Josh Downs vs Michael Pittman Jr.
Two wide receivers fantasy managers weigh against each other for 2026. Here is the head-to-head on projections, expert consensus, ADP and usage, with our Clutch Score verdict on who to draft.
Who to draft
Strong edge · 95% confident
Josh Downs- Higher projection: 172 vs 171 pts
- More points per game: 8.2 vs 5.3
- More opportunity: 81% snap share, 6 red-zone touches
Josh Downs and Michael Pittman Jr. are a common 2026 draft-day decision at wide receiver. Michael Pittman Jr. holds the edge in expert consensus (WR35 to WR37). Michael Pittman Jr. typically comes off the board first, around pick 106 (round 9) to Josh Downs's pick 113. The 2026 projections are nearly even: Josh Downs at 172 PPR points (10.1 per game) versus Michael Pittman Jr. at 171.
Last season Josh Downs carried the heavier workload (81% snap share, 47 touches to Michael Pittman Jr.'s 12), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. Josh Downs is the younger option (age 25), which tilts the long-term and dynasty edge. For a 2026 redraft, Josh Downs is the clear pick on the higher projection, the bigger workload and more room to grow.
Head-to-head
| Stat | Downs | Jr. |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 172 | 171 |
| Points / game | 8.2 | 5.3 |
| Games played | 7 | 3 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #84 | #78 |
| ADP | 113 | 106 |
| Scoring rank (season) | WR45 | WR99 |
| Snap share | 81% | 78% |
| Red-zone touches | 6 | 0 |
| Age | 25 | 29 |
| Bye week | 13 | 9 |
Highlighted value wins each row. Season stats are 2026 (PPR); projections, ADP and consensus are for 2026.
Setting a lineup this week? Start/sit: Josh Downs or Michael Pittman Jr..
Frequently asked
Should I draft Josh Downs or Michael Pittman Jr. in 2026?
Josh Downs is a clear call over Michael Pittman Jr. for 2026, on the higher projection, the bigger workload and more room to grow.
Who is projected to score more, Josh Downs or Michael Pittman Jr.?
Josh Downs carries the higher 2026 projection at 172 PPR points (10.1 per game), compared with 171 for Michael Pittman Jr..
Where are Josh Downs and Michael Pittman Jr. being drafted?
Michael Pittman Jr. has an ADP around pick 106 (round 9), while Josh Downs goes closer to pick 113 (round 10).
Who is ranked higher, Josh Downs or Michael Pittman Jr.?
Expert consensus ranks Michael Pittman Jr. (WR35) ahead of Josh Downs (WR37) for 2026.
More comparisons
Verdict blends projections, usage, positional rank, consensus and health. Data via the Sleeper API and FantasyPros consensus, refreshed daily.