Start Cam Ward 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.
QBCam WardTEN · QB25
QBSam DarnoldOSEA · QB34Who to start
Strong startCam Ward- Higher Clutch Score this week: 13.4 vs 0.4 projected points.
- Better matchup (vs NYJ, Medium).
- Healthier: no designation vs Out.
Cam Ward and Sam Darnold are a Week 1 start/sit call at quarterback. Cam Ward hosts NYJ (medium matchup) and Sam Darnold hosts NE (hard matchup). The Clutch Score projects Cam Ward for 13.4 PPR points to Sam Darnold's 0.4.
Start Cam Ward on the softer matchup and the cleaner injury status.
This week, side by side
| Stat | Ward | Darnold |
|---|---|---|
| Clutch Score (Wk 1) | 13.4 | 0.4 |
| Baseline proj / game | 13.4 | 15.5 |
| Points / game (season) | 11.7 | 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 Cam Ward vs Sam Darnold comparison.
Frequently asked
Should I start Cam Ward or Sam Darnold in Week 1?
Start Cam Ward in Week 1, on the softer matchup and the cleaner injury status. The Clutch Score projects 13.4 PPR points to Sam Darnold's 0.4.
Who is projected to score more this week, Cam Ward or Sam Darnold?
Our Clutch Score projects Cam Ward for 13.4 PPR points in Week 1, compared with 0.4 for Sam Darnold.
Who has the better matchup, Cam Ward or Sam Darnold?
Cam Ward hosts NYJ (medium) and Sam Darnold hosts NE (hard). Cam Ward 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.