Drake Maye 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
Drake Maye- Higher projection: 321 vs 263 pts
- Experts agree: consensus rank 36 vs 137
- More points per game: 21.2 vs 14.7
Drake Maye and Sam Darnold are a common 2026 draft-day decision at quarterback. Drake Maye holds the edge in expert consensus (QB3 to QB22). Drake Maye typically comes off the board first, around pick 49 (round 5) to Sam Darnold's pick 163. The 2026 projections clearly separate them: Drake Maye at 321 PPR points (18.9 per game) versus Sam Darnold at 263.
Last season Drake Maye carried the heavier workload (97% snap share, 104 touches to Sam Darnold's 35), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. Drake Maye is the younger option (age 24), which tilts the long-term and dynasty edge. For a 2026 redraft, Drake Maye is the clear pick on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and an earlier ADP.
Head-to-head
| Stat | Maye | Darnold |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 321 | 263 |
| Points / game | 21.2 | 14.7 |
| Games played | 17 | 17 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #36 | #137 |
| ADP | 49 | 163 |
| Positional rank | QB2 | QB13 |
| Snap share | 97% | 96% |
| Red-zone touches | 19 | 6 |
| Age | 24 | 29 |
| Bye week | 11 | 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: Drake Maye or Sam Darnold.
Frequently asked
Should I draft Drake Maye or Sam Darnold in 2026?
Drake Maye 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, Drake Maye or Sam Darnold?
Drake Maye carries the higher 2026 projection at 321 PPR points (18.9 per game), compared with 263 for Sam Darnold.
Where are Drake Maye and Sam Darnold being drafted?
Drake Maye has an ADP around pick 49 (round 5), while Sam Darnold goes closer to pick 163 (round 14).
Who is ranked higher, Drake Maye or Sam Darnold?
Expert consensus ranks Drake Maye (QB3) 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.