Terry McLaurin 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 Terry McLaurin by 0.1 projected points (10.0 vs 9.9), close enough that either call is defensible.
Terry McLaurin faces NYG, the 15th-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
The model takes Terry McLaurin: a clear but modest edge of 8.3 points of value over replacement (-11.7 vs -20.0).
The draft market agrees: Terry McLaurin goes first at ADP 48.1 vs 76.6 for Michael Pittman Jr..
Health note: Terry McLaurin carries an injury flag of Questionable (Hamstring), which is already reflected in his projection.
| Terry McLaurinWAS | Michael Pittman Jr.PIT | Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 5 opponent | NYG | IND | |
| Projected Week 5 points | 10.0 | 9.9 | McLaurin +0.1 pts |
| Matchup rank (WR vs defense, of 30) | #15 | #7 | |
| Projected 2026 points (PPR) | 166.3 | 158.0 | McLaurin +8.3 pts |
| Points per game | 9.8 | 9.3 | |
| Value over replacement (VBD) | -11.7 | -20.0 | McLaurin +8.3 |
| Overall rank | #89 | #96 | McLaurin by 7 |
| Position rank | WR36 | WR39 | |
| Market ADP | 48.1 | 76.6 | Jr. +28.5 cheaper |
| Typical round (12-team) | Rd 4 | Rd 7 | |
| Bye week | 7 | 9 | |
| Injury flag | Questionable | None |
Should I start Terry McLaurin or Michael Pittman Jr. in Week 5?
This week is a coin flip. The model leans Terry McLaurin by 0.1 projected points (10.0 vs 9.9), close enough that either call is defensible.
Should I draft Terry McLaurin or Michael Pittman Jr. in 2026 fantasy football?
Terry McLaurin. He projects 166.3 fantasy points with -11.7 value over replacement, vs 158.0 points and -20.0 for Michael Pittman Jr. (WR, PPR).