Start J.J. McCarthy or Kirk Cousins?
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.
QBJ.J. McCarthyMIN · QB30
QBKirk CousinsLV · QB35Who to start
Clear startKirk Cousins- Higher Clutch Score this week: 2.7 vs 1.1 projected points.
- Better matchup (vs MIA, Easy).
- Stronger baseline projection (2.3 vs 1.2 pts/game).
J.J. McCarthy and Kirk Cousins are a Week 1 start/sit call at quarterback. J.J. McCarthy hosts GB (hard matchup) and Kirk Cousins hosts MIA (easy matchup). The Clutch Score projects Kirk Cousins for 2.7 PPR points to J.J. McCarthy's 1.1.
Start Kirk Cousins on the softer matchup and the stronger baseline projection.
This week, side by side
| Stat | McCarthy | Cousins |
|---|---|---|
| Clutch Score (Wk 1) | 1.1 | 2.7 |
| Baseline proj / game | 1.2 | 2.3 |
| Points / game (season) | 13.7 | 10.9 |
| Snap share | 94% | 46% |
| Red-zone touches | 6 | 1 |
Clutch Score is our Week 1 projection (PPR). Higher value wins each row.
Drafting rather than setting a lineup? See the season-long J.J. McCarthy vs Kirk Cousins comparison.
Frequently asked
Should I start J.J. McCarthy or Kirk Cousins in Week 1?
Start Kirk Cousins in Week 1, on the softer matchup and the stronger baseline projection. The Clutch Score projects 2.7 PPR points to J.J. McCarthy's 1.1.
Who is projected to score more this week, J.J. McCarthy or Kirk Cousins?
Our Clutch Score projects Kirk Cousins for 2.7 PPR points in Week 1, compared with 1.1 for J.J. McCarthy.
Who has the better matchup, J.J. McCarthy or Kirk Cousins?
J.J. McCarthy hosts GB (hard) and Kirk Cousins hosts MIA (easy). Kirk Cousins 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.