Start Christian McCaffrey or Saquon Barkley?
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
RBSaquon BarkleyPHI · RB28Who to start
Slight leanChristian McCaffrey- Higher Clutch Score this week: 16.3 vs 15.4 projected points.
- Stronger baseline projection (17.1 vs 14.5 pts/game).
Christian McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley are a Week 1 start/sit call at running back. Christian McCaffrey travels to LAR (medium matchup) and Saquon Barkley hosts WAS (easy matchup). The Clutch Score projects Christian McCaffrey for 16.3 PPR points to Saquon Barkley's 15.4.
Start Christian McCaffrey on the stronger baseline projection.
This week, side by side
| Stat | McCaffrey | Barkley |
|---|---|---|
| Clutch Score (Wk 1) | 16.3 | 15.4 |
| Baseline proj / game | 17.1 | 14.5 |
| Points / game (season) | 13.8 | 9.0 |
| 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 Saquon Barkley comparison.
Frequently asked
Should I start Christian McCaffrey or Saquon Barkley in Week 1?
Start Christian McCaffrey in Week 1, on the stronger baseline projection. The Clutch Score projects 16.3 PPR points to Saquon Barkley's 15.4.
Who is projected to score more this week, Christian McCaffrey or Saquon Barkley?
Our Clutch Score projects Christian McCaffrey for 16.3 PPR points in Week 1, compared with 15.4 for Saquon Barkley.
Who has the better matchup, Christian McCaffrey or Saquon Barkley?
Christian McCaffrey plays at LAR (medium) and Saquon Barkley hosts WAS (easy). Saquon Barkley 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.