Head to Head

Updated June 3, 2026 from live stats

Derek Carr vs Kirk CousinsWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

Derek Carr is the better fantasy start for 2026, averaging 15.8 PPG to Kirk Cousins's 15.4 in 2025. Full head to head breakdown below.

The Bottom Line

Derek Carr is the better fantasy play this season.

This one is genuinely close. Derek Carr edges Kirk Cousins by 0.4 PPG, but both are in the same production tier. The decision comes down to weekly matchup, not season-long resume. If you are choosing between them in a draft, Derek Carr goes slightly earlier based on volume, but do not reach for the difference.

Low confidence: the production gap is narrow enough that weekly context matters more than the season line.

Want this verdict updated live on Sunday?

Track Derek Carr and Kirk Cousins in the DraftCall app and get their updates the moment they change.

Get the App

QBNew Orleans Saints#99PPG LEADER

Derek Carr

PPG

15.8

Games

Pass Yds

3,428

Pass TDs

Rush Yds

105

Rush TDs

Bye

Week 12

QBAtlanta Falcons#99

Kirk Cousins

PPG

15.4

Games

Pass Yds

3,588

Pass TDs

Bye

Week 12

The Edge Chart

Derek Carr

Kirk Cousins

Head to Head

15.8 PPG15.4 PPG

15 GP16 GP

Bye: Week 12Bye: Week 12

Fantasy Tiers

Derek Carr: Tier 5 (Deep League) QB (ranked #99 at the position). Kirk Cousins: Tier 5 (Deep League) QB (ranked #99 at the position). Among the top 32 quarterbacks this season, Derek Carr is producing at 72% of elite pace and Kirk Cousins at 70%. These two are close enough in the rankings that weekly matchup should dictate your start.

Derek Carr vs Kirk Cousins: The Full Breakdown

This is a genuine coin flip on paper. Derek Carr finished the 2025 season at 15.8 PPG over 15 games with the New Orleans Saints, while Kirk Cousins clocked in at 15.4 across 16 appearances for the Atlanta Falcons. A 0.4-point gap means any given week could go either way.

With a margin this thin, season averages are not the deciding factor. Weekly variables like opponent defense, game script, and injury status carry more weight than a fraction of a PPG. The right start in Week 6 might be the wrong start in Week 14.

Both lean on arm talent and offensive scheme as traditional pocket passers. Derek Carr threw for 3428 yards and 22 touchdowns, while Kirk Cousins posted 3588 yards and 23 scores. Volume, red zone efficiency, and game script are the key week-to-week differentiators when neither carries rushing upside.

One thing to note: both players share a Week 12 bye. That means you need a backup plan at quarterback for that week, especially if one of these two is your starter.

Trade Value + Dynasty Outlook

Both are in a similar trade value range. A straight swap would be fair in most leagues, with the tiebreaker going to whichever manager values schedule or bye week more. Dynasty outlook: Derek Carr (age 27) is in his prime window. Peak production now with steady value for the next 3-4 seasons. Kirk Cousins (age 27) is in his prime window. Peak production now with steady value for the next 3-4 seasons.

Did You Know?

•Derek Carr outscored Kirk Cousins by a projected 7 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•Kirk Cousins played 16 games in 2025 compared to Derek Carr's 15. That durability gap means Kirk Cousins contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
•Derek Carr scored 23 total touchdowns in 2025 (1.5 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at quarterback.
•Both players share a Week 12 bye. If you roster both, you will need a replacement at the position that week.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Derek Carr vs Kirk Cousins: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	Derek Carr	Kirk Cousins
PPG (Half-PPR)	15.8	15.4
Games Played	15	16
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	237	246
Passing Yards	3,428	3,588
Passing TDs	22	23
Pass Yds/Game	228.5	224.3
Rushing Yards	105	78
Rushing TDs	1	0
Total TDs	23	23
TDs/Game	1.5	1.4
Bye Week	Week 12	Week 12

Summary

Based on 2025 production, Derek Carr holds the PPG edge with solid output at 15.8 points per game. Kirk Cousins averaged 15.4 PPG. Season averages are a starting point, not the final word. For a full AI analysis factoring matchup quality, recent form, injury impact, and game script, download DraftCall and get a verdict backed by real data.

Website vs App

Get the AI verdict on Derek Carr vs Kirk Cousins

DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality, recent trends, injury impact, and game script to give you a clear start/sit recommendation.

See everything in the app →

Launch List

Get the live verdict on Derek Carr vs Kirk Cousins

The DraftCall app delivers live game-day verdicts on every matchup. Join the launch list and we will email you the day it goes live for the 2026 NFL season, with your direct iOS and Android install links.

We will never share your email. Unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Derek Carr or Kirk Cousins in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, Derek Carr has the edge at 15.8 PPG compared to Kirk Cousins's 15.4 PPG. However, the best start depends on weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status. DraftCall's app provides real-time AI-powered verdicts that factor in all of these variables.

How many fantasy points did Derek Carr and Kirk Cousins average in 2025?▾

Derek Carr averaged 15.8 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 15 games in 2025. Kirk Cousins averaged 15.4 PPG over 16 games. That is a difference of 0.4 points per game.

Do Derek Carr and Kirk Cousins share a bye week?▾

Yes, both Derek Carr and Kirk Cousins share a Week 12 bye in 2026. If you roster both, you will need a fill-in at quarterback for that week.

Is Derek Carr or Kirk Cousins a better fantasy quarterback in 2026?▾

Derek Carr outscored Kirk Cousins by 0.4 PPG in 2025, which gives him the edge heading into 2026. For a week-by-week verdict, DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality and recent trends in real time.