Start Rico Dowdle or Saquon Barkley?
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.
RBRico DowdlePIT · RB44
RBSaquon BarkleyPHI · RB28Who to start
Strong startSaquon Barkley- Higher Clutch Score this week: 15.4 vs 9.5 projected points.
- Better matchup (vs WAS, Easy).
- Stronger baseline projection (14.5 vs 9.5 pts/game).
Rico Dowdle and Saquon Barkley are a Week 1 start/sit call at running back. Rico Dowdle hosts ATL (medium matchup) and Saquon Barkley hosts WAS (easy matchup). The Clutch Score projects Saquon Barkley for 15.4 PPR points to Rico Dowdle's 9.5.
Start Saquon Barkley on the softer matchup and the stronger baseline projection.
This week, side by side
| Stat | Dowdle | Barkley |
|---|---|---|
| Clutch Score (Wk 1) | 9.5 | 15.4 |
| Baseline proj / game | 9.5 | 14.5 |
| Points / game (season) | 4.1 | 9.0 |
| Snap share | 0% | 0% |
| Red-zone touches | 1 | 2 |
Clutch Score is our Week 1 projection (PPR). Higher value wins each row.
Drafting rather than setting a lineup? See the season-long Rico Dowdle vs Saquon Barkley comparison.
Frequently asked
Should I start Rico Dowdle or Saquon Barkley in Week 1?
Start Saquon Barkley in Week 1, on the softer matchup and the stronger baseline projection. The Clutch Score projects 15.4 PPR points to Rico Dowdle's 9.5.
Who is projected to score more this week, Rico Dowdle or Saquon Barkley?
Our Clutch Score projects Saquon Barkley for 15.4 PPR points in Week 1, compared with 9.5 for Rico Dowdle.
Who has the better matchup, Rico Dowdle or Saquon Barkley?
Rico Dowdle hosts ATL (medium) and Saquon Barkley hosts WAS (easy). Saquon Barkley 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.