Sam Darnold vs C.J. Stroud
Who should you start in Week 6? This week's matchups and projections.
Who to start in Week 6
This week is a coin flip. The model leans Sam Darnold by 0.2 projected points (10.3 vs 10.1), close enough that either call is defensible.
Sam Darnold faces DEN, the 21st-friendliest matchup a QB can draw this week. C.J. Stroud faces JAX, the 23rd-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 1.0 points of value over replacement (-92.8 vs -93.8), close enough that your roster build should break the tie.
The draft market agrees: Sam Darnold goes first at ADP 144.4 vs 155.7 for C.J. Stroud.
| Sam DarnoldSEA | C.J. StroudHOU | Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 6 opponent | DEN | JAX | |
| Projected Week 6 points | 10.3 | 10.1 | Darnold +0.2 pts |
| Matchup rank (QB vs defense, of 28) | #21 | #23 | |
| Projected 2026 points (PPR) | 180.2 | 179.2 | Darnold +1.0 pts |
| Points per game | 10.6 | 10.5 | |
| Value over replacement (VBD) | -92.8 | -93.8 | Darnold +1.0 |
| Overall rank | #179 | #186 | Darnold by 7 |
| Position rank | QB21 | QB22 | |
| Market ADP | 144.4 | 155.7 | Stroud +11.3 cheaper |
| Typical round (12-team) | Rd 12 | Rd 13 | |
| Bye week | 11 | 8 |
Should I start Sam Darnold or C.J. Stroud in Week 6?
This week is a coin flip. The model leans Sam Darnold by 0.2 projected points (10.3 vs 10.1), close enough that either call is defensible.
Should I draft Sam Darnold or C.J. Stroud in 2026 fantasy football?
Sam Darnold. He projects 180.2 fantasy points with -92.8 value over replacement, vs 179.2 points and -93.8 for C.J. Stroud (QB, PPR). It's close enough to let roster needs decide.