Start Justin Herbert 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.

QBJustin HerbertLAC · QB10

18.3Clutch · Wk 1vs ARI

QBSam DarnoldSEA · QB13

13.6Clutch · Wk 1vs NE

Who to start

Strong start

Justin Herbert

Higher Clutch Score this week: 18.3 vs 13.6 projected points.
Better matchup (vs ARI, Medium).
Stronger baseline projection (17.4 vs 15.5 pts/game).

This week, side by side

Stat	Herbert	Darnold
Clutch Score (Wk 1)	18.3	13.6
Baseline proj / game	17.4	15.5
Points / game (season)	18.7	14.7
Snap share	97%	96%
Red-zone touches	12	6

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

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

More start/sit calls

Justin Herbert or Caleb Williams Justin Herbert or Trevor Lawrence Justin Herbert or Jalen Hurts Justin Herbert or Dak Prescott 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.