FORTIFIED FANTASY

Week 82026 ยท Standard ยท THIS WEEK

Should I start Marcus Mariota or Sam Darnold this week? Week 8 Standard (2026)

THE FF CALL

Start Sam Darnold

+13.5 projected edge ยท Standard

Start Sam Darnold over Marcus Mariota for Week 8 Standard: 14.6 projected points versus 1.1.

  • Marcus Mariota: 5.3 FP recent scoring average; 1.25% matchup lift against PHI.
  • Sam Darnold: 10.9 FP recent scoring average.

Forecast updated ยท Standard

Sam Darnold
Why this pick?

Sam Darnold

Fortified14.6
ESPN15.1
Sleeper14.8
FantasyProsโ€”

Sam Darnold faces CHI in Week 8. Recent scoring average: 10.9 fantasy points.

Marcus Mariota

Fortified1.1
ESPN0.0
Sleeper0.0
FantasyProsโ€”

Marcus Mariota faces PHI in Week 8. Recent scoring average: 5.3 fantasy points. The position-specific defensive matchup adjusts the forecast up 1.25%.

Sam Darnold projects for 14.6 points in standard scoring, 13.5 more than Marcus Mariota. This is a projection-based recommendation, not a guarantee. Verify the latest injury report and active status before kickoff.

Updated Oct 26, 2026, 4:38 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.

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