Start Lamar Jackson 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.
QBLamar JacksonBAL · QB7
QBSam DarnoldOSEA · QB34Who to start
Strong startLamar Jackson- Higher Clutch Score this week: 22.1 vs 0.4 projected points.
- Better matchup (at IND, Easy).
- Healthier: no designation vs Out.
Lamar Jackson and Sam Darnold are a Week 1 start/sit call at quarterback. Lamar Jackson travels to IND (easy matchup) and Sam Darnold hosts NE (hard matchup). The Clutch Score projects Lamar Jackson for 22.1 PPR points to Sam Darnold's 0.4.
Start Lamar Jackson on the softer matchup, the cleaner injury status and the stronger baseline projection.
This week, side by side
| Stat | Jackson | Darnold |
|---|---|---|
| Clutch Score (Wk 1) | 22.1 | 0.4 |
| Baseline proj / game | 19.2 | 15.5 |
| Points / game (season) | 25.0 | 0.5 |
| Snap share | 0% | 10% |
| Red-zone touches | 1 | 0 |
Clutch Score is our Week 1 projection (PPR). Higher value wins each row.
Drafting rather than setting a lineup? See the season-long Lamar Jackson vs Sam Darnold comparison.
Frequently asked
Should I start Lamar Jackson or Sam Darnold in Week 1?
Start Lamar Jackson in Week 1, on the softer matchup, the cleaner injury status and the stronger baseline projection. The Clutch Score projects 22.1 PPR points to Sam Darnold's 0.4.
Who is projected to score more this week, Lamar Jackson or Sam Darnold?
Our Clutch Score projects Lamar Jackson for 22.1 PPR points in Week 1, compared with 0.4 for Sam Darnold.
Who has the better matchup, Lamar Jackson or Sam Darnold?
Lamar Jackson plays at IND (easy) and Sam Darnold hosts NE (hard). Lamar Jackson 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.