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 · QB15
QBSam DarnoldOSEA · QB34Who to start
Strong startC.J. Stroud- Higher Clutch Score this week: 12.8 vs 0.4 projected points.
- Healthier: no designation vs Out.
C.J. Stroud and Sam Darnold are a Week 1 start/sit call at quarterback. C.J. Stroud hosts BUF (hard matchup) and Sam Darnold hosts NE (hard matchup). The Clutch Score projects C.J. Stroud for 12.8 PPR points to Sam Darnold's 0.4.
Start C.J. Stroud on the cleaner injury status.
This week, side by side
| Stat | Stroud | Darnold |
|---|---|---|
| Clutch Score (Wk 1) | 12.8 | 0.4 |
| Baseline proj / game | 14.6 | 15.5 |
| Points / game (season) | 16.5 | 0.5 |
| Snap share | 0% | 10% |
| Red-zone touches | 0 | 0 |
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.
Frequently asked
Should I start C.J. Stroud or Sam Darnold in Week 1?
Start C.J. Stroud in Week 1, on the cleaner injury status. The Clutch Score projects 12.8 PPR points to Sam Darnold's 0.4.
Who is projected to score more this week, C.J. Stroud or Sam Darnold?
Our Clutch Score projects C.J. Stroud for 12.8 PPR points in Week 1, compared with 0.4 for Sam Darnold.
Who has the better matchup, C.J. Stroud or Sam Darnold?
C.J. Stroud hosts BUF (hard) and Sam Darnold hosts NE (hard). C.J. Stroud 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.