Jayden Daniels 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
Jayden Daniels- Higher projection: 309 vs 263 pts
- Experts agree: consensus rank 58 vs 137
- More points per game: 16.8 vs 14.7
Jayden Daniels and Sam Darnold are a common 2026 draft-day decision at quarterback. Jayden Daniels holds the edge in expert consensus (QB6 to QB22). Jayden Daniels typically comes off the board first, around pick 66 (round 6) to Sam Darnold's pick 163. The 2026 projections clearly separate them: Jayden Daniels at 309 PPR points (18.2 per game) versus Sam Darnold at 263.
Last season Jayden Daniels carried the heavier workload (91% snap share, 58 touches to Sam Darnold's 35), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. Jayden Daniels is the younger option (age 25), which tilts the long-term and dynasty edge. For a 2026 redraft, Jayden Daniels is the clear pick on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and an earlier ADP.
Head-to-head
| Stat | Daniels | Darnold |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 309 | 263 |
| Points / game | 16.8 | 14.7 |
| Games played | 7 | 17 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #58 | #137 |
| ADP | 66 | 163 |
| Positional rank | QB34 | QB13 |
| Snap share | 91% | 96% |
| Red-zone touches | 6 | 6 |
| Age | 25 | 29 |
| Bye week | 7 | 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: Jayden Daniels or Sam Darnold.
Frequently asked
Should I draft Jayden Daniels or Sam Darnold in 2026?
Jayden Daniels 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, Jayden Daniels or Sam Darnold?
Jayden Daniels carries the higher 2026 projection at 309 PPR points (18.2 per game), compared with 263 for Sam Darnold.
Where are Jayden Daniels and Sam Darnold being drafted?
Jayden Daniels has an ADP around pick 66 (round 6), while Sam Darnold goes closer to pick 163 (round 14).
Who is ranked higher, Jayden Daniels or Sam Darnold?
Expert consensus ranks Jayden Daniels (QB6) 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.