C.J. Stroud · Sam Darnold · 2026 week 1

C.J. Stroud or Sam Darnold?

Start Sam DarnoldSam Darnold projects 1.5 PPR points clear of C.J. Stroud in week 1, drawing NE — the 22nd-ranked matchup for QBs. The numbers behind the call are below; overrule them with your eyes open.

Player	Wk 1	Proj (PPR)	Matchup	Form L3	Trade value	Status
C.J. Stroud	vs BUF	17.4	29th · tough	14.9	155	healthy
Sam Darnold START	vs NE	18.9	22nd	12.5	167	healthy

QBs vs BUF recently: Shedeur Sanders 13.2 pts (W16) · Jalen Hurts 8.9 pts (W17) · Brady Cook 9.1 pts (W18).

QBs vs NE recently: Lamar Jackson 4.7 pts (W16) · Brady Cook 5.2 pts (W17) · Quinn Ewers 9.4 pts (W18).

Who wins a straight-up trade?

Sam Darnold carries the higher trade value — 167 against 155 (a 7% gap). In a one-for-one, the side receiving Sam Darnold gets the most. Momentum: C.J. Stroud -72 and Sam Darnold -41 over the last 30 days.

Open in Start/Sit (any scoring) Open in the Trade Analyzer

More QB decisions

C.J. Stroud or Cam Ward?C.J. Stroud or Fernando Mendoza?Sam Darnold or Tyler Shough?Sam Darnold or Cam Ward?Sam Darnold or Fernando Mendoza?

Game logs, matchup ranks and form are the 2025 season — 2026 hasn’t kicked off. Projections, schedule and trade values are current 2026 numbers, refreshed nightly.