Who Should I Start? A.J. Brown or George Pickens

Sunday, January 11, 3:55 PM

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown got off to a slow start to the 2025 season, recording just one game with double-digit PPR fantasy points through Week 5. However, the 28-year-old closed the season looking like his old self. From Week 12 onwards, Brown hauled in 40 receptions for 546 yards and four touchdowns on 56 targets across six games played. In the Wild Card round, Philadelphia is set to host the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers' defense struggled to defend the pass for much of the regular season, finishing the year ranked 23rd among NFL defenses in total passing yards allowed (4,110) and tied for 21st in passing touchdowns allowed (29). San Francisco also recorded the fewest sacks (20) of any team in the NFL, so Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts should have time to target Brown down the field. Between the matchup and his strong finish to the regular season, Brown profiles as a high-end wide receiver option for fantasy managers in the Wild Card round.

Thursday, December 25, 12:50 AM

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens rebounded last week against the Chargers after a two-game lull entering Week 16. Pickens racked up seven catches for 130 yards and a touchdown on nine targets in Week 16, marking his fifth game with at least 130 receiving yards, tied with Puka Nacua for the most in the league. It's been a tremendous first season in Dallas for the former Pittsburgh Steeler, ranking as the WR4 in PPR points. He gets another opportunity to add to his career highs in various receiving stats on Christmas Day against a porous Washington Commanders defense that has allowed the sixth most PPR points per game to wide receivers. Pickens should be fired up again as a borderline WR1 in Week 17.