Brian Thomas · Luther Burden · 2026 week 1

Brian Thomas or Luther Burden?

Wondering who you should start this week — Brian Thomas or Luther Burden? The start/sit call and the numbers behind it are below, plus who wins a straight-up trade. Rebuilt nightly.

Start Luther BurdenLuther Burden projects 3 PPR points clear of Brian Thomas in week 1, drawing CAR — the 25th-ranked matchup for WRs. The numbers behind the call are below; overrule them with your eyes open.
PlayerWk 1Proj (PPR)MatchupForm L3Trade valueStatus
Brian Thomas vs CLE 10.5 22nd 6.5 1,240 healthy
Luther Burden START @ CAR 13.5 25th · tough 16.6 2,405 Questionable

WRs vs CLE recently: Khalil Shakir 3.4 pts (W16) · Scotty Miller 2.5 pts (W17) · Ja'Marr Chase 15.6 pts (W18).

WRs vs CAR recently: Mike Evans 9.1 pts (W16) · Jaxon Smith-Njigba 7.2 pts (W17) · Mike Evans 3.4 pts (W18).

Who wins a straight-up trade?

Luther Burden carries the higher trade value — 2,405 against 1,240 (a 48% gap). In a one-for-one, the side receiving Luther Burden gets the most. Momentum: Brian Thomas -699 and Luther Burden -672 over the last 30 days.

Open in Start/Sit (any scoring) Open in the Trade Analyzer

More WR decisions

Game logs, matchup ranks and form are the 2025 season — 2026 hasn’t kicked off. Projections, schedule and trade values are current 2026 numbers, refreshed nightly.