Start Darren Waller or Michael Mayer?
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.
TEDarren WallerCAR · TE32
TEMichael MayerLV · TE37Who to start
Clear startDarren Waller- Higher Clutch Score this week: 6.8 vs 5.3 projected points.
- In the higher-scoring game by Vegas odds.
- Stronger baseline projection (7.2 vs 4.8 pts/game).
Darren Waller and Michael Mayer are a Week 1 start/sit call at tight end. Darren Waller hosts CHI (medium matchup) and Michael Mayer hosts MIA (easy matchup). The Clutch Score projects Darren Waller for 6.8 PPR points to Michael Mayer's 5.3.
Start Darren Waller on the higher-scoring game and the stronger baseline projection.
This week, side by side
| Stat | Waller | Mayer |
|---|---|---|
| Clutch Score (Wk 1) | 6.8 | 5.3 |
| Baseline proj / game | 7.2 | 4.8 |
| Points / game (season) | 9.9 | 5.7 |
| Snap share | 45% | 57% |
| Red-zone touches | 7 | 6 |
Clutch Score is our Week 1 projection (PPR). Higher value wins each row.
Drafting rather than setting a lineup? See the season-long Darren Waller vs Michael Mayer comparison.
Frequently asked
Should I start Darren Waller or Michael Mayer in Week 1?
Start Darren Waller in Week 1, on the higher-scoring game and the stronger baseline projection. The Clutch Score projects 6.8 PPR points to Michael Mayer's 5.3.
Who is projected to score more this week, Darren Waller or Michael Mayer?
Our Clutch Score projects Darren Waller for 6.8 PPR points in Week 1, compared with 5.3 for Michael Mayer.
Who has the better matchup, Darren Waller or Michael Mayer?
Darren Waller hosts CHI (medium) and Michael Mayer hosts MIA (easy). Michael Mayer 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.