Matthew Stafford 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
Matthew Stafford- Higher projection: 280 vs 263 pts
- Experts agree: consensus rank 104 vs 137
- More points per game: 21.1 vs 14.7
Matthew Stafford and Sam Darnold are a common 2026 draft-day decision at quarterback. Matthew Stafford holds the edge in expert consensus (QB16 to QB22). Matthew Stafford typically comes off the board first, around pick 94 (round 8) to Sam Darnold's pick 163. The 2026 projections give a modest edge: Matthew Stafford at 280 PPR points (16.5 per game) versus Sam Darnold at 263.
Last season Sam Darnold carried the heavier workload (96% snap share, 35 touches to Matthew Stafford's 29), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. Sam Darnold is the younger option (age 29), which tilts the long-term and dynasty edge. For a 2026 redraft, Matthew Stafford is the clear pick on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and an earlier ADP.
Head-to-head
| Stat | Stafford | Darnold |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 280 | 263 |
| Points / game | 21.1 | 14.7 |
| Games played | 17 | 17 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #104 | #137 |
| ADP | 94 | 163 |
| Positional rank | QB3 | QB13 |
| Snap share | 99% | 96% |
| Red-zone touches | 7 | 6 |
| Age | 38 | 29 |
| Bye week | 11 | 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: Matthew Stafford or Sam Darnold.
Frequently asked
Should I draft Matthew Stafford or Sam Darnold in 2026?
Matthew Stafford 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, Matthew Stafford or Sam Darnold?
Matthew Stafford carries the higher 2026 projection at 280 PPR points (16.5 per game), compared with 263 for Sam Darnold.
Where are Matthew Stafford and Sam Darnold being drafted?
Matthew Stafford has an ADP around pick 94 (round 8), while Sam Darnold goes closer to pick 163 (round 14).
Who is ranked higher, Matthew Stafford or Sam Darnold?
Expert consensus ranks Matthew Stafford (QB16) 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.