Dalton Schultz or Michael Pittman Jr.: Who Should You Start?
2026 Week 3 · deterministic head-to-head · Verdicts based on PPR scoring.
Start Schultz — the consensus rank and availability edges are too wide to ignore.
Dalton Schultz is the higher consensus play (TE21 to WR32) and is the healthier side of this call (Pittman carries a questionable tag). Pittman's edge is snap share, 88% to 67%. The gap is comfortable.
Dalton Schultz
6.28.611.0 Projected Points
Michael Pittman Jr.
6.58.911.4 Projected Points
Dalton Schultz’s market
Michael Pittman Jr.’s market
Why Dalton Schultz
Start· mediumTE1 in high-volume pass-catching role. Reliable chain-mover over the middle with sure hands.
25% target share over 2 games and 11.0 projected PPR points make Schultz a viable TE21 play in a 23.5-point implied total vs IND.
- IND ranks 23 of 32 against TEs (one of the softer matchups, 2-game sample).
- Vegas implies 23.5 team points as 1.5-point favorites.
- Listed TE on the latest depth chart with a 67% snap share.
The call
- Usage is the driver: a 25% target share on a 67% snap share is strong volume for a tight end, and targets are what score in PPR.
- 11.0 projected PPR points at TE21 sits near the replacement line in 12-team leagues, but the target share gives him a steadier floor than most streamers in that range.
- The DvP composite of 23 of 32 leans soft, but it rests on a 2-game sample with 0.00 confidence, so don't lean on it. Game script is neutral: a 23.5 implied total and a -1.5 spread.
- Risk: the ESPN headline about Field Yates being hesitant is unverified and gives no specifics. Schultz has no injury designation, so it doesn't override the model's start-lean.
Latest on Schultz
Reported by the sources listed — not independently verified.
Why Michael Pittman Jr.
Toss-UpWR2 and high-volume possession target. Big-bodied contested-catch winner over the middle and in the red zone.
Toss-up — WR32 consensus, projects WR33 this week: CIN is the 11th-toughest matchup vs WRs, 8% target share.
- Carries a Questionable tag — usually plays, but monitor the final report.
- CIN ranks 11 of 32 against WRs (one of the tougher matchups, 2-game sample).
- Vegas implies 22.5 team points as 1.5-point underdogs.
- Listed WR-2 on the latest depth chart with a 88% snap share.
Latest on Pittman
Head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed Pittman's current foot injury is a new injury, not a recurrence of his training camp issue, and said he is unsure if Pittman will be able to play in Week 3 against the Bengals despite Pittman making 'positive steps forward.'
Yahoo Sports (Steelers Wire) · Sep 21, 2026The Steelers will be without another starter for their Week 2 game against the Patriots after downgrading wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to out with a foot injury.
The Steelers will be without top cornerback Joey Porter Jr. again amid their contentious contract negotiation. Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) and offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (ankle) are questionable to play.
Reported by the sources listed — not independently verified.
Head-to-head stats
| Metric | Dalton Schultz | Michael Pittman Jr. |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 6.28.611.0 | 6.58.911.4 |
| Consensus rank | TE21 | WR32 |
| Opponent vs position | IND · 23 of 322-game sample | CIN · 11 of 322-game sample |
| Receptions | 29 of 32 | 13 of 32 |
| Receiving Yards | 29 of 32 | 13 of 32 |
| Receiving TDs | 15 of 32 | 1 of 32 |
| Targets | 29 of 32 | 25 of 32 |
| Anytime TD | 13 of 32 | 1 of 32 |
| Target share | 25% | 8% |
| Reception share | 29% | 13% |
| Implied total · spread | 23.5-1.5 | 22.5+1.5 |
| Depth chart | TE1 | WR2 |
| Snap share | 67% | 88% |
| Injury designation | — | questionable |
| Start/Sit record | — | 0–1 |
Recent form
Dalton Schultz — last 2 weeks
| Week 2 | vs CIN | 14.020.026.0 |
| Week 1 | vs BUF | 3.55.57.5 |
Michael Pittman Jr. — last 2 weeks
| Week 2 | vs NE | 0.00.00.0 |
| Week 1 | vs ATL | 5.87.38.8 |
Signal breakdown
- 11.0 vs 11.4 projected PPR pointsMichael Pittman Jr. +
- Rank 21 vs 32Dalton Schultz +
- Opponent DvP rank 23 vs 11 (32 = softest)even
- Implied 23.5 vs 22.5 team pointsDalton Schultz +
- no designation vs questionableDalton Schultz +
- 67% vs 88% snap shareMichael Pittman Jr. +
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