Deebo Samuel vs Xavier Worthy
Who should you start in Week 5? This week's matchups and projections.
Who to start in Week 5
Start Deebo Samuel this week: Xavier Worthy is on bye in Week 5.
Deebo Samuel gets NYG, the 15th-friendliest matchup a WR can draw this week, projecting 8.7 points.
This-week points are each player's projected per-game scoring rate adjusted for the matchup.
The season-long call
The model takes Deebo Samuel: a clear but modest edge of 6.2 points of value over replacement (-34.2 vs -40.5).
The room sees it the other way: drafters take Xavier Worthy first (ADP 107.3 vs 115.4). If the model is right, Deebo Samuel is the value pick, since the later cost buys the better 2026 projection.
Health note: Deebo Samuel carries an injury flag of Out (Hamstring), which is already reflected in his projection.
| Deebo SamuelWAS | Xavier WorthyKAN | Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 5 opponent | NYG | Bye | |
| Projected Week 5 points | 8.7 | 0.0 | Samuel +8.7 pts |
| Matchup rank (WR vs defense, of 30) | #15 | - | |
| Projected 2026 points (PPR) | 144.2 | 138.0 | Samuel +6.2 pts |
| Points per game | 8.5 | 8.1 | |
| Value over replacement (VBD) | -34.2 | -40.5 | Samuel +6.2 |
| Overall rank | #109 | #116 | Samuel by 7 |
| Position rank | WR46 | WR49 | |
| Market ADP | 115.4 | 107.3 | Samuel +8.1 cheaper |
| Typical round (12-team) | Rd 10 | Rd 9 | |
| Bye week | 7 | 5 | |
| Injury flag | Out | None |
Should I start Deebo Samuel or Xavier Worthy in Week 5?
Start Deebo Samuel this week: Xavier Worthy is on bye in Week 5.
Should I draft Deebo Samuel or Xavier Worthy in 2026 fantasy football?
Deebo Samuel. He projects 144.2 fantasy points with -34.2 value over replacement, vs 138.0 points and -40.5 for Xavier Worthy (WR, PPR).