Alec Pierce vs Michael Pittman Jr.
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 Alec Pierce by 0.4 projected points (10.3 vs 9.9), close enough that either call is defensible.
Alec Pierce faces PIT, the 6th-friendliest matchup a WR can draw this week. Michael Pittman Jr. faces IND, the 7th-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 Alec Pierce by 4.7 points of value over replacement (-15.7 vs -20.4), close enough that your roster build should break the tie.
The draft market agrees: Alec Pierce goes first at ADP 69.7 vs 76.6 for Michael Pittman Jr..
Health note: Alec Pierce carries an injury flag of IR (Heel), which is already reflected in his projection.
| Alec PierceIND | Michael Pittman Jr.PIT | Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 5 opponent | PIT | IND | |
| Projected Week 5 points | 10.3 | 9.9 | Pierce +0.4 pts |
| Matchup rank (WR vs defense, of 30) | #6 | #7 | |
| Projected 2026 points (PPR) | 162.7 | 158.0 | Pierce +4.7 pts |
| Points per game | 9.6 | 9.3 | |
| Value over replacement (VBD) | -15.7 | -20.4 | Pierce +4.7 |
| Overall rank | #93 | #96 | Pierce by 3 |
| Position rank | WR38 | WR39 | |
| Market ADP | 69.7 | 76.6 | Jr. +6.9 cheaper |
| Typical round (12-team) | Rd 6 | Rd 7 | |
| Bye week | 13 | 9 | |
| Injury flag | IR | None |
Should I start Alec Pierce or Michael Pittman Jr. in Week 5?
This week is a coin flip. The model leans Alec Pierce by 0.4 projected points (10.3 vs 9.9), close enough that either call is defensible.
Should I draft Alec Pierce or Michael Pittman Jr. in 2026 fantasy football?
Alec Pierce. He projects 162.7 fantasy points with -15.7 value over replacement, vs 158.0 points and -20.4 for Michael Pittman Jr. (WR, PPR). It's close enough to let roster needs decide.