Justin Herbert or Sam Darnold?
Who to start in Week 5, who is better for the rest of the season, and who carries more trade value — from the FantasyPros expert consensus and the LeagueLogs Market Index.
Week 5 · 2026 season · Consensus updated October 12 at 12:11 AM EDT
Connect your league and an AI analyst settles debates like this one against your actual roster.
The lean
- This week: Sam Darnold
- Rest of season: even on the consensus — 5 of 8 experts
- Trade value: close to even
At least one measure is close to even. Your scoring, lineup and matchup can help separate them.
| Justin Herbert | Sam Darnold | |
|---|---|---|
| Rest of season 5 of 8 experts rank Justin Herbert ahead · 3 rank Sam Darnold ahead | QB20#18–#22 | QB20#18–#23 |
| Week 5 | QB23#20–#27 | QB17#12–#21edge |
| Week 5 projection (PPR) | 14.7 | 16.7edge |
| Market Index value (redraft PPR) | 7 #118 overall | 7 #120 overall |
| Last 30 days (Market Index) | -49 ranks · -483 val | +18 ranks · +91 val |
| Rostered | 75% | 49% |
| Bye | 7 | 11 |
| Status | No injury designation | No injury designation |
Expert consensus and ownership data via FantasyPros · Market Index values by LeagueLogs
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Who should I start in Week 5, Justin Herbert or Sam Darnold?
- Sam Darnold. This week's consensus has Justin Herbert at QB23 (range #20–#27) and Sam Darnold at QB17 (range #12–#21). Projections: 14.7 vs 16.7 PPR points.
- Who is better for the rest of the season, Justin Herbert or Sam Darnold?
- The experts have them effectively even for the rest of the season: Justin Herbert QB20 (range #18–#22) vs Sam Darnold QB20 (range #18–#23). 5 of 8 FantasyPros experts who rank both have Justin Herbert ahead for the rest of the season.
- Should I trade Justin Herbert for Sam Darnold?
- On the LeagueLogs Market Index (redraft PPR) Justin Herbert is ranked #118 overall and Sam Darnold #120, so a one-for-one is close to even. Run the exact deal through the free AI Trade Analyzer for a verdict on your league's scoring.