The Indianapolis Colts will host the Miami Dolphins in Week 1. Here’s the latest fantasy football news and advice to help you with your lineups this week and moving forward, specifically regarding WR Michael Pittman Jr..
Is Michael Pittman Jr. Playing in Week 1?
Pittman is not listed on the injury report this week, so barring any setbacks, he will play.
We’ll continue to monitor the Indianapolis Colts’ injury report leading up to kickoff for any changes. You can also visit and bookmark our Fantasy News Tracker for the latest updates.
Should You Start or Sit Michael Pittman Jr. in Week 1?
It’s not you, Michael. It’s us.
By “us,” I mean the fantasy industry. We want your stats to match your talent. The 2020 NFL Draft class at the WR position in Pittman’s range has very much been all or nothing, and we want him to elevate into the former so badly.
Three receivers drafted just ahead of Pittman: Justin Jefferson, Brandon Aiyuk, and Tee Higgins
Three receivers drafted just behind Pittman: Laviska Shenault, K.J. Hamler, and Chase Claypool
Pittman is clearly in the middle of those two tiers. Still, we’ve wanted him to at least flirt with that upper level after an impressive 2021 season that saw him average the same number of PPR points as Mike Evans did in his second season and more fantasy points per target than Year 2 Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Since? Over the past three years, we’ve cleared the first three circles of hell. Per one of the greatest unofficial written works of our time, Fantasy’s Inferno:
Circle One (No Grow): The high pedigree player shows signs of plateau
- Pittman saw his yards per catch dip by 24.4% from 2021 to 2023
Circle Two (Miss Trust): Regression signs are in the profile
- Pittman was WR14 in PPG in 2023, but ranked as WR43 in points per target
Circle Three (Loss of Money): Questions of potential begin to be asked
- Pittman had an on-field target share of 28% when Josh Downs was off the field and 20.5% with him involved
Circle Four (In need): We now need help to get our player to the finish line, but we have no signs of it
- Who is the WR1 in this offense? Who is the QB1 in this offense?
The theory of Pittman, who will turn 28 in October, reestablishing himself as not just a flex option but a lineup lock, isn’t dead. However, with three circles behind us, we need some serious proof before trusting any signs of light.
My concerns about this passing game are matchup-proof, until proven otherwise. No, Miami isn’t a scary matchup, and that should tell you all you need to know about just how prohibitive this offense is, with Pittman ranking outside of my top 35 at the position.
Roster and hope is the play, not play and pray.
Are you looking for start/sit advice for other players in your lineup? Read our Week 1 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em article.
Michael Pittman Jr.’s Fantasy Points Projection in Week 1
Pittman is projected to score 11.4 points in PPR formats. This includes 4.8 receptions for 51.7 yards and 0.2 touchdowns.
Check out the free PFSN Fantasy Start-Sit Optimizer for the latest projections and advice for your lineups this week.
Week 1 Weather Impact: Colts vs Dolphins
Since the Colts play in a dome, there is no weather impact for this Week 1 matchup. Temperatures will be a comfortable 72 degrees Fahrenheit with no wind.
