Josh Allen 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
Josh Allen- Higher projection: 362 vs 263 pts
- Experts agree: consensus rank 24 vs 137
- More points per game: 22.0 vs 14.7
Josh Allen and Sam Darnold are a common 2026 draft-day decision at quarterback. Josh Allen holds the edge in expert consensus (QB1 to QB22). Josh Allen typically comes off the board first, around pick 21 (round 2) to Sam Darnold's pick 163. The 2026 projections clearly separate them: Josh Allen at 362 PPR points (21.3 per game) versus Sam Darnold at 263.
Last season Josh Allen carried the heavier workload (98% snap share, 112 touches to Sam Darnold's 35), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. For a 2026 redraft, Josh Allen is the clear pick on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and an earlier ADP.
Head-to-head
| Stat | Allen | Darnold |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 362 | 263 |
| Points / game | 22.0 | 14.7 |
| Games played | 17 | 17 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #24 | #137 |
| ADP | 21 | 163 |
| Positional rank | QB1 | QB13 |
| Snap share | 98% | 96% |
| Red-zone touches | 31 | 6 |
| Age | 30 | 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: Josh Allen or Sam Darnold.
Frequently asked
Should I draft Josh Allen or Sam Darnold in 2026?
Josh Allen 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, Josh Allen or Sam Darnold?
Josh Allen carries the higher 2026 projection at 362 PPR points (21.3 per game), compared with 263 for Sam Darnold.
Where are Josh Allen and Sam Darnold being drafted?
Josh Allen has an ADP around pick 21 (round 2), while Sam Darnold goes closer to pick 163 (round 14).
Who is ranked higher, Josh Allen or Sam Darnold?
Expert consensus ranks Josh Allen (QB1) 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.