Matchup edge · QB myth · RB C · WR C · TE myth
Starters out on defense: every call
Each missing regular defensive starter (CB for WRs, S/LB for TEs, DL/LB for RBs, DB for QBs) adds points to the opposing player.
2024 backtest
716–1049–204
40.6% vs 39.1% baseline
2025 backtest
681–991–185
40.7% vs 39.1% baseline
2026 live (from Week 5)
–
first live calls this week
2026 weeks 1–4 (after the fact)
55–83–12
39.9% vs 39.4% baseline
2024–25 by position and by expected effect
| Position | W–L–P | Win % | Baseline |
|---|---|---|---|
| RB | 349–510–87 | 40.6% | 38.2% |
| TE | 371–558–194 | 39.9% | 39.1% |
| QB | 198–194–19 | 50.5% | 49.6% |
| WR | 479–778–89 | 38.1% | 36.3% |
| Expected effect (PPR) | W–L–P | Win % | Baseline |
|---|---|---|---|
| flag | 716–1049–204 | 40.6% | 39.1% |
| 0.25–0.5 | 651–959–183 | 40.4% | 38.7% |
| 0.5–1 | 29–31–2 | 48.3% | 48.3% |
| 1+ | 1–1 | 50.0% | 49.6% |
Call log
| Week | Player | Call | Proj | Actual | Margin | Result | Source · made |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 W16 | Amon-Ra St. BrownWR DET | Boost (Starters out on defense vs PIT, expected +0.1) | 23.1 | 9.4 | −13.8 | ❌ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Kyle PittsTE ATL | Boost (Starters out on defense vs ARI, expected +0.0) | 13.7 | 18.7 | +5.0 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Trevor LawrenceQB JAX | Boost (Starters out on defense vs DEN, expected −0.3) | 16.2 | 31.2 | +15.0 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Elijah MooreWR BUF | Boost (Starters out on defense vs CLE, expected +0.1) | 3.1 | – | – | void | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Josh PalmerWR BUF | Boost (Starters out on defense vs CLE, expected +0.1) | 5.1 | 1.2 | −3.9 | ❌ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Hunter LongTE JAX | Boost (Starters out on defense vs DEN, expected +0.0) | 2.4 | – | – | void | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Tyler GoodsonRB IND | Boost (Starters out on defense vs SF, expected +0.1) | 1.3 | 0.9 | −0.4 | push | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Isiah PachecoRB KC | Boost (Starters out on defense vs TEN, expected +0.1) | 6.6 | 13.5 | +6.9 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Kevin Austin Jr.WR NO | Boost (Starters out on defense vs NYJ, expected +0.1) | 2.6 | 3.8 | +1.1 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Chris OlaveWR NO | Boost (Starters out on defense vs NYJ, expected +0.1) | 16.9 | 36.8 | +19.9 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Jameson WilliamsWR DET | Boost (Starters out on defense vs PIT, expected +0.1) | 17.2 | 12.0 | −5.2 | ❌ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Rachaad WhiteRB TB | Boost (Starters out on defense vs CAR, expected +0.4) | 7.5 | 8.0 | +0.5 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Dameon PierceRB KC | Boost (Starters out on defense vs TEN, expected +0.1) | 1.9 | – | – | void | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Khalil ShakirWR BUF | Boost (Starters out on defense vs CLE, expected +0.1) | 9.9 | 7.4 | −2.5 | ❌ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Teagan QuitorianoTE ATL | Boost (Starters out on defense vs ARI, expected +0.0) | 0.2 | 0.0 | −0.2 | push | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Andrew OgletreeTE IND | Boost (Starters out on defense vs SF, expected +0.0) | 0.9 | 2.1 | +1.2 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | John FitzPatrickTE GB | Boost (Starters out on defense vs CHI, expected +0.0) | 2.4 | 0.0 | −2.4 | ❌ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Ko KieftTE TB | Boost (Starters out on defense vs CAR, expected +0.1) | 0.3 | – | – | void | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Brittain BrownRB CHI | Boost (Starters out on defense vs GB, expected +0.3) | 2.1 | – | – | void | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Jalen VirgilWR BUF | Boost (Starters out on defense vs CLE, expected +0.1) | 1.1 | – | – | void | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Sincere McCormickRB LV | Boost (Starters out on defense vs HOU, expected +0.1) | 2.0 | – | – | void | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Peyton HendershotTE KC | Boost (Starters out on defense vs TEN, expected +0.1) | 1.4 | – | – | void | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Hassan HaskinsRB LAC | Boost (Starters out on defense vs DAL, expected +0.1) | 1.7 | 1.4 | −0.3 | push | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Alec PierceWR IND | Boost (Starters out on defense vs SF, expected +0.1) | 11.6 | 24.6 | +13.0 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Brock PurdyQB SF | Boost (Starters out on defense vs IND, expected −0.3) | 18.8 | 30.9 | +12.1 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Calvin Austin IIIWR PIT | Boost (Starters out on defense vs DET, expected +0.1) | 6.8 | 1.8 | −5.0 | ❌ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Isaiah LikelyTE BAL | Boost (Starters out on defense vs NE, expected +0.0) | 6.6 | 0.0 | −6.6 | ❌ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Zamir WhiteRB LV | Boost (Starters out on defense vs HOU, expected +0.1) | 1.9 | – | – | void | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Jake FergusonTE DAL | Boost (Starters out on defense vs LAC, expected +0.0) | 10.3 | 4.9 | −5.4 | ❌ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Charlie KolarTE BAL | Boost (Starters out on defense vs NE, expected +0.0) | 2.0 | 2.8 | +0.8 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Skyy MooreWR SF | Boost (Starters out on defense vs IND, expected +0.1) | 1.5 | 3.3 | +1.8 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Daniel BellingerTE NYG | Boost (Starters out on defense vs MIN, expected +0.0) | 2.8 | 0.0 | −2.8 | ❌ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Cade OttonTE TB | Boost (Starters out on defense vs CAR, expected +0.1) | 6.0 | 3.5 | −2.5 | ❌ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Will MalloryTE IND | Boost (Starters out on defense vs SF, expected +0.0) | 0.8 | – | – | void | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Keaton MitchellRB BAL | Boost (Starters out on defense vs NE, expected +0.1) | 4.8 | 1.3 | −3.5 | ❌ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Owen WrightRB TB | Boost (Starters out on defense vs CAR, expected +0.4) | 0.8 | – | – | void | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Quentin JohnstonWR LAC | Boost (Starters out on defense vs DAL, expected +0.1) | 8.9 | 20.4 | +11.4 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Luke SchoonmakerTE DAL | Boost (Starters out on defense vs LAC, expected +0.0) | 2.3 | 0.0 | −2.3 | ❌ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Michael WilsonWR ARI | Boost (Starters out on defense vs ATL, expected +0.1) | 16.3 | 13.2 | −3.1 | ❌ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Chris Rodriguez Jr.RB WAS | Boost (Starters out on defense vs PHI, expected +0.1) | 4.9 | 13.9 | +9.0 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Scott MatlockRB LAC | Boost (Starters out on defense vs DAL, expected +0.1) | 0.3 | 0.0 | −0.3 | push | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Jalen BrooksWR ARI | Boost (Starters out on defense vs ATL, expected +0.1) | 5.5 | 0.0 | −5.5 | void | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Tyrell ShaversWR BUF | Boost (Starters out on defense vs CLE, expected +0.1) | 2.1 | 3.1 | +1.0 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Chris BrooksRB GB | Boost (Starters out on defense vs CHI, expected +0.1) | 2.5 | 0.4 | −2.1 | ❌ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Princeton FantTE DAL | Boost (Starters out on defense vs LAC, expected +0.0) | 0.5 | – | – | void | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Emanuel WilsonRB GB | Boost (Starters out on defense vs CHI, expected +0.1) | 6.7 | 8.2 | +1.5 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Brycen TremayneWR CAR | Boost (Starters out on defense vs TB, expected +0.3) | 1.6 | 0.0 | −1.6 | ❌ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Jacob SaylorsRB DET | Boost (Starters out on defense vs PIT, expected +0.1) | 1.0 | – | – | void | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Malik CunninghamWR DET | Boost (Starters out on defense vs PIT, expected +0.1) | 1.5 | – | – | void | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Brenton StrangeTE JAX | Boost (Starters out on defense vs DEN, expected +0.0) | 7.5 | 14.9 | +7.4 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Sean TuckerRB TB | Boost (Starters out on defense vs CAR, expected +0.4) | 4.3 | 6.3 | +2.0 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Tucker KraftTE GB | Boost (Starters out on defense vs CHI, expected +0.0) | 8.2 | – | – | void | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Josh DownsWR IND | Boost (Starters out on defense vs SF, expected +0.1) | 8.9 | 11.8 | +2.9 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Roschon JohnsonRB CHI | Boost (Starters out on defense vs GB, expected +0.3) | 3.0 | – | – | void | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | De'Von AchaneRB MIA | Boost (Starters out on defense vs CIN, expected +0.3) | 19.1 | 18.0 | −1.1 | ❌ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Payne DurhamTE TB | Boost (Starters out on defense vs CAR, expected +0.1) | 0.8 | 0.0 | −0.8 | ❌ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Sam LaPortaTE DET | Boost (Starters out on defense vs PIT, expected +0.0) | 11.1 | – | – | void | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Michael MayerTE LV | Boost (Starters out on defense vs HOU, expected +0.0) | 3.6 | 2.0 | −1.6 | ❌ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Jahmyr GibbsRB DET | Boost (Starters out on defense vs PIT, expected +0.1) | 25.5 | 22.8 | −2.7 | ❌ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Luke MusgraveTE GB | Boost (Starters out on defense vs CHI, expected +0.0) | 4.3 | 6.8 | +2.5 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Bryce YoungQB CAR | Boost (Starters out on defense vs TB, expected −0.6) | 14.2 | 17.6 | +3.5 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Chris CollierRB LV | Boost (Starters out on defense vs HOU, expected +0.1) | 1.0 | – | – | void | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Jack WestoverTE NE | Boost (Starters out on defense vs BAL, expected +0.0) | 0.3 | 0.0 | −0.3 | push | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Baylor CuppTE KC | Boost (Starters out on defense vs TEN, expected +0.1) | 0.8 | – | – | void | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Carson SteeleRB KC | Boost (Starters out on defense vs TEN, expected +0.1) | 2.2 | – | – | void | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Brock BowersTE LV | Boost (Starters out on defense vs HOU, expected +0.0) | 10.6 | 14.3 | +3.7 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Xavier LegetteWR CAR | Boost (Starters out on defense vs TB, expected +0.3) | 7.9 | 2.2 | −5.7 | ❌ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Bucky IrvingRB TB | Boost (Starters out on defense vs CAR, expected +0.4) | 12.5 | 7.1 | −5.4 | ❌ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Sione VakiRB DET | Boost (Starters out on defense vs PIT, expected +0.1) | 1.4 | – | – | void | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Jacob CowingWR SF | Boost (Starters out on defense vs IND, expected +0.1) | 1.9 | – | – | void | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Kimani VidalRB LAC | Boost (Starters out on defense vs DAL, expected +0.1) | 10.6 | 1.1 | −9.5 | ❌ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Tanner McLachlanTE CIN | Boost (Starters out on defense vs MIA, expected +0.0) | 0.7 | – | – | void | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Dylan LaubeRB LV | Boost (Starters out on defense vs HOU, expected +0.1) | 1.1 | – | – | void | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Jaheim BellTE NE | Boost (Starters out on defense vs BAL, expected +0.0) | 0.6 | – | – | void | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Devaughn VeleWR NO | Boost (Starters out on defense vs NYJ, expected +0.1) | 8.3 | – | – | void | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Jalen CokerWR CAR | Boost (Starters out on defense vs TB, expected +0.3) | 7.8 | 7.7 | −0.1 | push | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Xavier WeaverWR ARI | Boost (Starters out on defense vs ATL, expected +0.1) | 2.4 | 3.9 | +1.5 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Brevyn Spann-FordTE DAL | Boost (Starters out on defense vs LAC, expected +0.0) | 1.1 | 0.0 | −1.1 | ❌ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Mason TiptonWR NO | Boost (Starters out on defense vs NYJ, expected +0.1) | 3.0 | 8.1 | +5.1 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Cam GrandyTE CIN | Boost (Starters out on defense vs MIA, expected +0.0) | 0.7 | 1.1 | +0.4 | push | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Roman WilsonWR PIT | Boost (Starters out on defense vs DET, expected +0.1) | 3.4 | – | – | void | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Devin CulpTE TB | Boost (Starters out on defense vs CAR, expected +0.1) | 0.6 | – | – | void | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Terrell JenningsRB NE | Boost (Starters out on defense vs BAL, expected +0.1) | 2.0 | – | – | void | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Rasheen AliRB BAL | Boost (Starters out on defense vs NE, expected +0.1) | 2.8 | 2.2 | −0.6 | ❌ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Jared WileyTE KC | Boost (Starters out on defense vs TEN, expected +0.1) | 1.1 | 0.0 | −1.1 | void | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Theo JohnsonTE NYG | Boost (Starters out on defense vs MIN, expected +0.0) | 8.0 | 0.0 | −8.0 | ❌ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Marvin Harrison Jr.WR ARI | Boost (Starters out on defense vs ATL, expected +0.1) | 11.4 | 2.4 | −9.0 | ❌ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Jaylen WrightRB MIA | Boost (Starters out on defense vs CIN, expected +0.3) | 3.6 | 12.3 | +8.7 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Keon ColemanWR BUF | Boost (Starters out on defense vs CLE, expected +0.1) | 7.9 | – | – | void | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Ladd McConkeyWR LAC | Boost (Starters out on defense vs DAL, expected +0.1) | 13.2 | 14.3 | +1.1 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Caleb WilliamsQB CHI | Boost (Starters out on defense vs GB, expected −0.3) | 17.2 | 21.0 | +3.8 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Amar JohnsonRB LAC | Boost (Starters out on defense vs DAL, expected +0.1) | 2.0 | – | – | void | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Brashard SmithRB KC | Boost (Starters out on defense vs TEN, expected +0.1) | 3.7 | 1.4 | −2.3 | ❌ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Ashton JeantyRB LV | Boost (Starters out on defense vs HOU, expected +0.1) | 10.6 | 31.8 | +21.2 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Tetairoa McMillanWR CAR | Boost (Starters out on defense vs TB, expected +0.3) | 12.6 | 19.3 | +6.7 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Colston LovelandTE CHI | Boost (Starters out on defense vs GB, expected +0.0) | 10.3 | 6.0 | −4.3 | ❌ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Tyler WarrenTE IND | Boost (Starters out on defense vs SF, expected +0.0) | 10.6 | 6.0 | −4.6 | ❌ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Elic AyomanorWR TEN | Boost (Starters out on defense vs KC, expected +0.1) | 7.3 | 8.8 | +1.5 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | Jordan WatkinsWR SF | Boost (Starters out on defense vs IND, expected +0.1) | 2.2 | 0.0 | −2.2 | ❌ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W16 | DJ GiddensRB IND | Boost (Starters out on defense vs SF, expected +0.1) | 1.7 | – | – | void | Backtest · |
How this works
Win: a boost beats our projection mean, or a fade falls below it. Push: within 0.5 points. Void: did not play, or played under 25% of his usual snaps. Backtest calls use only data from before their week (the made time is 90 minutes before his kickoff); live calls are written before kickoff and cannot be edited afterwards. We list every loss. All angles and the method.
Charting data: FTN Data via nflverse, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0; our derived charting figures are shared under the same licence. Coverage allowed by defender: Pro Football Reference via nflverse. Coverage type (man/zone, shells): nflverse participation data. Play-by-play: nflverse.
Sources: nflverse, FTN Data via nflverse