Cam Ward 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 228 pts
- Experts agree: consensus rank 137 vs 152
- More points per game: 14.7 vs 11.4
Cam Ward and Sam Darnold are a common 2026 draft-day decision at quarterback. Sam Darnold holds the edge in expert consensus (QB22 to QB25). Sam Darnold typically comes off the board first, around pick 163 (round 14) to Cam Ward's pick 230. The 2026 projections clearly separate them: Sam Darnold at 263 PPR points (15.5 per game) versus Cam Ward at 228.
Last season Cam Ward carried the heavier workload (100% snap share, 39 touches to Sam Darnold's 35), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. Cam Ward 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 | Ward | Darnold |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 228 | 263 |
| Points / game | 11.4 | 14.7 |
| Games played | 17 | 17 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #152 | #137 |
| ADP | 230 | 163 |
| Positional rank | QB22 | QB13 |
| Snap share | 100% | 96% |
| Red-zone touches | 10 | 6 |
| Age | 24 | 29 |
| Bye week | 9 | 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: Cam Ward or Sam Darnold.
Frequently asked
Should I draft Cam Ward or Sam Darnold in 2026?
Sam Darnold is a clear call over Cam Ward for 2026, on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and an earlier ADP.
Who is projected to score more, Cam Ward or Sam Darnold?
Sam Darnold carries the higher 2026 projection at 263 PPR points (15.5 per game), compared with 228 for Cam Ward.
Where are Cam Ward and Sam Darnold being drafted?
Sam Darnold has an ADP around pick 163 (round 14), while Cam Ward goes closer to pick 230 (round 20).
Who is ranked higher, Cam Ward or Sam Darnold?
Expert consensus ranks Sam Darnold (QB22) ahead of Cam Ward (QB25) for 2026.
More comparisons
Verdict blends projections, usage, positional rank, consensus and health. Data via the Sleeper API and FantasyPros consensus, refreshed daily.