Should I start J.J. McCarthy or Sam Darnold this week? Week 7 Standard (2026)

THE FF CALL

Start J.J. McCarthy

+1.3 projected edge · Standard

Start J.J. McCarthy over Sam Darnold for Week 7 Standard: 13.5 projected points versus 12.3.

J.J. McCarthy: 8.3 FP recent scoring average.
Sam Darnold: 10.9 FP recent scoring average; 7.5% matchup reduction against KC.

Forecast updated Oct 25, 2026, 1:02 AM ET · Standard

FF PICK

J.J. McCarthy

QB · NYGStats & schedule

13.5FF projected

↓ -2.9 vs ESPN

at HOU

Sun 1:00 PM ET

THE ALTERNATIVE

Sam Darnold

QB · SEAStats & schedule

12.3FF projected

↓ -0.6 vs ESPN

vs KC

Sun 8:20 PM ET

Why this pick?

J.J. McCarthy

Fortified13.5

ESPN16.4

Sleeper12.1

FantasyPros—

J.J. McCarthy faces HOU in Week 7. Recent scoring average: 8.3 fantasy points.

Sam Darnold

Fortified12.3

ESPN12.9

Sleeper14.3

FantasyPros—

Sam Darnold faces KC in Week 7. Recent scoring average: 10.9 fantasy points. The position-specific defensive matchup adjusts the forecast down 7.5%.

J.J. McCarthy projects for 13.5 points in standard scoring, 1.3 more than Sam Darnold. This is a projection-based recommendation, not a guarantee. Verify the latest injury report and active status before kickoff.

Updated Oct 25, 2026, 1:02 AM ET. Projections can change before kickoff.

Actuals, projections & playoff outlook

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Scoring & lineup notes

PPR awards one point per reception; half-PPR awards 0.5; standard awards none. Custom league rules can change the result. Confirm active status, kickoff and lineup locks. Projections are estimates; completed-week scores are actuals.