Jared Goff 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
Jared Goff- Higher projection: 284 vs 263 pts
- Experts agree: consensus rank 103 vs 137
- More points per game: 17.9 vs 14.7
Jared Goff and Sam Darnold are a common 2026 draft-day decision at quarterback. Jared Goff holds the edge in expert consensus (QB15 to QB22). Jared Goff typically comes off the board first, around pick 131 (round 11) to Sam Darnold's pick 163. The 2026 projections give a modest edge: Jared Goff at 284 PPR points (16.7 per game) versus Sam Darnold at 263.
Last season Sam Darnold carried the heavier workload (96% snap share, 35 touches to Jared Goff's 19), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. For a 2026 redraft, Jared Goff is the clear pick on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and an earlier ADP.
Head-to-head
| Stat | Goff | Darnold |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 284 | 263 |
| Points / game | 17.9 | 14.7 |
| Games played | 17 | 17 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #103 | #137 |
| ADP | 131 | 163 |
| Positional rank | QB8 | QB13 |
| Snap share | 98% | 96% |
| Red-zone touches | 3 | 6 |
| Age | 31 | 29 |
| 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: Jared Goff or Sam Darnold.
Frequently asked
Should I draft Jared Goff or Sam Darnold in 2026?
Jared Goff 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, Jared Goff or Sam Darnold?
Jared Goff carries the higher 2026 projection at 284 PPR points (16.7 per game), compared with 263 for Sam Darnold.
Where are Jared Goff and Sam Darnold being drafted?
Jared Goff has an ADP around pick 131 (round 11), while Sam Darnold goes closer to pick 163 (round 14).
Who is ranked higher, Jared Goff or Sam Darnold?
Expert consensus ranks Jared Goff (QB15) 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.