Start Fernando Mendoza or Tua Tagovailoa?

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.

QBFernando MendozaLV

13.9Clutch · Wk 1vs MIA

QBTua TagovailoaQATL · QB25

5.1Clutch · Wk 1@ PIT

Who to start

Strong start

Fernando Mendoza

Higher Clutch Score this week: 13.9 vs 5.1 projected points.
In the higher-scoring game by Vegas odds.
Healthier: no designation vs Questionable.

Fernando Mendoza and Tua Tagovailoa are a Week 1 start/sit call at quarterback. Fernando Mendoza hosts MIA (easy matchup) and Tua Tagovailoa travels to PIT (easy matchup). The Clutch Score projects Fernando Mendoza for 13.9 PPR points to Tua Tagovailoa's 5.1.

Start Fernando Mendoza on the higher-scoring game, the cleaner injury status and the stronger baseline projection.

This week, side by side

Stat	Mendoza	Tagovailoa
Clutch Score (Wk 1)	13.9	5.1
Baseline proj / game	12.5	5.5
Points / game (season)	-	12.5
Snap share	-	96%
Red-zone touches	-	2

Clutch Score is our Week 1 projection (PPR). Higher value wins each row.

Drafting rather than setting a lineup? See the season-long Fernando Mendoza vs Tua Tagovailoa comparison.

Frequently asked

Should I start Fernando Mendoza or Tua Tagovailoa in Week 1?

Start Fernando Mendoza in Week 1, on the higher-scoring game, the cleaner injury status and the stronger baseline projection. The Clutch Score projects 13.9 PPR points to Tua Tagovailoa's 5.1.

Who is projected to score more this week, Fernando Mendoza or Tua Tagovailoa?

Our Clutch Score projects Fernando Mendoza for 13.9 PPR points in Week 1, compared with 5.1 for Tua Tagovailoa.

Who has the better matchup, Fernando Mendoza or Tua Tagovailoa?

Fernando Mendoza hosts MIA (easy) and Tua Tagovailoa plays at PIT (easy). Fernando Mendoza draws the more favorable matchup in Week 1.

More start/sit calls

Fernando Mendoza or Geno Smith Fernando Mendoza or Aaron Rodgers Fernando Mendoza or Michael Penix Tua Tagovailoa or Michael Penix Tua Tagovailoa or Geno Smith Tua Tagovailoa or Kirk Cousins

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.