Should I start Kirk Cousins or Sam Darnold this week? Week 7 Standard (2026)

THE FF CALL

Start Kirk Cousins

+3.6 projected edge · Standard

Start Kirk Cousins over Sam Darnold for Week 7 Standard: 15.9 projected points versus 12.3.

Kirk Cousins: 18.3 FP recent scoring average.
Sam Darnold: 10.9 FP recent scoring average; 7.5% matchup reduction against KC.

Forecast updated Oct 25, 2026, 6:18 AM ET · Standard

FF PICK

Kirk Cousins

QB · LVStats & schedule

15.9FF projected

↓ -0.5 vs ESPN

vs LAR

Sun 4:25 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?

Kirk Cousins

Fortified15.9

ESPN16.4

Sleeper15.0

FantasyPros—

Kirk Cousins faces LAR in Week 7. Recent scoring average: 18.3 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%.

Kirk Cousins projects for 15.9 points in standard scoring, 3.6 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, 6:18 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.