Puka Nacua vs CeeDee Lamb
Who should you start in Week 3? This week's matchups and projections.
Who to start in Week 3
Start Puka Nacua this week: a clear but modest edge of 2.7 projected points (17.4 vs 14.6).
Puka Nacua faces DEN, the 20th-friendliest matchup a WR can draw this week. CeeDee Lamb faces BAL, the 17th-friendliest matchup a WR can draw this week.
This-week points are each player's projected per-game scoring rate adjusted for the matchup.
The season-long call
The model takes Puka Nacua, and it isn't close: 53.9 points of value over replacement separate them (124.4 vs 70.4).
The draft market agrees: Puka Nacua goes first at ADP 3.3 vs 10.4 for CeeDee Lamb.
Health note: Puka Nacua carries an injury flag of Doubtful (Hip), which is already reflected in his projection.
| Puka NacuaLAR | CeeDee LambDAL | Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 3 opponent | DEN | BAL | |
| Projected Week 3 points | 17.4 | 14.6 | Nacua +2.7 pts |
| Matchup rank (WR vs defense, of 32) | #20 | #17 | |
| Projected 2026 points (PPR) | 302.8 | 248.9 | Nacua +53.9 pts |
| Points per game | 17.8 | 14.6 | |
| Value over replacement (VBD) | 124.4 | 70.4 | Nacua +53.9 |
| Overall rank | #9 | #23 | Nacua by 14 |
| Position rank | WR3 | WR6 | |
| Market ADP | 3.3 | 10.4 | Lamb +7.1 cheaper |
| Typical round (12-team) | Rd 1 | Rd 1 | |
| Bye week | 11 | 14 | |
| Injury flag | Doubtful | None |
Should I start Puka Nacua or CeeDee Lamb in Week 3?
Start Puka Nacua this week: a clear but modest edge of 2.7 projected points (17.4 vs 14.6).
Should I draft Puka Nacua or CeeDee Lamb in 2026 fantasy football?
Puka Nacua. He projects 302.8 fantasy points with 124.4 value over replacement, vs 248.9 points and 70.4 for CeeDee Lamb (WR, PPR).