Who Should I Start? A.J. Brown or Michael Pittman Jr.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
14.8 0.1 0.0 4.9 70.0 0.5

A.J. Brown News

A.J. Brown Has Been "Nearly Unstoppable" at Patriots Practice

Sunday, August 16, 5:12 AM

The New England Patriots sent a first and fifth-round pick to acquire three-time Pro Bowler A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles in early May, and as he continues to acclimate to his new surroundings, he has gotten better and better throughout the summer, impressing team reporter Paul Perillo with the suddenness of his routes. During Saturday's practice, he separated quickly during goal-line work for what looked to be an easy score, and Perillo noted that he has "been nearly unstoppable running slants from various positions on the field." With free agent acquisition Romeo Doubs also coming on of late, expectations continue to rise for the Patriots' passing offense, but as the regular season edges closer, there's been little doubt about who Drake Maye's go-to receiver will be in 2026, and Brown is RotoBaller's WR9.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
10.7 0.2 0.0 4.3 46.9 0.3

Michael Pittman Jr. News

Michael Pittman Jr. to Sit Out of Preseason Opener on Thursday

Thursday, August 13, 3:04 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (leg) is in street clothes and will not play in Thursday night's preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers, according to Brian Batko of Steelers.com. Pittman has missed some practice time this week in training camp with what appears to be a minor leg injury. Both he and DK Metcalf (undisclosed) are being held out of the first preseason game, although they could be back for next week's preseason tilt against the New York Jets on Friday, Aug. 21. The 28-year-old former second-rounder by the Indianapolis Colts in 2020 from USC had only 784 receiving yards on 80 receptions in 2025, but he did manage to find the end zone a career-high seven times in 17 games played in his final year in Indy. Although Pittman has a limited fantasy ceiling, he could rebound with his move to Pittsburgh if he's peppered with short targets from veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Target him as a WR4/flex at a value in PPR fantasy drafts.


A.J. Brown vs. Michael Pittman Jr.

Still trying to decide between Brown and Pittman Jr.? 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 14.8 points this week while Michael Pittman Jr. is projected to score 10.7 points.