Who should I start in Week 5, Michael Penix Jr. or Sam Darnold?

Sam Darnold. This week's consensus has Michael Penix Jr. at QB25 (range #20–#29) and Sam Darnold at QB17 (range #13–#20). Projections: 14.8 vs 16.6 PPR points.

Who is better for the rest of the season, Michael Penix Jr. or Sam Darnold?

Sam Darnold. Rest-of-season consensus: Michael Penix Jr. QB25 (range #20–#28) vs Sam Darnold QB20 (range #18–#23). 7 of 8 FantasyPros experts who rank both have Sam Darnold ahead for the rest of the season.

Should I trade Michael Penix Jr. for Sam Darnold?

On the LeagueLogs Market Index (redraft PPR) Michael Penix Jr. is ranked #160 overall and Sam Darnold #120, so Sam Darnold carries more trade value and a one-for-one favors the side receiving him. Run the exact deal through the free AI Trade Analyzer for a verdict on your league's scoring.

Michael Penix Jr. 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 10 at 12:11 PM EDT

Connect your league and an AI analyst settles debates like this one against your actual roster.

App Store Google Play

The lean

This week: Sam Darnold
Rest of season: Sam Darnold — 7 of 8 experts
Trade value: Sam Darnold

All three measures favor the same player. Your scoring, lineup and matchup still matter.

	Michael Penix Jr.	Sam Darnold
Rest of season 1 of 8 experts rank Michael Penix Jr. ahead · 7 rank Sam Darnold ahead	QB25#20–#28	QB20#18–#23edge
Week 5	QB25#20–#29	QB17#13–#20edge
Week 5 projection (PPR)	14.8	16.6edge
Market Index value (redraft PPR)	5 #160 overall	7 #120 overalledge
Last 30 days (Market Index)	+150 ranks · +262 val	+18 ranks · +91 val
Rostered	11%	49%
Bye	11	11
Status	No injury designation	No injury designation

Expert consensus and ownership data via FantasyPros · Market Index values by LeagueLogs

Go deeper

More comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should I start in Week 5, Michael Penix Jr. or Sam Darnold?: Sam Darnold. This week's consensus has Michael Penix Jr. at QB25 (range #20–#29) and Sam Darnold at QB17 (range #13–#20). Projections: 14.8 vs 16.6 PPR points.
Who is better for the rest of the season, Michael Penix Jr. or Sam Darnold?: Sam Darnold. Rest-of-season consensus: Michael Penix Jr. QB25 (range #20–#28) vs Sam Darnold QB20 (range #18–#23). 7 of 8 FantasyPros experts who rank both have Sam Darnold ahead for the rest of the season.
Should I trade Michael Penix Jr. for Sam Darnold?: On the LeagueLogs Market Index (redraft PPR) Michael Penix Jr. is ranked #160 overall and Sam Darnold #120, so Sam Darnold carries more trade value and a one-for-one favors the side receiving him. Run the exact deal through the free AI Trade Analyzer for a verdict on your league's scoring.