Kalif Raymond or Michael Pittman Jr.: Who Should You Start?

2026 Week 4 · deterministic head-to-head · Verdicts based on PPR scoring.

Too close to call — the edges cancel out.

Kalif Raymond and Michael Pittman Jr. grade out even this week. Raymond's best edge is the game script (27.0 implied points to 21.5), Pittman's best edge is snap share (81% to 66%) — and they cancel out. Start whichever player's game you trust more this week.

Kalif Raymond

Kalif Raymond

WRCHIvs NYJ

Projected Points

Start· medium
Michael Pittman Jr.

Michael Pittman Jr.

WR32PITvs CLE

Projected Points

Toss-Up

Kalif Raymond’s market

REC
O/U 3.5
-101 / -127
Receptions Props →
REC YDS
O/U 31.5
-110 / -114
Receiving Yards Props →
ATD
Anytime TD
+360
Anytime Touchdown Props →

Michael Pittman Jr.’s market

REC
O/U 3.5
-103 / -123
Receptions Props →
REC YDS
O/U 34.5
-113 / -113
Receiving Yards Props →
ATD
Anytime TD
+350
Anytime Touchdown Props →
NYJ@
CHISun, Oct 4, 1:00 PM ETView the game →
PIT@
CLEThu, Oct 1, 8:15 PM ETView the game →

Why Kalif Raymond

Start· medium

Veteran WR3 and slot/return specialist. Undersized speed piece with quickness and punt-return value.

23% target share and a 27.0 implied total as an 8.5-point favorite outweigh a neutral NYJ matchup; 10.1 projection plays as a flex.

  • NYJ ranks 14 of 32 against WRs (a middle-of-the-road matchup, 3-game sample).
  • Vegas implies 27.0 team points as 8.5-point favorites.
  • Listed WR-3 on the latest depth chart with a 66% snap share.

The call

  • Usage is the driver: a 23% target share on 66% of snaps over 3 games gives him volume well above what a WR-3 depth-chart slot suggests.
  • Game environment helps. A 27.0 implied team total means scoring chances, though a -8.5 spread could mean a run-heavy fourth quarter that caps late volume.
  • The matchup is roughly neutral. NYJ ranks 14 of 32 vs WRs, but that rests on a 3-game sample with 0.25 confidence, so it shouldn't swing the call either way.
  • The 10.1 PPR projection makes him a viable flex over typical replacement options, with no injury designation. The WR-3 role and modest snap share keep the ceiling limited, so confidence stays medium.

Latest on Raymond

How to bet Eagles-Bears on MNF: Analysis, tips and favorite plays

Odds and analysis to help you bet Eagles-Bears on "Monday Night Football."

ESPN · Sep 28, 2026
Kalif Raymond proving to be reliable veteran target for Bears offense

Despite being the Bears' leading receiver in their Week 1 win over the Panthers, Kalif Raymond is focused more on the team's success than his personal stats, saying, "I don’t really look at that stuff ... we won, and that’s all I’m thinking about."

chicagobears.com · Sep 18, 2026

Reported by the sources listed — not independently verified.

Why Michael Pittman Jr.

Toss-Up

WR2 and high-volume possession target. Big-bodied contested-catch winner over the middle and in the red zone.

Toss-up — WR32 consensus, projects WR50 this week: CLE is the 11th-softest matchup vs WRs, 11% target share.

  • CLE ranks 22 of 32 against WRs (one of the softer matchups, 3-game sample).
  • Vegas implies 21.5 team points as 2.5-point favorites.
  • Listed WR-2 on the latest depth chart with a 81% snap share.

Latest on Pittman

Steelers rule out WR Pittman Jr. vs. Patriots with foot injury

The 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.

ESPN · Sep 19, 2026
Joey Porter Jr. out again for Steelers; WR Pittman questionable

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.

ESPN · Sep 18, 2026

Reported by the sources listed — not independently verified.

Head-to-head stats

MetricKalif RaymondMichael Pittman Jr.
Projected points
Consensus rank—WR32
Opponent vs positionNYJ · 14 of 323-game sampleCLE · 22 of 323-game sample
Receptions20 of 3214 of 32
Receiving Yards4 of 3217 of 32
Receiving TDs15 of 3229 of 32
Targets15 of 3219 of 32
Anytime TD14 of 3229 of 32
Target share23%11%
Reception share29%11%
Implied total · spread27.0-8.521.5-2.5
Depth chartWR3WR2
Snap share66%81%
Start/Sit record—0–1

Recent form

Kalif Raymond — last 3 weeks

Week 3vs PHI
Week 2vs MIN
Week 1vs CAR

Michael Pittman Jr. — last 3 weeks

Week 3vs CIN
Week 2vs NEDNP
Week 1vs ATL

Signal breakdown

  • 10.1 vs 9.7 projected PPR pointsKalif Raymond +
  • Consensus position rankeven
  • Opponent DvP rank 14 vs 22 (32 = softest)Michael Pittman Jr. +
  • Implied 27.0 vs 21.5 team pointsKalif Raymond +
  • No injury designationseven
  • 66% vs 81% snap shareMichael Pittman Jr. +

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