A.J. Brown or Ladd McConkey: Who Should You Start?
2026 Week 1 · deterministic head-to-head · Verdicts based on PPR scoring.
Too close to call — the edges cancel out.
A.J. Brown and Ladd McConkey grade out even this week. Brown's best edge is the consensus rank (WR14 to WR17), McConkey's best edge is the game script (28.5 implied points to 20.5) — and they cancel out. Start whichever player's game you trust more this week.
A.J. Brown
9.011.714.3 Projected Points
Ladd McConkey
9.211.513.8 Projected Points
Why A.J. Brown
StartWR1 and alpha outside target. Physical, contested-catch dominant with elite play strength after the catch.
Start — every-week WR start at consensus WR14: SEA is the 9th-toughest matchup vs WRs, 30% target share in 2025.
- SEA ranks 9 of 32 against WRs (one of the tougher matchups, 0-game sample).
- Vegas implies 20.5 team points as 3.5-point underdogs.
- Listed WR on the latest depth chart with a 91% snap share in 2025.
Latest on Brown
Henderson did not practice on Saturday, raising some questions about New England's lack of proven depth at running back.
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts confirmed former teammate A.J. Brown's comments that the two had grown apart last season in QB's interview with GQ magazine.
Catch up on our daily updates from Patriots training camp, including intel on QBs, position battles and potential breakouts.
Reported by the sources listed — not independently verified.
Why Ladd McConkey
StartWR1 and primary target. Elite separator from the slot or outside with precise route running.
Start — every-week WR start at consensus WR17: 28.5 implied team total, 21% target share in 2025.
- ARI ranks 15 of 32 against WRs (a middle-of-the-road matchup, 0-game sample).
- Vegas implies 28.5 team points as 11.5-point favorites.
- Listed WR on the latest depth chart with a 78% snap share in 2025.
Latest on McConkey
Ladd McConkey was named one of the Chargers' 10 season-long team captains for 2026.
Why Ladd McConkey is 'Grateful' to Be Named Chargers Captain For 1st Timechargers.com · Sep 2, 2026Reported by the sources listed — not independently verified.
Head-to-head stats
| Metric | A.J. Brown | Ladd McConkey |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 9.011.714.3 | 9.211.513.8 |
| Consensus rank | WR14 | WR17 |
| Opponent vs position | SEA · 9 of 320-game sample | ARI · 15 of 320-game sample |
| Receptions | 8 of 32 | 18 of 32 |
| Receiving Yards | 2 of 32 | 17 of 32 |
| Receiving TDs | 9 of 32 | 11 of 32 |
| Targets | 19 of 32 | 14 of 32 |
| Anytime TD | 9 of 32 | 13 of 32 |
| Target share | 30%(2025) | 21%(2025) |
| Reception share | 28%(2025) | 19%(2025) |
| Implied total · spread | 20.5+3.5 | 28.5-11.5 |
| Depth chart | WR1 | WR1 |
| Snap share | 91%(2025) | 78%(2025) |
Signal breakdown
- 14.3 vs 13.8 projected PPR pointsA.J. Brown +
- Rank 14 vs 17A.J. Brown +
- Opponent DvP rank 9 vs 15 (32 = softest)even
- Implied 20.5 vs 28.5 team pointsLadd McConkey +
- No injury designationseven
- 91% vs 78% snap shareA.J. Brown +
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