Start James Cook or Jonathan Taylor?
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.
RBJames CookBUF · RB26
RBJonathan TaylorIND · RB7Who to start
Clear startJonathan Taylor- Higher Clutch Score this week: 16.6 vs 13.8 projected points.
- Better matchup (vs BAL, Medium).
- Stronger baseline projection (16.0 vs 15.3 pts/game).
James Cook and Jonathan Taylor are a Week 1 start/sit call at running back. James Cook travels to HOU (hard matchup) and Jonathan Taylor hosts BAL (medium matchup). The Clutch Score projects Jonathan Taylor for 16.6 PPR points to James Cook's 13.8.
Start Jonathan Taylor on the softer matchup and the stronger baseline projection.
This week, side by side
| Stat | Cook | Taylor |
|---|---|---|
| Clutch Score (Wk 1) | 13.8 | 16.6 |
| Baseline proj / game | 15.3 | 16.0 |
| Points / game (season) | 9.9 | 25.1 |
| Snap share | 0% | 0% |
| Red-zone touches | 2 | 5 |
Clutch Score is our Week 1 projection (PPR). Higher value wins each row.
Drafting rather than setting a lineup? See the season-long James Cook vs Jonathan Taylor comparison.
Frequently asked
Should I start James Cook or Jonathan Taylor in Week 1?
Start Jonathan Taylor in Week 1, on the softer matchup and the stronger baseline projection. The Clutch Score projects 16.6 PPR points to James Cook's 13.8.
Who is projected to score more this week, James Cook or Jonathan Taylor?
Our Clutch Score projects Jonathan Taylor for 16.6 PPR points in Week 1, compared with 13.8 for James Cook.
Who has the better matchup, James Cook or Jonathan Taylor?
James Cook plays at HOU (hard) and Jonathan Taylor hosts BAL (medium). Jonathan Taylor 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.