6) to Sam Darnold's pick 163. The 2026 projections clearly separate them: Caleb Williams at 299 PPR points (17.6 per game) versus Sam Darnold at 263.
Last season Caleb Williams carried the heavier workload (99% snap share, 79 touches to Sam Darnold's 35), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. Caleb Williams is the younger option (age 24), which tilts the long-term and dynasty edge. For a 2026 redraft, Caleb Williams is the clear pick on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and an earlier ADP.
Head-to-head
| Stat | Williams | Darnold |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 299 | 263 |
| Points / game | 19.1 | 14.7 |
| Games played | 17 | 17 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #63 | #137 |
| ADP | 71 | 163 |
| Positional rank | QB5 | QB13 |
| Snap share | 99% | 96% |
| Red-zone touches | 21 | 6 |
| Age | 24 | 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: Caleb Williams or Sam Darnold.
Frequently asked
Should I draft Caleb Williams or Sam Darnold in 2026?
Caleb Williams 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, Caleb Williams or Sam Darnold?
Caleb Williams carries the higher 2026 projection at 299 PPR points (17.6 per game), compared with 263 for Sam Darnold.
Where are Caleb Williams and Sam Darnold being drafted?
Caleb Williams has an ADP around pick 71 (round 6), while Sam Darnold goes closer to pick 163 (round 14).
Who is ranked higher, Caleb Williams or Sam Darnold?
Expert consensus ranks Caleb Williams (QB7) 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.