Start Christian McCaffrey or Rico Dowdle?
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
RBRico DowdlePIT · RB44Who to start
Strong startChristian McCaffrey- Higher Clutch Score this week: 16.3 vs 9.5 projected points.
- Stronger baseline projection (17.1 vs 9.5 pts/game).
Christian McCaffrey and Rico Dowdle are a Week 1 start/sit call at running back. Christian McCaffrey travels to LAR (medium matchup) and Rico Dowdle hosts ATL (medium matchup). The Clutch Score projects Christian McCaffrey for 16.3 PPR points to Rico Dowdle's 9.5.
Start Christian McCaffrey on the stronger baseline projection.
This week, side by side
| Stat | McCaffrey | Dowdle |
|---|---|---|
| Clutch Score (Wk 1) | 16.3 | 9.5 |
| Baseline proj / game | 17.1 | 9.5 |
| Points / game (season) | 13.8 | 4.1 |
| Snap share | 55% | 0% |
| Red-zone touches | 2 | 1 |
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 Rico Dowdle comparison.
Frequently asked
Should I start Christian McCaffrey or Rico Dowdle in Week 1?
Start Christian McCaffrey in Week 1, on the stronger baseline projection. The Clutch Score projects 16.3 PPR points to Rico Dowdle's 9.5.
Who is projected to score more this week, Christian McCaffrey or Rico Dowdle?
Our Clutch Score projects Christian McCaffrey for 16.3 PPR points in Week 1, compared with 9.5 for Rico Dowdle.
Who has the better matchup, Christian McCaffrey or Rico Dowdle?
Christian McCaffrey plays at LAR (medium) and Rico Dowdle hosts ATL (medium). Rico Dowdle 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.