Luther Burden vs Alec Pierce
Who should you start in Week 5? This week's matchups and projections.
Who to start in Week 5
This week is a coin flip. The model leans Luther Burden by 0.1 projected points (10.4 vs 10.3), close enough that either call is defensible.
Luther Burden faces GB, the 5th-friendliest matchup a WR can draw this week. Alec Pierce faces PIT, the 6th-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 Luther Burden by 1.5 points of value over replacement (-14.2 vs -15.7), close enough that your roster build should break the tie.
The draft market agrees: Luther Burden goes first at ADP 50.6 vs 69.7 for Alec Pierce.
Health note: Alec Pierce carries an injury flag of IR (Heel), which is already reflected in his projection.
| Luther BurdenCHI | Alec PierceIND | Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 5 opponent | GB | PIT | |
| Projected Week 5 points | 10.4 | 10.3 | Burden +0.1 pts |
| Matchup rank (WR vs defense, of 30) | #5 | #6 | |
| Projected 2026 points (PPR) | 164.2 | 162.7 | Burden +1.5 pts |
| Points per game | 9.7 | 9.6 | |
| Value over replacement (VBD) | -14.2 | -15.7 | Burden +1.5 |
| Overall rank | #91 | #93 | Burden by 2 |
| Position rank | WR37 | WR38 | |
| Market ADP | 50.6 | 69.7 | Pierce +19.1 cheaper |
| Typical round (12-team) | Rd 5 | Rd 6 | |
| Bye week | 10 | 13 | |
| Injury flag | None | IR |
Should I start Luther Burden or Alec Pierce in Week 5?
This week is a coin flip. The model leans Luther Burden by 0.1 projected points (10.4 vs 10.3), close enough that either call is defensible.
Should I draft Luther Burden or Alec Pierce in 2026 fantasy football?
Luther Burden. He projects 164.2 fantasy points with -14.2 value over replacement, vs 162.7 points and -15.7 for Alec Pierce (WR, PPR). It's close enough to let roster needs decide.