Start Joe Burrow or Sam Darnold?

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.

QBJoe BurrowCIN · QB29

20.7Clutch · Wk 1vs TB

QBSam DarnoldSEA · QB13

13.6Clutch · Wk 1vs NE

Who to start

Strong start

Joe Burrow

Higher Clutch Score this week: 20.7 vs 13.6 projected points.
Better matchup (vs TB, Easy).
Stronger baseline projection (18.0 vs 15.5 pts/game).

This week, side by side

Stat	Burrow	Darnold
Clutch Score (Wk 1)	20.7	13.6
Baseline proj / game	18.0	15.5
Points / game (season)	17.4	14.7
Snap share	86%	96%
Red-zone touches	2	6

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

Drafting rather than setting a lineup? See the season-long Joe Burrow vs Sam Darnold comparison.

More start/sit calls

Joe Burrow or Drake Maye Joe Burrow or Jayden Daniels Joe Burrow or Lamar Jackson Joe Burrow or Jalen Hurts Sam Darnold or C.J. Stroud Sam Darnold or Cam Ward

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.