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The NFL is littered with big-play WRs, including WR George Pickens and WR Michael Wilson. Even though Pickens and Wilson have had disappointing fantasy football performances in 2026, they are both viable Week 9 lineup options.
Pickens and Wilson are ranked similarly in most fantasy football rankings entering Week 9, so which big-play WR should you prioritize in lineups?
Below, we’ll discuss whether to start Pickens or Wilson in fantasy football (factoring in PPR scoring settings), and highlight their Week 9 PrizePicks projections.
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Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em WRs, Week 9: George Pickens or Michael Wilson?
Let’s dive into our Week 9 fantasy football Start 'Em, Sit ‘Em decision between George Pickens and Michael Wilson.
Pickens is reportedly dealing with a hamstring injury, so keep tabs on his status ahead of Sunday’s game vs. the Colts. Wilson is also dealing with a rib injury.
All stats used in this article are from PFF or Sumer Sports unless stated otherwise. Fantasy rankings and fantasy point totals are courtesy of FantasyPros.
Why Start George Pickens?
George Pickens Week 9 PrizePicks Projections: 63.5 Receiving Yards, 4.5 Receptions, 13.5 Fantasy Score
- After a slow start to the season, Pickens is the WR20 in fantasy points per game (14.8) since Week 3.
- Among the 66 WRs with 25 or more targets this season, Pickens has the 24th-most yards per reception (13.7) and the 26th-most yards per route run (1.86).
- The Dallas Cowboys are 13th in neutral pass rate (53.1%), per RBSDM.
- QB Dak Prescott is playing at a high level, ranking 10th in adjusted EPA/play (0.22) and 11th in success rate (50.1%).
- The Indianapolis Colts’ defense is 20th in dropback EPA allowed (0.10).
- With Pickens dependent on generating explosive plays, it’s worth noting that the Colts’ defense is also giving up the third-most yards per play (5.9) and the eighth-highest explosive play rate (6.5%).
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Why Start Michael Wilson?
Michael Wilson Week 9 PrizePicks Projections: 48.5 Receiving Yards, 4.5 Receptions, 11 Fantasy Score
- Wilson is the WR22 in fantasy points per game (13.6) despite playing in a below-average offense.
- QB Gardner Minshew is replacing QB Jacoby Brissett as the starter for the Arizona Cardinals.
- In Week 8 against the Cowboys, Wilson scored a season-high 26.8 fantasy points, and most of those came in the second half with Minshew under center.
- In Week 8, 28 QBs logged at least 20 plays, and Minshew tallied the most adjusted EPA/play (0.76) and the highest success rate (68.2%) in that split.
- The Cardinals are road 7.5-point underdogs for the spread vs. the Seahawks in Week 9, via PrizePicks, so that could increase pass-catching opportunities for Wilson.
Pick Michael Wilson and Cardinals to win for higher payouts on PrizePicks!
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Week 9 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Verdict: Start George Pickens
Even though it’s been tougher to trust Pickens this season compared to last, the Cowboys are in a much better spot against a Colts team looking to sell ahead of the trade deadline.
Pickens has also been mentioned in trade rumors, so there’s incentive for Dallas to have him produce well if they’re interested in sending him elsewhere.
Ahead of Sunday’s contest, head coach Brian Schottenheimer has already spoken about getting Pickens more involved in the offense than previous weeks. This could lead to a squeaky wheel narrative forming for Pickens, which tends to lead to productive fantasy outings.
As for Wilson, he’ll face a stout Seattle defense on the road that is coughing up the third-fewest schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to WRs (-6.2). The Seahawks are also third in dropback EPA (-0.05) and second in dropback success rate allowed (40.9%).
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Pickens and Wilson are both viewed as a WR2 in fantasy football right now, and it’s been tough to trust them each week. However, if choosing between the two, Pickens is in a much better spot to have a notable fantasy performance against the hapless Colts on Sunday.
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