Michael Pittman vs Mike Evans: Who Should You Start?
This is a genuine coin flip on paper. Michael Pittman finished the 2025 season at 9.6 PPG over 17 games with the Pittsburgh Steelers, while Mike Evans clocked in at 8.7 across 8 appearances for the San Francisco 49ers. A 0.9-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.
Target volume is the story here. Michael Pittman saw 111 targets in 2025, while Mike Evans drew 61. That workload gap usually translates into a higher weekly floor for Michael Pittman, even in weeks where Mike Evans posts the bigger ceiling game. Consistency-minded managers lean toward target share; boom-bust managers chase the upside.
Both share a Week 9 bye, which matters for roster construction. If you are stacking wide receivers this deep on your bench, plan your replacement wide receiver early.