NFL
PIT
NO
16
10
FINALFINAL
NE
CHI
24
30
FINALFINAL
SF
ATL
20
29
FINALFINAL
CIN
BAL
35
13
FINALFINAL
TB
CAR
43
13
FINALFINAL
NYG
HOU
27
21
FINALFINAL
IND
MIN
10
16
FINALFINAL
MIA
NYJ
28
25
FINALFINAL
CLE
TEN
27
24
FINALFINAL
DEN
ARI
30
16
FINALFINAL
GB
DET
17
20
FINALFINAL
LAR
LV
35
21
FINALFINAL
KC
SEA
3
20
FINALFINAL
DAL
PHI
38
21
FINALFINAL

A.J. Brown or Dylan Sampson

Who Should I Start? - Week 8 • Start New
A.J. Brown

A.J. Brown

WR • New England Patriots NE
Dylan Sampson

Dylan Sampson

RB • Cleveland Browns CLE
OR
EXPERT ANALYSIS

Owners starting Brown over Sampson

 
 
 
 
START BOTH START BENCH BOTH BN

Brown ... 47.06%

BOTH ... 23.53%

PROJECTION
FPTS: 14.9
REC REC YD REC TD FPTS
4.8 71.5 0.5 14.9
No projection for today.
Not available.
Learn More
Outlook A.J. Brown

A.J. Brown at Chicago — Primed for Heavy Target Share in Projected Shootout

Brown enters Thursday night with no injury designation after logging a full practice, officially putting his ankle troubles behind him. While his Week 6 return was marred by drops (three catches on 10 targets), he immediately logged an 82% snap share. With Romeo Doubs placed on injured reserve, Brown is the primary focal point of New England's passing attack.

In a matchup boasting shootout potential, our projections peg Brown for roughly 4.4 receptions, 64 yards, and 13.5 fantasy points. His start rate has surged back to 76%, and fantasy managers should feel confident slotting him into their lineups across all formats as a high-upside WR2.

FantasySP AI Analysis Updated 4 days ago
Latest News A.J. Brown
Loading...
EXPERT ANALYSIS

Owners starting Sampson over Brown

 
 
 
 
START BOTH START BENCH BOTH BN

Sampson ... 0%

BOTH ... 23.53%

PROJECTION
FPTS: 6.1
RUSH ATT RUSH YD RUSH TD REC REC YD REC TD FPTS
4.2 17.2 0.1 1.9 14.2 0.1 6.1
No projection for today.
Not available.
Learn More
Outlook Dylan Sampson

Dylan Sampson Activated from IR Ahead of Road Matchup Against Titans

Dylan Sampson was officially activated from injured reserve on Saturday and carries no injury designation into Sunday's matchup with Tennessee. After missing over a month with a knee injury suffered in the season opener, he slots back in as the complementary option behind Quinshon Judkins.

Expect Cleveland to ease him back into action in a low-scoring game environment. Our projections forecast roughly 4 carries, 2 receptions, and 28 total yards (5.6 fantasy points). Roster him as a stash candidate, but keep him safely on fantasy benches until his workload expands.

FantasySP AI Analysis Updated 1 day ago
Latest News Dylan Sampson
Loading...
Next Up ❱ Performance Comparison
Performance A.J. Brown
Fantasy Chart Loading...

REC YDS AVG LONG TD
34816.0180
Season stats based on the past 7 days

REC YDS AVG LONG TD
67512.5180
Season stats based on the past 14 days
Performance Dylan Sampson
Fantasy Chart Loading...

ATT YDS AVG TD REC YDS TD
6457.503320
Season stats based on the past 7 days

ATT YDS AVG TD REC YDS TD
6457.503320
Season stats based on the past 14 days
Next Up ❱ Redzone Touches
Redzone Touches A.J. Brown
REDZONE
WK OPP ATT TAR REC
1 @SEA 🔓 🔓 🔓
6 PIT 🔓 🔓 🔓
7 @JAC 🔓 🔓 🔓

Redzone data is for premium members only.

Redzone Touches Dylan Sampson
REDZONE
WK OPP ATT TAR REC
1 @JAC 🔓 🔓 🔓
7 @TB 🔓 🔓 🔓

Redzone data is for premium members only.

Next Up ❱ Own/Start Comparison
OWN/START A.J. Brown
OWN
100%
No change since last week.
START
86%
+23.36 compared to last week
OWN/START Dylan Sampson
OWN
15%
+1.64 compared to last week
START
 
1%
+0.76 compared to last week
Next Up ❱ Consensus Rankings
Expert Consensus A.J. Brown
18th
Average Ranking of Fantasy Experts
Expert Consensus Dylan Sampson
44th
Average Ranking of Fantasy Experts
Next Up ❱ Player Breakdowns
Breakdown A.J. Brown

    Overview

  • Experts rank this player at 19th among WR's. Based on his stats from the past 30 days, he is currently ranked 109th with 10.10 total points (3.37 avg).
  • Currently 128.06 points behind the leader: Jaxon Smith-Njigba
  • He is doing dreadful lately. If he is star player then he should rebound.
  • He has missed playing in at least 2 games but is not listed on the injury report as of today. Check out his player news to see if he has any nagging injuries.
  • Average points in the past two weeks have remained fairly consistant and rose slightly by 0.4 PPG.

    • Receiving Stats

  • Top 100 in receptions, though that isn't saying much, and is currently ranked 84th among WR.
  • Top 100 in targets, though that isn't saying much, and is currently ranked 76th among WR.

    • Rushing Stats

  • Top 20 in rush tds with 0 (0.00 per game) and is currently ranked 19th among WR.

    • Bonus Qualities

  • Played in 4 less games this year than last year.
  • At this point in the season his numbers compared to last years: Receptions: -20, Rec Yards: -294 Rec TDs: -3,
  • You do realize that this guy has no receiving touchdowns right?

    • Season Outlook

  • REC: 73, REC YDS: 900, REC TDS: 8
Breakdown Dylan Sampson

    Overview

  • Just about every team utilizies the dreaded 'running backs by comittee' policy. Two solid #1 starters are hard to find.
  • Experts rank this player at 41st among RB's. Based on his stats from the past 30 days, he is currently ranked 84th with 7.70 total points (3.85 avg).
  • Currently 131.3 points behind the leader: Jahmyr Gibbs
  • He is in a heck of a slump. If he is star player then he should rebound.
  • He has missed playing in at least 2 games but is not listed on the injury report as of today. Check out his player news to see if he has any nagging injuries.
  • Average points in the past two weeks have increased by 3.9 PPG. If you don't have the confidence he can keep it up, then trade him for a sure thing.

    • Receiving Stats

  • Top 100 in receptions, though that isn't saying much, and is currently ranked 80th among RB.
  • Top 100 in targets, though that isn't saying much, and is currently ranked 84th among RB.
  • Top 35 in Rec TDs with 0 and is currently ranked 33rd among RB.
  • Ranked 134th in targets and is currently among RB.

    • Rushing Stats

  • Top 100 in rush yards with 45 (22.50 per game), though that isn't saying much, and is currently ranked 76th among RB.
  • He is top 100 in rush tds with 0 (0.00 per game), though that isn't saying much, and is currently ranked 100th among RB.

    • Bonus Qualities

  • Played in 5 less games this year than last year.
  • At this point in the season his numbers compared to last years: Rush Yards: -6, Rush AVG: +5.5 Rush TDs: EVEN, Receptions: -12, Rec Yards: -72 Rec TDs: -1,
  • He is not getting enough touches to make a significant impact on the ground
  • You do realize that this guy has no rushing touchdowns right?

    • Season Outlook

  • RUSH ATT: 100, RUSH YDS: 425, RUSH TDS: 4, REC: 25, REC YDS: 175, REC TDS: 2
Next Up ❱ Health Check
Injury A.J. Brown

No Injury Reported

Injury Dylan Sampson

No Injury Reported

Next Up ❱ Matchup Comparison
Matchups A.J. Brown

Week 8
New England Patriots @ Miami Dolphins

PA/G YDS/G TO INT SACK TDs FSP
26.17346.3354602.63
Compare to same point last season

Overview

  • Experts don"t even rank him among DST's. Either he is on a bye week or is just plain bad. Based on his stats from the past 30 days, he is currently ranked 32nd with 12.00 total points (2.00 avg).
  • Currently 57 points behind the leader: Vikings DST
  • Average points in the past two weeks have remained fairly consistant and rose slightly by 0.5 PPG.

Defensive Stats

  • Ranked 13th in rush defense with 661 (110.17 per game).
  • Top 8 in pass defense with 1417 (236.17 per game) and is currently ranked 8th among DST.
  • Top 18 in points against with 26.17 per game and currently ranked 18th among DST.
  • Currently ranked 15th in Total TDs with 0 (0.00 per game) among DST.

Bonus Qualities

  • At this point in the season his numbers compared to last years: Total Yards Against: -29.96, Turnovers: -1 Sacks: -8, INTs: +3, TDs: -1, Points Allowed: -3.12,

Season Outlook

  • SACK: 43, INT: 10, TDS: 4, PA/G: 26.5, YDS/G: 370.6
Matchups Dylan Sampson

Week 8
Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers

PA/G YDS/G TO INT SACK TDs FSP
19.71321.001171815.07
Compare to same point last season

Overview

  • Experts rank this player at 7th among DST's. Based on his stats from the past 30 days, he is currently ranked 4th with 56.00 total points (8.00 avg).
  • Currently 13 points behind the leader: Vikings DST
  • He is putting up slightly better numbers than the experts expected him to.
  • Slight decline in numbers lately at 1.7 PPG.

Defensive Stats

  • Top 8 in total yards against with 321.00 per game and is currently ranked 7th among DST.
  • Top 6 in turnovers with 11 (1.57 per game) and is currently ranked 6th among DST.
  • Top 12 in rush defense with 637 (91.00 per game) and is currently ranked 12th among DST.
  • Ranked 18th in pass defense with 1610 (230.00 per game).
  • Top 10 in sacks with 18 (2.57 per game) and currently ranked 9th among DST.
  • Top 6 in interceptions with 7 (1.00 per game) and currently ranked 5th among DST.
  • Top 8 in points against with 19.71 per game and currently ranked 7th among DST.
  • Top 6 in Total TDs with 1 (0.14 per game) and currently ranked 6th among DST.

Bonus Qualities

  • At this point in the season his numbers compared to last years: Total Yards Against: +22.37, Turnovers: +1 Sacks: -6, INTs: +2, TDs: +1, Points Allowed: -4.79,

Season Outlook

  • SACK: 44, INT: 13, TDS: 3, PA/G: 24.2, YDS/G: 379.3
Next Up ❱ Ratings Comparison
Rating A.J. Brown
15.49
FantasySP Player Rating
Rating Dylan Sampson
9.04
FantasySP Player Rating
Next Up ❱ Career Comparison
Career A.J. Brown
RECEIVING RUSH
YEAR TEAM GP TGTS REC YD AVG TD ATT YD AVG TD
2019 TEN 16 84 52 1051 20.2 8 3 60 20 1
2020 TEN 15 116 76 1158 15.2 12 0 0 0 0
2021 TEN 13 105 63 869 13.8 5 2 10 5 0
2022 PHI 16 146 88 1496 17.0 11 0 0 0 0
2023 PHI 16 158 106 1456 13.7 7 0 0 0 0
2024 PHI 13 97 67 1079 16.1 7 0 0 0 0
2025 PHI 16 131 86 1113 12.9 8 0 0 0 0
2026 NE 3 20 9 101 11.2 0 0 0 0 0
ON PACE 7 49 22 245 11.2 0 0 0 0 0
3-YEAR AVG 17 136 90 1270 14.1 8 0 0 0 0
Totals 117 901 569 8561 15.0 60 5 70 14 1
Career Dylan Sampson
RUSH RECEIVING
YEAR TEAM GP ATT YD AVG TD TGTS REC YD AVG TD
2025 CLE 16 72 198 2.8 0 43 35 330 9.4 3
2026 CLE 1 6 45 7.5 0 3 3 32 10.7 0
ON PACE 2 15 109 7.5 0 7 7 78 10.7 0
3-YEAR AVG 8 36 99 2.8 0 22 18 165 9.4 2
Totals 17 78 243 3.1 0 46 38 362 9.5 3
New Start Decision
Fantasy Assistant
Think the Start Tool is good? Try this!
  • Optimal Lineups
  • Predictive Analytics Waiver Advice
  • Trade Suggestions & More

TRENDING DECISIONS

Get personalized optimal lineups

RECENT DECISIONS

Always set the best lineup

Latest from FSP

Created with Sketch.
Created with Sketch.
FANTASY ASSISTANT

Waiver Help

Optimal Lineups

Player News

  • Najee Harris RB • NFL

    Mike Tomlin’s Blunt “Steeler Football” Philosophy Resurfaces as Najee Harris Leaves Pittsburgh

    @AlbertBreer

  • Arvell Reese LB • NYG NFL

    Arvell Reese and Gabe Jacas Keep Appearing on PFF’s Rankings

    @PFF

  • Landon Dickerson G • PHI NFL

    Landon Dickerson feels he let team down in his return to lineup

    profootballtalk.com

  • Vega Ioane G • BAL NFL

    Report: Ravens G Vega Ioane has an MCL sprain

    profootballtalk.com

  • Vega Ioane G • BAL NFL

    Ravens Rookie Guard Vega Ioane Sidelined Briefly With MCL Sprain

    @AroundTheNFL

  • Payton Pritchard PG • BOS NBA

    Payton Pritchard, Celtics streak to big win over Bulls: 7 takeaways

    Boston Globe

  • Najee Harris RB •

    Mike Tomlin’s Blunt “Steeler Football” Philosophy Resurfaces as Najee Harris Leaves Pittsburgh

    @AlbertBreer

  • Arvell Reese LB • NYG

    Arvell Reese and Gabe Jacas Keep Appearing on PFF’s Rankings

    @PFF

  • Landon Dickerson G • PHI

    Landon Dickerson feels he let team down in his return to lineup

    profootballtalk.com

  • Vega Ioane G • BAL

    Report: Ravens G Vega Ioane has an MCL sprain

    profootballtalk.com

  • Vega Ioane G • BAL

    Ravens Rookie Guard Vega Ioane Sidelined Briefly With MCL Sprain

    @AroundTheNFL

  • Saquon Barkley RB • PHI

    Saquon Barkley Questionable to Return With Back Injury

    @ProFootballTalk

  • Jhoan Duran RP • PHI

    Stay or Go: Should the Phillies hold on to Jhoan Duran?

    Phillies Nation

  • Brandon Woodruff SP • MIL

    Chris Hook Praises Brandon Woodruff’s Impact Ahead of World Series Pitching

    @Haudricourt

  • Brandon Woodruff SP • MIL

    Brandon Woodruff Eager to Pitch the Ninth as Brewers Near a 3–0 Series Lead

    @Haudricourt

  • Brandon Woodruff SP • MIL

    Brandon Woodruff Surprised by Brewers Fans’ Enthusiastic Ninth-Inning Reception

    @Haudricourt

  • Brandon Woodruff SP • MIL

    Brandon Woodruff Shares a Fun Story in Video Clip

    @Haudricourt

  • Brice Turang 2B • MIL

    Brice Turang Says the Job Isn’t Done

    @Haudricourt

  • Payton Pritchard PG • BOS

    Payton Pritchard, Celtics streak to big win over Bulls: 7 takeaways

    Boston Globe

  • Meleek Thomas SG • CLE

    Cavs Rookie Meleek Thomas Stuns in NBA Debut After Impressing Teammates in Training Camp

    @ChrisFedor

  • Ty Jerome PG • MEM

    Ty Jerome Drops to Third in NBA Scoring as Grizzlies Improve to 4–0

    @MyMikeCheck

  • Ajay Mitchell PG • OKC

    Thunder Dominate Suns as OKC’s Bigs Shine and Phoenix’s Starting Lineup Struggles

    @Sam_Vecenie

  • Payton Pritchard PG • BOS

    Payton Pritchard’s 19-Point Third Quarter Fuels Celtics’ Win Over Bulls

    @celtics

  • Alperen Sengun C • HOU

    Hawks Relieved to Avoid Alperen Şengün After Two Tough Games

    @WillGuillory

  • Matvei Michkov RW • PHI

    Michkov Shines on the Scoresheet After Leaving Instagram

    @KKurzNHL

  • Dylan Garand G • NYR

    Dylan Garand Replaces James Reimer After Three Goals on Eight Shots in First Period at MSG

    @drosennhl

  • Adam Fox D • NYR

    NHL Milestones and Scoring Streaks at Stake Monday

    @NHLPR

  • Michal Postava G • DET

    Oilers Host Red Wings as Tristan Jarry Faces Michal Postava at Rogers Place

    @reporterJD

  • Kirill Marchenko RW • TOR

    Maple Leafs’ Kirill Marchenko Out for Tonight’s Game With Lower-Body Injury

    @JeffVeillette

  • Ryan Nugent-Hopkins C • EDM

    Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Reacts to Oilers’ Competitive Loss to Detroit

    @EdmontonOilers

Matchups

Week 8
ARI @DAL
ATL @TB
BAL @BUF
CAR @GB
CHI @SEA
CIN vs TEN
CLE @PIT
DEN vs KC
DET vs MIN
HOU vs BYE
IND @JAC
LAC @LAR
LV @NYJ
MIA vs NE
NO vs BYE
NYG vs BYE
PHI @WAS
SF vs BYE
Matchup Time Pitchers
MIL @TB 08:00 EDT EST
Matchup Time
BKN @BOS 7:30 PM EST
DET @NY 8:00 PM EST
LAL vs POR 11:00 PM EST
SA vs SAC 8:00 PM EST
Matchup Time
ANA vs VAN 10:00 PM EST
BOS @CAR 8:00 PM EST
BUF @SJ 10:30 PM EST
CBJ @PHI 7:00 PM EST
CHI vs LA 8:00 PM EST
DAL vs NJ 8:00 PM EST
FLA @WPG 8:00 PM EST
MIN @UTA 9:00 PM EST
MON @STL 8:00 PM EST
NSH vs NYI 8:00 PM EST
OTT @VGK 10:00 PM EST