Should I start Joe Burrow or Sam Darnold this week? Week 7 Standard (2026)

THE FF CALL

Start Joe Burrow

+7.4 projected edge · Standard

Start Joe Burrow over Sam Darnold for Week 7 Standard: 19.7 projected points versus 12.3.

Joe Burrow: 24.2 FP recent scoring average.
Sam Darnold: 10.9 FP recent scoring average; 7.5% matchup reduction against KC.

Forecast updated Oct 25, 2026, 1:47 AM ET · Standard

FF PICK

Joe Burrow

QB · CINStats & schedule

19.7FF projected

↑ +0.4 vs ESPN

at BAL

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?

Joe Burrow

Fortified19.7

ESPN19.3

Sleeper19.1

FantasyPros—

Joe Burrow faces BAL in Week 7. Recent scoring average: 24.2 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%.

Joe Burrow projects for 19.7 points in standard scoring, 7.4 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, 1:47 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.