Who Should I Start? A.J. Brown or Luther Burden III


Week 7 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
15.0 0.1 0.0 4.9 74.2 0.5

A.J. Brown News

A.J. Brown has Another Dud in Thursday's Loss in Chicago

Thursday, October 22, 7:44 PM

New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown was looking for a bounce-back game on Thursday night on the road against the Chicago Bears, but it did not come. Brown came off Injured Reserve last weekend for Sunday's 26-19 victory over the division-rival New York Jets, but he battled drops and finished with only three catches on 10 targets for 27 yards. The 29-year-old three-time Pro Bowler was held in check again in Thursday's loss to the Bears, as he caught only three of his six targets on the night for 48 yards and no touchdowns. Brown's 48 receiving yards were fourth on the team, and his six targets were only one fewer than tight end Hunter Henry. He has not looked all that comfortable in two games since returning from a high-ankle sprain that he suffered in the Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. With more time to rest before the team's Week 8 game on the road against the division-rival Miami Dolphins, fantasy managers will be hoping that Brown can finally make some noise in 2026. He has been one of the biggest fantasy busts at the receiver position through the first seven games of the year.


Week 7 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
13.0 3.5 0.0 4.9 59.8 0.3

Luther Burden III News

Luther Burden III Goes Over Century Mark, Scores in Thursday's Win

Thursday, October 22, 7:38 PM

Chicago Bears second-year wide receiver Luther Burden III looked like the second-year breakout player that many fantasy managers envisioned coming into this season in the team's 30-24 victory on Thursday night over the visiting New England Patriots. Burden had a strong connection with quarterback Caleb Williams and caught all four of his targets for a season-high 130 yards and his second touchdown of the 2026 season. His four targets were tied with running back D'Andre Swift for third on the team behind tight end Colston Loveland's 12 and Rome Odunze's five, but he struck for chunk gains and averaged a strong 32.5 yards per reception on the night. Burden also carried the ball once for a gain of seven yards on the ground. It is a second straight strong game for the 22-year-old wideout after he caught all eight of his targets for 95 yards in last week's win over the Atlanta Falcons. The former second-rounder from Missouri is one of Williams' favorite targets and should be considered a must-start after a slow start going into the Monday night matchup in Week 8 on the road against the Seattle Seahawks.


A.J. Brown vs. Luther Burden III

Still trying to decide between Brown and Burden III? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that A.J. Brown is projected to score 15.0 points this week while Luther Burden III is projected to score 13.0 points.