A.J. Brown

A.J. Brown has a new home in New England for the foreseeable future. Brown has been a WR1 in fantasy points per game over the last four seasons (WR10, WR12, WR8, WR8), and I don't see that stopping this season. Brown moves from an Eagles offense that was 15th in neutral passing rate to a Patriots' system that was ninth in neutral passing rate and could climb even higher this season with the additions of Brown and Romeo Doubs this offseason. Brown could easily spike a career high in touchdowns this season. Last season, Philly was 32nd in passing rate inside the ten-yard line while the Patriots were 15th. That jump in touchdown fuel (if it all works out) could send him into top five status this season among fantasy receivers. Last year, among 109 qualifying receivers, Brown was ninth in target share (27.5%), 17th in yards per route run (2.23), eighth in first-read share (35%), and 20th in first downs per route run (0.104, per Fantasy Points Data). Brown was also 30th in separation score and 16th in route win rate among the same sample of receivers. While many will worry about Drake Maye spreading the ball around in 2026, I'm not because last year that was related to New England not having an alpha-level receiver like Brown on the depth chart. That isn't the case now. Brown is a strong WR1 with more upside than he's had in previous seasons because of the passing volume floor and ceiling for New England this year.

The Patriots reportedly do not expect WR A.J. Brown to be limited this season by his knee injury.

Fantasy Impact

Brown underwent cleanup procedures in both knees in 2021. He has been playing through the injuries for most of his career since then. He should remain the clear No. 1 option heading into a fresh start with Drake Maye and the Patriots.