Pittman has been the model of consistency as a WR2 over the last three seasons (WR14, WR21, WR22). Despite catching passes from Gardner Minshew for most of the year, Pittman finished with his usual efficiency ranking 23rd in YPRR and 24th in FD/RR while gobbling up the volume (ninth in targets, fourth in target share). Despite ranking ninth in red zone targets, he only had four receiving touchdowns last year. Pittman faces a Houston secondary that should again feature heavy two-high coverage in 2024. Last year, the Texans ranked fourth in two-high usage (56.6%). Against two-high last year, Pittman had a 26.2% target share, a 32.1% air-yard share, 2.23 YPRR, and 0.114 FD/RR. Pittman will run about 72% of his routes against Derek Stingley Jr. (54.2% catch rate and 76.6 passer rating) and rookie Kamari Lassiter.

With Downs out, Mitchell will be starting in three wide receiver sets and running from the slot. In the preseason, while logging a 26% TPRR and 1.26 YPRR, Mitchell lined up in the slot on 69.6% of his routes. I wasn't high on Mitchell as a prospect after he ranked outside the top 96 FBS wide receivers in YPRR, PFF receiving grade, and yards after the catch per reception (minimum 50 targets) in his final collegiate season. Mitchell will face Jimmie Ward (81.2% catch rate and 69.3 passer rating) for most of the game.

As good as Herbert was last year on a per-touch basis, Chicago was reluctant to commit to him as the clear lead guy all year. Last season, he ranked 12th in explosive run rate and ninth in missed tackles forced per attempt. In the eight games he played at least 43% of the snaps last season, he averaged 14 touches and 77.8 total yards.With Swift on the roster, Herbert should be best viewed as his direct backup with some stand alone value. This isn't the week to attempt to get cute and play him as a flex though against a Titans' defense that allowed the fifth-lowest explosive run rate, the fourth-fewest rushing touchdowns, and the 13th-lowest missed tackles last season.