Start James Cook or Rico Dowdle?
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
RBRico DowdlePIT · RB44Who to start
Strong startJames Cook- Higher Clutch Score this week: 13.8 vs 9.5 projected points.
- Stronger baseline projection (15.3 vs 9.5 pts/game).
James Cook and Rico Dowdle are a Week 1 start/sit call at running back. James Cook travels to HOU (hard matchup) and Rico Dowdle hosts ATL (medium matchup). The Clutch Score projects James Cook for 13.8 PPR points to Rico Dowdle's 9.5.
Start James Cook on the stronger baseline projection.
This week, side by side
| Stat | Cook | Dowdle |
|---|---|---|
| Clutch Score (Wk 1) | 13.8 | 9.5 |
| Baseline proj / game | 15.3 | 9.5 |
| Points / game (season) | 9.9 | 4.1 |
| Snap share | 0% | 0% |
| Red-zone touches | 2 | 1 |
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 Rico Dowdle comparison.
Frequently asked
Should I start James Cook or Rico Dowdle in Week 1?
Start James Cook in Week 1, on the stronger baseline projection. The Clutch Score projects 13.8 PPR points to Rico Dowdle's 9.5.
Who is projected to score more this week, James Cook or Rico Dowdle?
Our Clutch Score projects James Cook for 13.8 PPR points in Week 1, compared with 9.5 for Rico Dowdle.
Who has the better matchup, James Cook or Rico Dowdle?
James Cook plays at HOU (hard) and Rico Dowdle hosts ATL (medium). Rico Dowdle 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.