The NFL has two international games remaining in the 2026 NFL season, including Munich, Germany, on Sunday, November 15, followed by Mexico City to cap the series next week. The Patriots (5-4) and Lions (6-2) battle at 9:30 a.m. ET on FOX in FC Bayern Munich Stadium.
Following last week’s embarrassing 45-27 loss vs. the Packers, the Patriots could use a bounce-back performance, as they take on their third NFC North opponent since Week 7. New England’s offense could be short-handed yet again, with WR A.J. Brown questionable due to ankle and knee injuries that held him out the last two games.
As 2.5-point underdogs for the spread vs. the Lions, via PrizePicks, New England is hoping its WR1 is finally active today. What’s the latest A.J. Brown injury, and how could another absence impact player picks for PrizePicks?
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A.J. Brown Injury Update: Will Brown Play vs. Lions in Munich Game?
This Patriots offense is decimated, with RB TreVeyon Henderson on injured reserve with an unexplained illness and RB Rhamondre Stevenson battling a knee injury. Stevenson was initially tabbed out for a couple of weeks, but he could now potentially play with a questionable status.
Adding to the troubles, Patriots WR A.J. Brown had only a 43.7% snap share in Week 1 before missing four consecutive games due to a high ankle sprain. He returned from injury in Week 6 and was also active in Week 7 before missing the previous two contests from ankle and knee injuries.
New England went all out to land Brown in the offseason, including its 2028 first-round pick in part of the deal with the Eagles. The Pats have still managed to total 8.4 yards per passing attempt (fourth), but similar to last season, this unit has been operating without a true WR1.
Brown failed to appear at two of three practices ahead of Week 8, followed by three straight absences for Week 9. This week brought some hope, as he was limited in all three practices, per the Patriots’ injury report.
According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said he felt “pretty good” about Brown’s status on Friday. Paired with injuries in the backfield, Brown carries a vital status for New England as underdogs. Here’s how his status could impact fantasy football if active.
Check out our full Patriots vs. Lions prediction HERE!
Patriots Fantasy Football Outlook If Brown Is Active
The Lions have given up 28.5 fantasy points per game to WRs (10th most), per Pro Football Reference. Additionally, Detroit surrenders 23.6 points per game (17th), 5.4 yards per play (21st), and 7.2 yards per passing attempt (19th), providing a clear positive matchup for fantasy football.
According to RBSDM, Patriots QB Drake Maye has improved since a nightmare start to 2026, featuring a 53.2% success rate (fourth) and 0.355 adjusted EPA per play (third) since Week 4.
When A.J. Brown was active over two full games, he tallied 8.0 targets, 3.0 catches, and 37.5 receiving yards per game. Further, he immediately became this offense’s top target with a 26.7% target share and a massive 45.3% air yards share over Weeks 6 and 7, per FTN.
The Lions cede a 16.7% explosive rate vs. the pass (fourth highest), and Brown had a lofty 15.5 average depth of target (aDOT) in his only two full appearances of the season. Maye hasn’t strayed from launching it downfield with 9.6 air yards per passing attempt (fourth highest).
Brown could be an immediate fantasy football starter if active — especially considering his matchup on Sunday. Here are a few of his projections for vs. the Lions:
- 50.5 Receiving Yards
- 4 Receptions
- 6.5 Receiving Targets
- 0.5 Anytime TDs (Demon)
- 11 Fantasy Score
If he’s inactive for the third straight game, Patriots WR Demario Douglas is on a heater, sporting 89.0 receiving yards per game over his past two.
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A.J. Brown has appeared in only two full games across nine contests this season. Following back-to-back absences, Brown hopes to return following a limited week of practice. If active, he could feast in a favorable matchup vs. the Lions.
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