Start Baker Mayfield or Sam Darnold?
Week 1 start/sit. Our Clutch Score projects each player's points this week from matchup, Vegas odds, usage and injury status, then calls who to start.
QBBaker MayfieldTB · QB19
QBSam DarnoldOSEA · QB22Who to start
Strong startBaker Mayfield- Higher Clutch Score this week: 19.4 vs 0.4 projected points.
- Better matchup (at CIN, Easy).
- Healthier: no designation vs Out.
Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold are a Week 1 start/sit call at quarterback. Baker Mayfield travels to CIN (easy matchup) and Sam Darnold hosts NE (hard matchup). The Clutch Score projects Baker Mayfield for 19.4 PPR points to Sam Darnold's 0.4.
Start Baker Mayfield on the softer matchup, the cleaner injury status and the stronger baseline projection.
This week, side by side
| Stat | Mayfield | Darnold |
|---|---|---|
| Clutch Score (Wk 1) | 19.4 | 0.4 |
| Baseline proj / game | 16.2 | 15.5 |
| Points / game (season) | 11.6 | 0.5 |
| Snap share | 0% | 10% |
| Red-zone touches | 2 | 0 |
Clutch Score is our Week 1 projection (PPR). Higher value wins each row.
Drafting rather than setting a lineup? See the season-long Baker Mayfield vs Sam Darnold comparison.
Frequently asked
Should I start Baker Mayfield or Sam Darnold in Week 1?
Start Baker Mayfield in Week 1, on the softer matchup, the cleaner injury status and the stronger baseline projection. The Clutch Score projects 19.4 PPR points to Sam Darnold's 0.4.
Who is projected to score more this week, Baker Mayfield or Sam Darnold?
Our Clutch Score projects Baker Mayfield for 19.4 PPR points in Week 1, compared with 0.4 for Sam Darnold.
Who has the better matchup, Baker Mayfield or Sam Darnold?
Baker Mayfield plays at CIN (easy) and Sam Darnold hosts NE (hard). Baker Mayfield draws the more favorable matchup in Week 1.
More start/sit calls
Clutch Score blends the season projection with this week’s matchup, Vegas implied total and injury status. Data via the Sleeper API and ESPN, refreshed daily.