Sam Darnold vs Tyler Shough
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
Tyler Shough- Higher projection: 271 vs 263 pts
- Experts agree: consensus rank 124 vs 137
- More points per game: 14.9 vs 14.7
Sam Darnold and Tyler Shough are a common 2026 draft-day decision at quarterback. Tyler Shough holds the edge in expert consensus (QB20 to QB22). Sam Darnold typically comes off the board first, around pick 163 (round 14) to Tyler Shough's pick 182. The 2026 projections are nearly even: Tyler Shough at 271 PPR points (15.9 per game) versus Sam Darnold at 263.
Last season Tyler Shough carried the heavier workload (51% snap share, 45 touches to Sam Darnold's 35), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. Tyler Shough is the younger option (age 26), which tilts the long-term and dynasty edge. For a 2026 redraft, Tyler Shough is the clear pick on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and the bigger workload.
Head-to-head
| Stat | Darnold | Shough |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 263 | 271 |
| Points / game | 14.7 | 14.9 |
| Games played | 17 | 11 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #137 | #124 |
| ADP | 163 | 182 |
| Positional rank | QB13 | QB26 |
| Snap share | 96% | 51% |
| Red-zone touches | 6 | 13 |
| Age | 29 | 26 |
| Bye week | 11 | 8 |
Highlighted value wins each row. Season stats are 2025 (PPR); projections, ADP and consensus are for 2026.
Setting a lineup this week? Start/sit: Sam Darnold or Tyler Shough.
Frequently asked
Should I draft Sam Darnold or Tyler Shough in 2026?
Tyler Shough is a clear call over Sam Darnold for 2026, on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and the bigger workload.
Who is projected to score more, Sam Darnold or Tyler Shough?
Tyler Shough carries the higher 2026 projection at 271 PPR points (15.9 per game), compared with 263 for Sam Darnold.
Where are Sam Darnold and Tyler Shough being drafted?
Sam Darnold has an ADP around pick 163 (round 14), while Tyler Shough goes closer to pick 182 (round 16).
Who is ranked higher, Sam Darnold or Tyler Shough?
Expert consensus ranks Tyler Shough (QB20) 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.