Malik Willis 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
Clear edge · 62% confident
Malik Willis- Higher projection: 270 vs 263 pts
- Experts agree: consensus rank 130 vs 137
- Healthier: no injury designation vs Out
Malik Willis and Sam Darnold are a common 2026 draft-day decision at quarterback. Malik Willis holds the edge in expert consensus (QB21 to QB22). Sam Darnold typically comes off the board first, around pick 163 (round 14) to Malik Willis's pick 210. The 2026 projections are nearly even: Malik Willis at 270 PPR points (15.9 per game) versus Sam Darnold at 263.
Last season Sam Darnold carried the heavier workload (96% snap share, 35 touches to Malik Willis's 22), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. For a 2026 redraft, Malik Willis is the solid pick on the higher projection and stronger expert consensus.
Head-to-head
| Stat | Willis | Darnold |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 270 | 263 |
| Points / game | 12.8 | 14.7 |
| Games played | 4 | 17 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #130 | #137 |
| ADP | 210 | 163 |
| Positional rank | QB43 | QB13 |
| Snap share | 10% | 96% |
| Red-zone touches | 4 | 6 |
| Age | 27 | 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: Malik Willis or Sam Darnold.
Frequently asked
Should I draft Malik Willis or Sam Darnold in 2026?
Malik Willis is a solid pick over Sam Darnold for 2026, on the higher projection and stronger expert consensus.
Who is projected to score more, Malik Willis or Sam Darnold?
Malik Willis carries the higher 2026 projection at 270 PPR points (15.9 per game), compared with 263 for Sam Darnold.
Where are Malik Willis and Sam Darnold being drafted?
Sam Darnold has an ADP around pick 163 (round 14), while Malik Willis goes closer to pick 210 (round 18).
Who is ranked higher, Malik Willis or Sam Darnold?
Expert consensus ranks Malik Willis (QB21) 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.