Start C.J. Stroud 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.

QBC.J. StroudHOU · QB21

12.3Clutch · Wk 1vs BUF

QBSam DarnoldSEA · QB13

13.6Clutch · Wk 1vs NE

Who to start

Clear start

Sam Darnold

Higher Clutch Score this week: 13.6 vs 12.3 projected points.
Stronger baseline projection (15.5 vs 14.0 pts/game).

This week, side by side

Stat	Stroud	Darnold
Clutch Score (Wk 1)	12.3	13.6
Baseline proj / game	14.0	15.5
Points / game (season)	15.5	14.7
Snap share	93%	96%
Red-zone touches	8	6

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

Drafting rather than setting a lineup? See the season-long C.J. Stroud vs Sam Darnold comparison.

More start/sit calls

C.J. Stroud or Malik Willis C.J. Stroud or Tyler Shough C.J. Stroud or Cam Ward Sam Darnold or Cam Ward Sam Darnold or Malik Willis Sam Darnold or Daniel Jones

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.