J.J. McCarthy vs Shedeur Sanders
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
Clear edge · 68% confident
J.J. McCarthy- More points per game: 13.7 vs 11.9
- More opportunity: 94% snap share, 6 red-zone touches
- Better positional rank: QB30 vs QB37
Shedeur Sanders carries more upside if you need a ceiling (younger / higher projection).
J.J. McCarthy and Shedeur Sanders are a common 2026 draft-day decision at quarterback. Shedeur Sanders holds the edge in expert consensus (QB35 to QB37). J.J. McCarthy typically comes off the board first, around pick 224 (round 19) to Shedeur Sanders's pick 236. The 2026 projections clearly separate them: Shedeur Sanders at 97 PPR points (5.7 per game) versus J.J. McCarthy at 14.
Last season J.J. McCarthy carried the heavier workload (94% snap share, 37 touches to Shedeur Sanders's 21), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. For a 2026 redraft, J.J. McCarthy is the solid pick on an earlier ADP and the bigger workload. Shedeur Sanders carries more upside if you need a ceiling (younger / higher projection).
Head-to-head
| Stat | McCarthy | Sanders |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 14 | 97 |
| Points / game | 13.7 | 11.9 |
| Games played | 10 | 8 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #358 | #288 |
| ADP | 224 | 236 |
| Positional rank | QB30 | QB37 |
| Snap share | 94% | 60% |
| Red-zone touches | 6 | 1 |
| Age | 23 | 24 |
| Bye week | 6 | 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: J.J. McCarthy or Shedeur Sanders.
Frequently asked
Should I draft J.J. McCarthy or Shedeur Sanders in 2026?
J.J. McCarthy is a solid pick over Shedeur Sanders for 2026, on an earlier ADP and the bigger workload. Shedeur Sanders carries more upside if you need a ceiling (younger / higher projection).
Who is projected to score more, J.J. McCarthy or Shedeur Sanders?
Shedeur Sanders carries the higher 2026 projection at 97 PPR points (5.7 per game), compared with 14 for J.J. McCarthy.
Where are J.J. McCarthy and Shedeur Sanders being drafted?
J.J. McCarthy has an ADP around pick 224 (round 19), while Shedeur Sanders goes closer to pick 236 (round 20).
Who is ranked higher, J.J. McCarthy or Shedeur Sanders?
Expert consensus ranks Shedeur Sanders (QB35) ahead of J.J. McCarthy (QB37) for 2026.
More comparisons
Verdict blends projections, usage, positional rank, consensus and health. Data via the Sleeper API and FantasyPros consensus, refreshed daily.