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 W18 | Josh JohnsonQB WAS | Boost (Starters out on defense vs PHI, expected −1.4) | 9.9 | 15.7 | +5.9 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Matthew StaffordQB LAR | Boost (Starters out on defense vs ARI, expected −0.6) | 22.3 | 26.7 | +4.3 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | C.J. HamRB MIN | Boost (Starters out on defense vs GB, expected +0.6) | 2.8 | 7.7 | +4.9 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Jacoby BrissettQB ARI | Boost (Starters out on defense vs LAR, expected −0.3) | 13.0 | 15.6 | +2.6 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Johnny MundtTE JAX | Boost (Starters out on defense vs TEN, expected +0.1) | 1.7 | 2.6 | +0.9 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Samaje PerineRB CIN | Boost (Starters out on defense vs CLE, expected +0.1) | 6.7 | 8.2 | +1.5 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Eric SaubertTE SEA | Boost (Starters out on defense vs SF, expected +0.0) | 1.7 | 3.0 | +1.3 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Evan EngramTE DEN | Boost (Starters out on defense vs LAC, expected +0.1) | 6.7 | 7.5 | +0.8 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Andrew BeckRB NYJ | Boost (Starters out on defense vs BUF, expected +0.7) | 1.9 | 7.2 | +5.3 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Devin SingletaryRB NYG | Boost (Starters out on defense vs DAL, expected +0.1) | 7.4 | 10.6 | +3.2 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Ty JohnsonRB BUF | Boost (Starters out on defense vs NYJ, expected +0.1) | 5.8 | 19.6 | +13.8 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Drew SampleTE CIN | Boost (Starters out on defense vs CLE, expected +0.0) | 2.5 | 4.7 | +2.1 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Gunner OlszewskiWR NYG | Boost (Starters out on defense vs DAL, expected +0.4) | 2.3 | 18.2 | +15.9 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Reggie GilliamRB BUF | Boost (Starters out on defense vs NYJ, expected +0.1) | 0.5 | 3.6 | +3.1 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Gabe DavisWR BUF | Boost (Starters out on defense vs NYJ, expected +0.3) | 4.9 | 15.1 | +10.2 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Justin JeffersonWR MIN | Boost (Starters out on defense vs GB, expected +0.1) | 16.3 | 18.4 | +2.1 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Quintin MorrisTE JAX | Boost (Starters out on defense vs TEN, expected +0.1) | 1.3 | 7.5 | +6.2 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | John BatesTE WAS | Boost (Starters out on defense vs PHI, expected +0.2) | 1.8 | 9.3 | +7.5 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Noah GrayTE KC | Boost (Starters out on defense vs LV, expected +0.0) | 3.3 | 6.0 | +2.7 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Jaret PattersonRB LAC | Boost (Starters out on defense vs DEN, expected +0.1) | 3.0 | 6.7 | +3.7 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Rhamondre StevensonRB NE | Boost (Starters out on defense vs MIA, expected +0.1) | 15.1 | 35.3 | +20.2 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Khalil HerbertRB NYJ | Boost (Starters out on defense vs BUF, expected +0.7) | 4.6 | 5.6 | +1.0 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Trevor LawrenceQB JAX | Boost (Starters out on defense vs TEN, expected −0.6) | 21.9 | 23.3 | +1.4 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Tyler BadieRB DEN | Boost (Starters out on defense vs LAC, expected +0.4) | 3.0 | 4.6 | +1.6 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Jalen NailorWR MIN | Boost (Starters out on defense vs GB, expected +0.1) | 6.8 | 7.9 | +1.1 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Alec PierceWR IND | Boost (Starters out on defense vs HOU, expected +0.1) | 8.4 | 29.2 | +20.8 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Daniel BellingerTE NYG | Boost (Starters out on defense vs DAL, expected +0.0) | 7.2 | 11.8 | +4.6 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Cade OttonTE TB | Boost (Starters out on defense vs CAR, expected +0.0) | 6.0 | 22.4 | +16.4 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Kenneth Walker IIIRB SEA | Boost (Starters out on defense vs SF, expected +0.1) | 13.7 | 17.3 | +3.6 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Michael WilsonWR ARI | Boost (Starters out on defense vs LAR, expected +0.1) | 12.3 | 20.9 | +8.6 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Parker WashingtonWR JAX | Boost (Starters out on defense vs TEN, expected +0.1) | 12.2 | 19.7 | +7.5 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Chris Rodriguez Jr.RB WAS | Boost (Starters out on defense vs PHI, expected +0.4) | 5.9 | 15.3 | +9.4 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Jaleel McLaughlinRB DEN | Boost (Starters out on defense vs LAC, expected +0.4) | 5.2 | 6.8 | +1.6 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Ben SimsTE MIN | Boost (Starters out on defense vs GB, expected +0.1) | 1.3 | 2.8 | +1.5 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Brycen TremayneWR CAR | Boost (Starters out on defense vs TB, expected +0.1) | 1.4 | 4.7 | +3.3 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Dalton KincaidTE BUF | Boost (Starters out on defense vs NYJ, expected +0.0) | 6.1 | 7.8 | +1.7 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Brenton StrangeTE JAX | Boost (Starters out on defense vs TEN, expected +0.1) | 9.2 | 17.2 | +8.0 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Josh DownsWR IND | Boost (Starters out on defense vs HOU, expected +0.1) | 7.1 | 9.6 | +2.5 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Bryce YoungQB CAR | Boost (Starters out on defense vs TB, expected −0.3) | 13.9 | 16.5 | +2.6 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Zach CharbonnetRB SEA | Boost (Starters out on defense vs SF, expected +0.1) | 10.2 | 18.7 | +8.6 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Jack WestoverTE NE | Boost (Starters out on defense vs MIA, expected +0.1) | 0.3 | 1.0 | +0.7 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Tyrone Tracy Jr.RB NYG | Boost (Starters out on defense vs DAL, expected +0.1) | 15.4 | 27.9 | +12.5 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Ryan FlournoyWR DAL | Boost (Starters out on defense vs NYG, expected +0.1) | 6.5 | 11.8 | +5.3 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Isaiah WilliamsWR NYJ | Boost (Starters out on defense vs BUF, expected +0.3) | 4.2 | 7.4 | +3.2 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Jalen CokerWR CAR | Boost (Starters out on defense vs TB, expected +0.1) | 8.1 | 16.7 | +8.6 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Brevyn Spann-FordTE DAL | Boost (Starters out on defense vs NYG, expected +0.1) | 1.4 | 5.0 | +3.6 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Ray DavisRB BUF | Boost (Starters out on defense vs NYJ, expected +0.1) | 2.9 | 25.4 | +22.5 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Keon ColemanWR BUF | Boost (Starters out on defense vs NYJ, expected +0.3) | 7.6 | 8.9 | +1.3 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Brashard SmithRB KC | Boost (Starters out on defense vs LV, expected +0.3) | 4.3 | 7.8 | +3.5 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Colston LovelandTE CHI | Boost (Starters out on defense vs DET, expected +0.0) | 10.9 | 25.1 | +14.2 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Dylan SampsonRB CLE | Boost (Starters out on defense vs CIN, expected +0.3) | 5.8 | 6.4 | +0.6 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Keleki LatuTE BUF | Boost (Starters out on defense vs NYJ, expected +0.0) | 0.5 | 6.1 | +5.7 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Brady CookQB NYJ | Boost (Starters out on defense vs BUF, expected −0.8) | 7.4 | 9.1 | +1.7 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Ben YurosekTE MIN | Boost (Starters out on defense vs GB, expected +0.1) | 0.6 | 1.9 | +1.3 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Drake DabneyTE GB | Boost (Starters out on defense vs MIN, expected +0.0) | 0.2 | 1.3 | +1.1 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Jaxson DartQB NYG | Boost (Starters out on defense vs DAL, expected −0.8) | 17.8 | 20.4 | +2.6 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | Bhayshul TutenRB JAX | Boost (Starters out on defense vs TEN, expected +0.1) | 4.9 | 8.3 | +3.4 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W18 | TreVeyon HendersonRB NE | Boost (Starters out on defense vs MIA, expected +0.1) | 13.3 | 17.3 | +4.0 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Kyle JuszczykRB SF | Boost (Starters out on defense vs CHI, expected +0.1) | 3.5 | 9.4 | +5.9 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Stefon DiggsWR NE | Boost (Starters out on defense vs NYJ, expected +0.1) | 20.4 | 22.1 | +1.6 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Tyler LockettWR LV | Boost (Starters out on defense vs NYG, expected +0.1) | 5.9 | 8.9 | +3.0 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Derrick HenryRB BAL | Boost (Starters out on defense vs GB, expected +0.1) | 14.4 | 45.6 | +31.2 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Christian McCaffreyRB SF | Boost (Starters out on defense vs CHI, expected +0.1) | 24.5 | 28.1 | +3.6 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Marquez Valdes-ScantlingWR PIT | Boost (Starters out on defense vs CLE, expected +0.1) | 3.7 | 5.1 | +1.4 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Dallas GoedertTE PHI | Boost (Starters out on defense vs BUF, expected +0.0) | 9.2 | 9.8 | +0.6 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Tanner HudsonTE CIN | Boost (Starters out on defense vs ARI, expected +0.0) | 3.9 | 5.1 | +1.2 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Durham SmytheTE CHI | Boost (Starters out on defense vs SF, expected +0.0) | 0.9 | 2.1 | +1.2 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Dante PettisWR NO | Boost (Starters out on defense vs TEN, expected +0.1) | 2.2 | 6.3 | +4.1 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Devin SingletaryRB NYG | Boost (Starters out on defense vs LV, expected +0.1) | 6.3 | 17.0 | +10.7 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Scott MillerWR PIT | Boost (Starters out on defense vs CLE, expected +0.1) | 1.3 | 5.5 | +4.2 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Lil'Jordan HumphreyWR DEN | Boost (Starters out on defense vs KC, expected +0.1) | 3.8 | 4.3 | +0.6 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Ty JohnsonRB BUF | Boost (Starters out on defense vs PHI, expected +0.1) | 5.4 | 7.8 | +2.4 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Dawson KnoxTE BUF | Boost (Starters out on defense vs PHI, expected +0.0) | 6.5 | 8.0 | +1.5 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Juwan JohnsonTE NO | Boost (Starters out on defense vs TEN, expected +0.1) | 12.7 | 13.5 | +0.8 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | D'Andre SwiftRB CHI | Boost (Starters out on defense vs SF, expected +0.1) | 15.2 | 21.9 | +6.7 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Kene NwangwuRB NYJ | Boost (Starters out on defense vs NE, expected +0.3) | 0.8 | 3.1 | +2.3 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Rhamondre StevensonRB NE | Boost (Starters out on defense vs NYJ, expected +0.1) | 14.9 | 27.2 | +12.3 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Ja'Marr ChaseWR CIN | Boost (Starters out on defense vs ARI, expected +0.1) | 21.0 | 25.0 | +4.0 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Michael BandyWR DEN | Boost (Starters out on defense vs KC, expected +0.1) | 2.0 | 3.4 | +1.4 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Trevor LawrenceQB JAX | Boost (Starters out on defense vs IND, expected −0.6) | 20.0 | 23.1 | +3.1 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Jake TongesTE SF | Boost (Starters out on defense vs CHI, expected +0.0) | 3.3 | 19.0 | +15.7 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Kevin Austin Jr.WR NO | Boost (Starters out on defense vs TEN, expected +0.1) | 3.9 | 15.2 | +11.3 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Chris OlaveWR NO | Boost (Starters out on defense vs TEN, expected +0.1) | 18.5 | 25.9 | +7.4 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Stone SmarttTE NYJ | Boost (Starters out on defense vs NE, expected +0.1) | 2.2 | 3.8 | +1.6 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Malik DavisRB DAL | Boost (Starters out on defense vs WAS, expected +0.1) | 3.7 | 10.3 | +6.6 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Breece HallRB NYJ | Boost (Starters out on defense vs NE, expected +0.3) | 10.9 | 20.9 | +10.0 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Cade OttonTE TB | Boost (Starters out on defense vs MIA, expected +0.0) | 6.2 | 7.3 | +1.1 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Xavier SmithWR LAR | Boost (Starters out on defense vs ATL, expected +0.1) | 4.0 | 10.7 | +6.7 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Keaton MitchellRB BAL | Boost (Starters out on defense vs GB, expected +0.1) | 4.0 | 5.8 | +1.8 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Quentin JohnstonWR LAC | Boost (Starters out on defense vs HOU, expected +0.1) | 9.0 | 14.8 | +5.8 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Josh WhyleTE GB | Boost (Starters out on defense vs BAL, expected +0.0) | 1.3 | 1.8 | +0.5 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Parker WashingtonWR JAX | Boost (Starters out on defense vs IND, expected +0.3) | 10.7 | 19.0 | +8.3 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Andrei IosivasWR CIN | Boost (Starters out on defense vs ARI, expected +0.1) | 6.2 | 8.1 | +1.9 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Hunter LuepkeRB DAL | Boost (Starters out on defense vs WAS, expected +0.1) | 2.3 | 5.4 | +3.1 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Shedrick JacksonWR LV | Boost (Starters out on defense vs NYG, expected +0.1) | 1.3 | 4.0 | +2.7 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Jordan AddisonWR MIN | Boost (Starters out on defense vs DET, expected +0.3) | 11.2 | 12.5 | +1.3 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Michael MayerTE LV | Boost (Starters out on defense vs NYG, expected +0.0) | 4.3 | 17.9 | +13.7 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Zach CharbonnetRB SEA | Boost (Starters out on defense vs CAR, expected +0.4) | 9.2 | 26.2 | +17.0 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | Brenden BatesTE CLE | Boost (Starters out on defense vs PIT, expected +0.0) | 0.9 | 2.9 | +2.0 | ✅ | Backtest · |
| 2025 W17 | AJ BarnerTE SEA | Boost (Starters out on defense vs CAR, expected +0.1) | 8.6 | 13.3 | +4.8 | ✅ | Backtest · |
Page 1 of 7 · 681 callsOlder
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