Justin Herbert 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
Justin Herbert- Higher projection: 296 vs 263 pts
- Experts agree: consensus rank 69 vs 137
- More points per game: 18.7 vs 14.7
Justin Herbert and Sam Darnold are a common 2026 draft-day decision at quarterback. Justin Herbert holds the edge in expert consensus (QB8 to QB22). Justin Herbert typically comes off the board first, around pick 83 (round 7) to Sam Darnold's pick 163. The 2026 projections clearly separate them: Justin Herbert at 296 PPR points (17.4 per game) versus Sam Darnold at 263.
Last season Justin Herbert carried the heavier workload (97% snap share, 83 touches to Sam Darnold's 35), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. For a 2026 redraft, Justin Herbert is the clear pick on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and an earlier ADP.
Head-to-head
| Stat | Herbert | Darnold |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 296 | 263 |
| Points / game | 18.7 | 14.7 |
| Games played | 16 | 17 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #69 | #137 |
| ADP | 83 | 163 |
| Positional rank | QB10 | QB13 |
| Snap share | 97% | 96% |
| Red-zone touches | 12 | 6 |
| Age | 28 | 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: Justin Herbert or Sam Darnold.
Frequently asked
Should I draft Justin Herbert or Sam Darnold in 2026?
Justin Herbert 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, Justin Herbert or Sam Darnold?
Justin Herbert carries the higher 2026 projection at 296 PPR points (17.4 per game), compared with 263 for Sam Darnold.
Where are Justin Herbert and Sam Darnold being drafted?
Justin Herbert has an ADP around pick 83 (round 7), while Sam Darnold goes closer to pick 163 (round 14).
Who is ranked higher, Justin Herbert or Sam Darnold?
Expert consensus ranks Justin Herbert (QB8) 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.