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A.J. Brown vs Nico Collins

Fantasy Football Comparison for the 2026 NFL Season

WRPhiladelphia Eagles
A.J. Brown
PPG
12.1
Games
15
Rec
78
Rec Yds
1,003
Rec TDs
7
Targets
121
Bye
Week 5
WRHouston TexansPPG LEADER
Nico Collins
PPG
12.7
Games
15
Rec
71
Rec Yds
1,117
Rec TDs
6
Targets
120
Bye
Week 14

Head to Head

12.1 PPG12.7 PPG
15 GP15 GP
Bye: Week 5Bye: Week 14

A.J. Brown vs Nico Collins: Who Should You Start?

This is a genuine coin flip on paper. A.J. Brown finished the 2025 season at 12.1 PPG over 15 games with the Philadelphia Eagles, while Nico Collins clocked in at 12.7 across 15 appearances for the Houston Texans. A 0.6-point gap means any given week could go either way.

With a margin this thin, season averages are not the deciding factor. Weekly variables like opponent defense, game script, and injury status carry more weight than a fraction of a PPG. The right start in Week 6 might be the wrong start in Week 14.

Both are workload receivers with similar target shares. A.J. Brown turned 121 targets into 1003 yards and 7 touchdowns, while Nico Collins converted 120 looks into 1117 yards and 6 scores. When target volume is this close, game script and defensive matchup typically decide the weekly winner.

One scheduling note: A.J. Brown is off Week 5 and Nico Collins Week 14. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in wide receiver for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.

The Bottom Line

Nico Collins outscored A.J. Brown by 0.6 PPG in 2025 (12.7 to 12.1). That production gap is the baseline, but weekly context shifts the answer. DraftCall analyzes matchup difficulty, scoring trends, and health data to deliver a clear start or sit recommendation backed by real reasoning.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start A.J. Brown or Nico Collins in fantasy football?

Based on 2025 season averages, Nico Collins has the edge at 12.7 PPG compared to A.J. Brown's 12.1 PPG. However, the best start depends on weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status. DraftCall's app provides real-time AI-powered verdicts that factor in all of these variables.

How many fantasy points did A.J. Brown and Nico Collins average in 2025?

A.J. Brown averaged 12.1 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 15 games in 2025. Nico Collins averaged 12.7 PPG over 15 games. That is a difference of 0.6 points per game.

When are A.J. Brown and Nico Collins's bye weeks in 2026?

A.J. Brown (PHI) has a bye in Week 5, and Nico Collins (HOU) has a bye in Week 14. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is A.J. Brown or Nico Collins a better fantasy wide receiver in 2026?

Nico Collins outscored A.J. Brown by 0.6 PPG in 2025, which gives him the edge heading into 2026. For a week-by-week verdict, DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality and recent trends in real time.