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 · QB21
QBSam DarnoldOSEA · QB34Who to start
Strong startJustin Herbert- Higher Clutch Score this week: 19.8 vs 0.4 projected points.
- Better matchup (vs ARI, Easy).
- Healthier: no designation vs Out.
Justin Herbert and Sam Darnold are a Week 1 start/sit call at quarterback. Justin Herbert hosts ARI (easy matchup) and Sam Darnold hosts NE (hard matchup). The Clutch Score projects Justin Herbert for 19.8 PPR points to Sam Darnold's 0.4.
Start Justin Herbert on the softer matchup, the cleaner injury status and the stronger baseline projection.
This week, side by side
| Stat | Herbert | Darnold |
|---|---|---|
| Clutch Score (Wk 1) | 19.8 | 0.4 |
| Baseline proj / game | 17.4 | 15.5 |
| Points / game (season) | 14.3 | 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 Justin Herbert vs Sam Darnold comparison.
Frequently asked
Should I start Justin Herbert or Sam Darnold in Week 1?
Start Justin Herbert in Week 1, on the softer matchup, the cleaner injury status and the stronger baseline projection. The Clutch Score projects 19.8 PPR points to Sam Darnold's 0.4.
Who is projected to score more this week, Justin Herbert or Sam Darnold?
Our Clutch Score projects Justin Herbert for 19.8 PPR points in Week 1, compared with 0.4 for Sam Darnold.
Who has the better matchup, Justin Herbert or Sam Darnold?
Justin Herbert hosts ARI (easy) and Sam Darnold hosts NE (hard). Justin Herbert 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.