Sam Darnold vs Bryce Young
Who should you start in Week 3? This week's matchups and projections.
Who to start in Week 3
Start Sam Darnold this week: a clear but modest edge of 1.3 projected points (11.5 vs 10.2).
Sam Darnold faces WAS, the 7th-friendliest matchup a QB can draw this week. Bryce Young faces CLE, the 20th-friendliest matchup a QB can draw this week.
This-week points are each player's projected per-game scoring rate adjusted for the matchup.
The season-long call
This one is a coin flip. The model leans Sam Darnold by 3.4 points of value over replacement (-91.8 vs -95.2), close enough that your roster build should break the tie.
The draft market agrees: Sam Darnold goes first at ADP 144.4 vs 168.2 for Bryce Young.
| Sam DarnoldSEA | Bryce YoungCAR | Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 3 opponent | WAS | CLE | |
| Projected Week 3 points | 11.5 | 10.2 | Darnold +1.3 pts |
| Matchup rank (QB vs defense, of 32) | #7 | #20 | |
| Projected 2026 points (PPR) | 180.2 | 176.8 | Darnold +3.4 pts |
| Points per game | 10.6 | 10.4 | |
| Value over replacement (VBD) | -91.8 | -95.2 | Darnold +3.4 |
| Overall rank | #179 | #199 | Darnold by 20 |
| Position rank | QB21 | QB22 | |
| Market ADP | 144.4 | 168.2 | Young +23.8 cheaper |
| Typical round (12-team) | Rd 12 | Rd 14 | |
| Bye week | 11 | 5 |
Should I start Sam Darnold or Bryce Young in Week 3?
Start Sam Darnold this week: a clear but modest edge of 1.3 projected points (11.5 vs 10.2).
Should I draft Sam Darnold or Bryce Young in 2026 fantasy football?
Sam Darnold. He projects 180.2 fantasy points with -91.8 value over replacement, vs 176.8 points and -95.2 for Bryce Young (QB, PPR). It's close enough to let roster needs decide.