Start Christian McCaffrey or James Cook?
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.
RBChristian McCaffreySF · RB18
RBJames CookBUF · RB26Who to start
Clear startChristian McCaffrey- Higher Clutch Score this week: 16.3 vs 13.8 projected points.
- Better matchup (at LAR, Medium).
- Stronger baseline projection (17.1 vs 15.3 pts/game).
Christian McCaffrey and James Cook are a Week 1 start/sit call at running back. Christian McCaffrey travels to LAR (medium matchup) and James Cook travels to HOU (hard matchup). The Clutch Score projects Christian McCaffrey for 16.3 PPR points to James Cook's 13.8.
Start Christian McCaffrey on the softer matchup and the stronger baseline projection.
This week, side by side
| Stat | McCaffrey | Cook |
|---|---|---|
| Clutch Score (Wk 1) | 16.3 | 13.8 |
| Baseline proj / game | 17.1 | 15.3 |
| Points / game (season) | 13.8 | 9.9 |
| Snap share | 55% | 0% |
| Red-zone touches | 2 | 2 |
Clutch Score is our Week 1 projection (PPR). Higher value wins each row.
Drafting rather than setting a lineup? See the season-long Christian McCaffrey vs James Cook comparison.
Frequently asked
Should I start Christian McCaffrey or James Cook in Week 1?
Start Christian McCaffrey in Week 1, on the softer matchup and the stronger baseline projection. The Clutch Score projects 16.3 PPR points to James Cook's 13.8.
Who is projected to score more this week, Christian McCaffrey or James Cook?
Our Clutch Score projects Christian McCaffrey for 16.3 PPR points in Week 1, compared with 13.8 for James Cook.
Who has the better matchup, Christian McCaffrey or James Cook?
Christian McCaffrey plays at LAR (medium) and James Cook plays at HOU (hard). Christian McCaffrey 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.