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 · QB19
QBSam DarnoldOSEA · QB34Who to start
Strong startJoe Burrow- Higher Clutch Score this week: 20.7 vs 0.4 projected points.
- Better matchup (vs TB, Easy).
- Healthier: no designation vs Out.
Joe Burrow and Sam Darnold are a Week 1 start/sit call at quarterback. Joe Burrow hosts TB (easy matchup) and Sam Darnold hosts NE (hard matchup). The Clutch Score projects Joe Burrow for 20.7 PPR points to Sam Darnold's 0.4.
Start Joe Burrow on the softer matchup, the cleaner injury status and the stronger baseline projection.
This week, side by side
| Stat | Burrow | Darnold |
|---|---|---|
| Clutch Score (Wk 1) | 20.7 | 0.4 |
| Baseline proj / game | 18.0 | 15.5 |
| Points / game (season) | 15.2 | 0.5 |
| Snap share | 0% | 10% |
| Red-zone touches | 3 | 0 |
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.
Frequently asked
Should I start Joe Burrow or Sam Darnold in Week 1?
Start Joe Burrow in Week 1, on the softer matchup, the cleaner injury status and the stronger baseline projection. The Clutch Score projects 20.7 PPR points to Sam Darnold's 0.4.
Who is projected to score more this week, Joe Burrow or Sam Darnold?
Our Clutch Score projects Joe Burrow for 20.7 PPR points in Week 1, compared with 0.4 for Sam Darnold.
Who has the better matchup, Joe Burrow or Sam Darnold?
Joe Burrow hosts TB (easy) and Sam Darnold hosts NE (hard). Joe Burrow 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.