Start Brashard Smith or Ty Johnson?

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.

RBBrashard SmithKC · RB60

1.4Clutch · Wk 1vs DEN

RBTy JohnsonQBUF · RB46

2.7Clutch · Wk 1@ HOU

Who to start

Clear start

Ty Johnson

Higher Clutch Score this week: 2.7 vs 1.4 projected points.
Stronger baseline projection (3.3 vs 1.5 pts/game).

Brashard Smith and Ty Johnson are a Week 1 start/sit call at running back. Brashard Smith hosts DEN (hard matchup) and Ty Johnson travels to HOU (hard matchup). The Clutch Score projects Ty Johnson for 2.7 PPR points to Brashard Smith's 1.4.

Start Ty Johnson on the stronger baseline projection.

This week, side by side

Stat	Smith	Johnson
Clutch Score (Wk 1)	1.4	2.7
Baseline proj / game	1.5	3.3
Points / game (season)	3.7	5.9
Snap share	15%	29%
Red-zone touches	16	23

Clutch Score is our Week 1 projection (PPR). Higher value wins each row.

Drafting rather than setting a lineup? See the season-long Brashard Smith vs Ty Johnson comparison.

Frequently asked

Should I start Brashard Smith or Ty Johnson in Week 1?

Start Ty Johnson in Week 1, on the stronger baseline projection. The Clutch Score projects 2.7 PPR points to Brashard Smith's 1.4.

Who is projected to score more this week, Brashard Smith or Ty Johnson?

Our Clutch Score projects Ty Johnson for 2.7 PPR points in Week 1, compared with 1.4 for Brashard Smith.

Who has the better matchup, Brashard Smith or Ty Johnson?

Brashard Smith hosts DEN (hard) and Ty Johnson plays at HOU (hard). Brashard Smith draws the more favorable matchup in Week 1.

More start/sit calls

Brashard Smith or Kendre Miller Brashard Smith or Devin Singletary Brashard Smith or LeQuint Allen Brashard Smith or Adam Randall Ty Johnson or Seth McGowan Ty Johnson or LeQuint Allen

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.