A.J. Brown vs George Pickens
Who should you start in Week 5? This week's matchups and projections.
Who to start in Week 5
Start A.J. Brown this week, and it isn't close: 3.2 projected points separate them (15.6 vs 12.4).
A.J. Brown faces LV, the 8th-friendliest matchup a WR can draw this week. George Pickens faces TB, the 30th-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
The model takes A.J. Brown: a clear but modest edge of 8.6 points of value over replacement (72.7 vs 64.0).
The draft market agrees: A.J. Brown goes first at ADP 16.6 vs 20.6 for George Pickens.
Health note: A.J. Brown carries an injury flag of IR (Ankle), which is already reflected in his projection.
| A.J. BrownNWE | George PickensDAL | Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 5 opponent | LV | TB | |
| Projected Week 5 points | 15.6 | 12.4 | Brown +3.2 pts |
| Matchup rank (WR vs defense, of 30) | #8 | #30 | |
| Projected 2026 points (PPR) | 251.1 | 242.5 | Brown +8.6 pts |
| Points per game | 14.8 | 14.3 | |
| Value over replacement (VBD) | 72.7 | 64.0 | Brown +8.6 |
| Overall rank | #22 | #26 | Brown by 4 |
| Position rank | WR5 | WR8 | |
| Market ADP | 16.6 | 20.6 | Pickens +4.0 cheaper |
| Typical round (12-team) | Rd 2 | Rd 2 | |
| Bye week | 11 | 14 | |
| Injury flag | IR | None |
Should I start A.J. Brown or George Pickens in Week 5?
Start A.J. Brown this week, and it isn't close: 3.2 projected points separate them (15.6 vs 12.4).
Should I draft A.J. Brown or George Pickens in 2026 fantasy football?
A.J. Brown. He projects 251.1 fantasy points with 72.7 value over replacement, vs 242.5 points and 64.0 for George Pickens (WR, PPR).