Who Should I Start? Michael Pittman Jr. or Ja'Marr Chase


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.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
20.0 1.1 0.0 7.2 88.2 0.7

Ja'Marr Chase News

Ja'Marr Chase Catches One Pass In Preseason Win

Friday, August 14, 8:11 PM

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase caught his only target on a crossing route for 16 yards in the 16-14 win against the Detroit Lions in the team's preseason opener on Friday night. Chase saw a huge dip in production last season with fewer than 1,500 yards and 10 touchdowns, but he should easily surpass those numbers with his quarterback Joe Burrow back throwing the rock. Chase had a historic season the last time the duo was healthy, racking up over 1,700 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns in 2024. The 26-year-old has let it be known that his personal goal for the season is to score 23 touchdowns, so fantasy managers could be in for another monster season as the star receiver is firmly in his prime. Chase may get more reps next week against the Chicago Bears, but he certainly does not need them to be a dominant fantasy star. Chase should be viewed as one of the best options to finish as the overall WR1 this season.


Michael Pittman Jr. vs. Ja'Marr Chase

Still trying to decide between Pittman Jr. and Chase? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Michael Pittman Jr. is projected to score 10.7 points this week while Ja'Marr Chase is projected to score 20.0 points.