Joe Burrow 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
Joe Burrow- Higher projection: 306 vs 263 pts
- Experts agree: consensus rank 44 vs 137
- More points per game: 17.4 vs 14.7
Joe Burrow and Sam Darnold are a common 2026 draft-day decision at quarterback. Joe Burrow holds the edge in expert consensus (QB4 to QB22). Joe Burrow typically comes off the board first, around pick 52 (round 5) to Sam Darnold's pick 163. The 2026 projections clearly separate them: Joe Burrow at 306 PPR points (18.0 per game) versus Sam Darnold at 263.
Last season Sam Darnold carried the heavier workload (96% snap share, 35 touches to Joe Burrow's 14), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. For a 2026 redraft, Joe Burrow is the clear pick on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and an earlier ADP.
Head-to-head
| Stat | Burrow | Darnold |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 306 | 263 |
| Points / game | 17.4 | 14.7 |
| Games played | 8 | 17 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #44 | #137 |
| ADP | 52 | 163 |
| Positional rank | QB29 | QB13 |
| Snap share | 86% | 96% |
| Red-zone touches | 2 | 6 |
| Age | 29 | 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: Joe Burrow or Sam Darnold.
Frequently asked
Should I draft Joe Burrow or Sam Darnold in 2026?
Joe Burrow 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, Joe Burrow or Sam Darnold?
Joe Burrow carries the higher 2026 projection at 306 PPR points (18.0 per game), compared with 263 for Sam Darnold.
Where are Joe Burrow and Sam Darnold being drafted?
Joe Burrow has an ADP around pick 52 (round 5), while Sam Darnold goes closer to pick 163 (round 14).
Who is ranked higher, Joe Burrow or Sam Darnold?
Expert consensus ranks Joe Burrow (QB4) 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.