A.J. Brown vs DeVonta Smith
Who should you start in Week 4? This week's matchups and projections.
Who to start in Week 4
Start A.J. Brown this week: a clear but modest edge of 1.0 projected points (14.7 vs 13.7).
A.J. Brown faces BUF, the 15th-friendliest matchup a WR can draw this week. DeVonta Smith faces LA, the 23rd-friendliest matchup a WR can draw this week.
This-week points are each player's projected per-game scoring rate adjusted for the matchup.
The season-long call
This one is a coin flip. The model leans A.J. Brown by 4.6 points of value over replacement (72.7 vs 68.1), close enough that your roster build should break the tie.
The draft market agrees: A.J. Brown goes first at ADP 16.6 vs 29.1 for DeVonta Smith.
Health note: A.J. Brown carries an injury flag of IR (Ankle), which is already reflected in his projection.
Health note: DeVonta Smith carries an injury flag of Out (Hamstring), which is already reflected in his projection.
| A.J. BrownNWE | DeVonta SmithPHI | Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 4 opponent | BUF | LA | |
| Projected Week 4 points | 14.7 | 13.7 | Brown +1.0 pts |
| Matchup rank (WR vs defense, of 32) | #15 | #23 | |
| Projected 2026 points (PPR) | 251.1 | 246.5 | Brown +4.6 pts |
| Points per game | 14.8 | 14.5 | |
| Value over replacement (VBD) | 72.7 | 68.1 | Brown +4.6 |
| Overall rank | #22 | #25 | Brown by 3 |
| Position rank | WR6 | WR8 | |
| Market ADP | 16.6 | 29.1 | Smith +12.5 cheaper |
| Typical round (12-team) | Rd 2 | Rd 3 | |
| Bye week | 11 | 10 | |
| Injury flag | IR | Out |
Should I start A.J. Brown or DeVonta Smith in Week 4?
Start A.J. Brown this week: a clear but modest edge of 1.0 projected points (14.7 vs 13.7).
Should I draft A.J. Brown or DeVonta Smith in 2026 fantasy football?
A.J. Brown. He projects 251.1 fantasy points with 72.7 value over replacement, vs 246.5 points and 68.1 for DeVonta Smith (WR, PPR). It's close enough to let roster needs decide.