Who Should I Start? A.J. Brown or Terry McLaurin


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 to be a Game-Changer for Patriots Offense?

Tuesday, July 14, 11:33 AM

The New England Patriots traded for Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Brown because of his ability to change the narrative of the game and dictate the defense's coverage. Veteran Patriots safety Kevin Byard attested to Brown's ability to shape what a defense does on SiriusXM NFL Radio on Tuesday. Byard called Brown a "phenomenal athlete, phenomenal talent." The presence of the 29-year-old should give young quarterback Drake Maye better matchups across the board, even if Brown is covered deep down the field. "I mean, that's what A.J. does best. He's gonna run those slants, those quick dig routes, those go balls. I don't think anybody in the league is better than him when it comes to those routes and being able to break a tackle and take it the distance," Byard said. The one-two punch of Brown and Romeo Doubs will give New England a much more formidable air attack in Maye's third season. Brown had his sixth 1,000-yard season in 2025 in his final year with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2025, but he averaged a career-low 12.9 yards per catch. A move to the Pats with a QB like Maye who excels on deep passes should make Brown more interesting as a low-end WR1 in fantasy football in his eighth year in the NFL.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
12.6 0.1 0.0 4.3 58.6 0.4

Terry McLaurin News

Can Terry McLaurin Return to WR1 Territory in 2026?

Friday, July 3, 10:14 AM

Following a lengthy contract dispute that carried well into August, Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin was unable to simply flip the switch for the start of the 2025 season, spending the first few weeks reacclimating to the speed of the game after sitting out for much of training camp before suffering a significant quadriceps injury in Week 3 and missing seven of the team's next eight games. With his own injury aligning unfortunately against those of second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels, the two played only two complete games together and were unable to build on the immediate connection they made in 2024. While a repeat of his career-best 13-touchdown performance was always viewed as an unlikely outcome, and McLaurin was already pegged as a regression candidate heading into the year, the Commanders' disastrous 2025 season has potentially swung the pendulum too far in the other direction, making him one of 2026's best potential values. An emphasis on an under-center passing game in new offensive coordinator David Blough's first season at the controls should lead to more explosive play opportunities, and with McLaurin still standing head and shoulders above a receiver room whose secondary option could be third-round rookie Antonio Williams, he figures to be the primary benefactor. Only one injury-riddled season removed from his WR6 finish of 2024, McLaurin is currently being drafted as the WR23, making him one of the higher-upside picks outside the opening rounds of 2026 drafts.


A.J. Brown vs. Terry McLaurin

Still trying to decide between Brown and McLaurin? 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 Terry McLaurin is projected to score 12.6 points.