Start DK Metcalf or Josh Downs?
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.
WRDK MetcalfPIT · WR26
WRJosh DownsIND · WR44Who to start
Clear startDK Metcalf- Higher Clutch Score this week: 12.4 vs 9.8 projected points.
- Better matchup (vs ATL, Easy).
- In the higher-scoring game by Vegas odds.
DK Metcalf and Josh Downs are a Week 1 start/sit call at wide receiver. DK Metcalf hosts ATL (easy matchup) and Josh Downs hosts BAL (medium matchup). The Clutch Score projects DK Metcalf for 12.4 PPR points to Josh Downs's 9.8.
Start DK Metcalf on the softer matchup, the higher-scoring game and the stronger baseline projection.
This week, side by side
| Stat | Metcalf | Downs |
|---|---|---|
| Clutch Score (Wk 1) | 12.4 | 9.8 |
| Baseline proj / game | 10.8 | 10.1 |
| Points / game (season) | 12.5 | 8.5 |
| Snap share | 87% | 58% |
| Red-zone touches | 14 | 14 |
Clutch Score is our Week 1 projection (PPR). Higher value wins each row.
Drafting rather than setting a lineup? See the season-long DK Metcalf vs Josh Downs comparison.
Frequently asked
Should I start DK Metcalf or Josh Downs in Week 1?
Start DK Metcalf in Week 1, on the softer matchup, the higher-scoring game and the stronger baseline projection. The Clutch Score projects 12.4 PPR points to Josh Downs's 9.8.
Who is projected to score more this week, DK Metcalf or Josh Downs?
Our Clutch Score projects DK Metcalf for 12.4 PPR points in Week 1, compared with 9.8 for Josh Downs.
Who has the better matchup, DK Metcalf or Josh Downs?
DK Metcalf hosts ATL (easy) and Josh Downs hosts BAL (medium). DK Metcalf 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.