Dak Prescott 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
Dak Prescott- Higher projection: 304 vs 263 pts
- Experts agree: consensus rank 76 vs 137
- More points per game: 19.0 vs 14.7
Dak Prescott and Sam Darnold are a common 2026 draft-day decision at quarterback. Dak Prescott holds the edge in expert consensus (QB10 to QB22). Dak Prescott typically comes off the board first, around pick 78 (round 7) to Sam Darnold's pick 163. The 2026 projections clearly separate them: Dak Prescott at 304 PPR points (17.9 per game) versus Sam Darnold at 263.
Last season Dak Prescott carried the heavier workload (98% snap share, 53 touches to Sam Darnold's 35), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. Sam Darnold is the younger option (age 29), which tilts the long-term and dynasty edge. For a 2026 redraft, Dak Prescott is the clear pick on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and an earlier ADP.
Head-to-head
| Stat | Prescott | Darnold |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 304 | 263 |
| Points / game | 19.0 | 14.7 |
| Games played | 17 | 17 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #76 | #137 |
| ADP | 78 | 163 |
| Positional rank | QB6 | QB13 |
| Snap share | 98% | 96% |
| Red-zone touches | 12 | 6 |
| Age | 33 | 29 |
| Bye week | 14 | 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: Dak Prescott or Sam Darnold.
Frequently asked
Should I draft Dak Prescott or Sam Darnold in 2026?
Dak Prescott 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, Dak Prescott or Sam Darnold?
Dak Prescott carries the higher 2026 projection at 304 PPR points (17.9 per game), compared with 263 for Sam Darnold.
Where are Dak Prescott and Sam Darnold being drafted?
Dak Prescott has an ADP around pick 78 (round 7), while Sam Darnold goes closer to pick 163 (round 14).
Who is ranked higher, Dak Prescott or Sam Darnold?
Expert consensus ranks Dak Prescott (QB10) 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.