Who Should I Start? A.J. Brown or Puka Nacua


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
14.7 0.0 0.0 5.0 70.9 0.4

A.J. Brown News

A.J. Brown Not Suiting Up Thursday Against the Browns

Thursday, August 27, 5:25 PM

According to Evan Lazar, senior reporter for the Patriots, star wide receiver A.J. Brown will not be playing Thursday night in the Patriots' final preseason game against the Cleveland Browns. Brown is one of 37 Patriots not in uniform tonight, which indicates the team will be resting a majority of its key starters. Brown did not record any preseason stats in any of the three Patriots preseason games, but reports from camp have suggested good chemistry with third-year quarterback Drake Maye. Brown enters his eighth NFL season at 29 years old and his first season with the Patriots, where he should be the clear alpha in the wide receiver room. Brown has recorded north of 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first seven seasons and has scored seven-plus touchdowns in seven of his eight seasons. He projects to be a WR1 for fantasy managers and is one of the trendiest names in fantasy football entering the 2026 season.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
20.2 3.9 0.0 7.3 94.8 0.5

Puka Nacua News

Puka Nacua Remains Under NFL Review Ahead of Week 1

Tuesday, September 1, 11:14 AM

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua remains under NFL review as Week 1 approaches, and another off-field story surfaced Tuesday. According to the New York Post, Nacua's former girlfriend Hallie Aiono discussed experiencing betrayal, abuse and neglect during a past relationship while explaining why she is seeking professional help. She did not describe a specific incident or explicitly accuse Nacua of committing abuse in the video. Separately, Nacua is facing a civil lawsuit from Madison Atiabi, who alleges he bit her shoulder during a New Year's Eve gathering. Nacua's attorney has disputed allegations in the suit and characterized the biting as consensual horseplay. The NFL has not announced a suspension, and Nacua was not placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List over the weekend, though his situation remains under league review. He caught 129 passes for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns in 16 games last season. Until the league makes a decision, his availability for the Rams' Sept. 10 opener against San Francisco remains something fantasy managers need to watch.


A.J. Brown vs. Puka Nacua

Still trying to decide between Brown and Nacua? 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 14.7 points this week while Puka Nacua is projected to score 20.2 points.