Fernando Mendoza · Sam Darnold · 2026 week 1

Fernando Mendoza or Sam Darnold?

Start Sam DarnoldSam Darnold projects 5.6 PPR points clear of Fernando Mendoza in week 1, drawing NE — the 22nd-ranked matchup for QBs. The numbers behind the call are below; overrule them with your eyes open.
PlayerWk 1Proj (PPR)MatchupForm L3Trade valueStatus
Fernando Mendoza vs MIA 13.3 10th · soft – 252 healthy
Sam Darnold START vs NE 18.9 22nd 12.5 167 healthy

QBs vs MIA recently: Joe Burrow 29 pts (W16) · Baker Mayfield 19.4 pts (W17) · Drake Maye 15.7 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?

Fernando Mendoza carries the higher trade value — 252 against 167 (a 34% gap). In a one-for-one, the side receiving Fernando Mendoza gets the most. Momentum: Fernando Mendoza -34 and Sam Darnold -41 over the last 30 days.

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

More QB decisions

Fernando Mendoza or Baker Mayfield?Fernando Mendoza or Tyler Shough?Fernando Mendoza or Cam Ward?Sam Darnold or Tyler Shough?Sam Darnold or Cam Ward?
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.