Darnell Washington vs Darren Waller
Two tight ends 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- Higher projection: 123 vs 85 pts
- Experts agree: consensus rank 302 vs 316
- More points per game: 9.9 vs 4.6
Darnell Washington and Darren Waller are a common 2026 draft-day decision at tight end. Darren Waller holds the edge in expert consensus (TE38 to TE41). The 2026 projections clearly separate them: Darren Waller at 123 PPR points (7.2 per game) versus Darnell Washington at 85.
Last season Darnell Washington carried the heavier workload (57% snap share, 43 touches to Darren Waller's 35), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. Darnell Washington is the younger option (age 25), which tilts the long-term and dynasty edge. For a 2026 redraft, Darren Waller is the clear pick on the higher projection and stronger expert consensus.
Head-to-head
| Stat | Washington | Waller |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 85 | 123 |
| Points / game | 4.6 | 9.9 |
| Games played | 16 | 9 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #316 | #302 |
| Positional rank | TE38 | TE32 |
| Snap share | 57% | 45% |
| Red-zone touches | 8 | 7 |
| Age | 25 | 33 |
| Bye week | 9 | 5 |
Highlighted value wins each row. Season stats are 2025 (PPR); projections, ADP and consensus are for 2026.
Setting a lineup this week? Start/sit: Darnell Washington or Darren Waller.
Frequently asked
Should I draft Darnell Washington or Darren Waller in 2026?
Darren Waller is a clear call over Darnell Washington for 2026, on the higher projection and stronger expert consensus.
Who is projected to score more, Darnell Washington or Darren Waller?
Darren Waller carries the higher 2026 projection at 123 PPR points (7.2 per game), compared with 85 for Darnell Washington.
Who is ranked higher, Darnell Washington or Darren Waller?
Expert consensus ranks Darren Waller (TE38) ahead of Darnell Washington (TE41) for 2026.
More comparisons
Verdict blends projections, usage, positional rank, consensus and health. Data via the Sleeper API and FantasyPros consensus, refreshed daily.