Jordan Love vs Sam Darnold
Who should you start in Week 5? This week's matchups and projections.
Who to start in Week 5
Start Jordan Love this week: a clear but modest edge of 1.2 projected points (11.8 vs 10.6).
Jordan Love faces CHI, the 13th-friendliest matchup a QB can draw this week. Sam Darnold faces SF, the 19th-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
The model takes Jordan Love, and it isn't close: 16.1 points of value over replacement separate them (-76.7 vs -92.8).
The draft market agrees: Jordan Love goes first at ADP 139.2 vs 144.4 for Sam Darnold.
| Jordan LoveGNB | Sam DarnoldSEA | Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 5 opponent | CHI | SF | |
| Projected Week 5 points | 11.8 | 10.6 | Love +1.2 pts |
| Matchup rank (QB vs defense, of 30) | #13 | #19 | |
| Projected 2026 points (PPR) | 196.3 | 180.2 | Love +16.1 pts |
| Points per game | 11.5 | 10.6 | |
| Value over replacement (VBD) | -76.7 | -92.8 | Love +16.1 |
| Overall rank | #156 | #180 | Love by 24 |
| Position rank | QB20 | QB21 | |
| Market ADP | 139.2 | 144.4 | Darnold +5.2 cheaper |
| Typical round (12-team) | Rd 12 | Rd 12 | |
| Bye week | 11 | 11 |
Should I start Jordan Love or Sam Darnold in Week 5?
Start Jordan Love this week: a clear but modest edge of 1.2 projected points (11.8 vs 10.6).
Should I draft Jordan Love or Sam Darnold in 2026 fantasy football?
Jordan Love. He projects 196.3 fantasy points with -76.7 value over replacement, vs 180.2 points and -92.8 for Sam Darnold (QB, PPR).