Lamar Jackson 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
Lamar Jackson- Higher projection: 326 vs 263 pts
- Experts agree: consensus rank 30 vs 137
- More points per game: 17.1 vs 14.7
Lamar Jackson and Sam Darnold are a common 2026 draft-day decision at quarterback. Lamar Jackson holds the edge in expert consensus (QB2 to QB22). Lamar Jackson typically comes off the board first, around pick 32 (round 3) to Sam Darnold's pick 163. The 2026 projections clearly separate them: Lamar Jackson at 326 PPR points (19.2 per game) versus Sam Darnold at 263.
Last season Lamar Jackson carried the heavier workload (92% snap share, 67 touches to Sam Darnold's 35), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. For a 2026 redraft, Lamar Jackson is the clear pick on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and an earlier ADP.
Head-to-head
| Stat | Jackson | Darnold |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 326 | 263 |
| Points / game | 17.1 | 14.7 |
| Games played | 13 | 17 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #30 | #137 |
| ADP | 32 | 163 |
| Positional rank | QB20 | QB13 |
| Snap share | 92% | 96% |
| Red-zone touches | 12 | 6 |
| Age | 29 | 29 |
| Bye week | 13 | 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: Lamar Jackson or Sam Darnold.
Frequently asked
Should I draft Lamar Jackson or Sam Darnold in 2026?
Lamar Jackson 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, Lamar Jackson or Sam Darnold?
Lamar Jackson carries the higher 2026 projection at 326 PPR points (19.2 per game), compared with 263 for Sam Darnold.
Where are Lamar Jackson and Sam Darnold being drafted?
Lamar Jackson has an ADP around pick 32 (round 3), while Sam Darnold goes closer to pick 163 (round 14).
Who is ranked higher, Lamar Jackson or Sam Darnold?
Expert consensus ranks Lamar Jackson (QB2) 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.