Who Should I Start? A.J. Brown or Justin Jefferson

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.

Friday, January 2, 10:12 AM

Through 16 games, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson has had the least productive season of his career. The 26-year-old has recorded 76 receptions for 947 yards and two touchdowns on 130 targets. Inconsistent quarterback play in Minnesota has been the biggest problem for Jefferson in 2025. The Vikings may get QB1 J.J. McCarthy (hand) back from the hand injury that sidelined him in Week 17 for their Week 18 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. However, Jefferson has recorded just 19 catches for 227 yards and zero touchdowns across McCarthy's last five starts. While Jefferson remains one of the most talented pass-catchers in the NFL, the offensive environment around him in Minnesota this season makes it difficult to trust him for consistent production. Jefferson profiles as a WR3/flex option for fantasy managers in Week 18.