Ladd McConkey vs DeVonta Smith
Who should you start in Week 7? This week's matchups and projections.
Who to start in Week 7
Start DeVonta Smith this week: Ladd McConkey is on bye in Week 7.
DeVonta Smith gets DAL, the 18th-friendliest matchup a WR can draw this week, projecting 12.1 points.
This-week points are each player's projected per-game scoring rate adjusted for the matchup.
The season-long call
The model takes Ladd McConkey: a clear but modest edge of 7.5 points of value over replacement (37.6 vs 30.1).
The room sees it the other way: drafters take DeVonta Smith first (ADP 29.1 vs 38.8). If the model is right, Ladd McConkey is the value pick, since the later cost buys the better 2026 projection.
Health note: Ladd McConkey carries an injury flag of Out (Concussion), which is already reflected in his projection.
| Ladd McConkeyLAC | DeVonta SmithPHI | Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 7 opponent | Bye | DAL | |
| Projected Week 7 points | 0.0 | 12.1 | Smith +12.1 pts |
| Matchup rank (WR vs defense, of 28) | - | #18 | |
| Projected 2026 points (PPR) | 216.0 | 208.5 | McConkey +7.5 pts |
| Points per game | 12.7 | 12.3 | |
| Value over replacement (VBD) | 37.6 | 30.1 | McConkey +7.5 |
| Overall rank | #43 | #49 | McConkey by 6 |
| Position rank | WR14 | WR17 | |
| Market ADP | 38.8 | 29.1 | McConkey +9.7 cheaper |
| Typical round (12-team) | Rd 4 | Rd 3 | |
| Bye week | 7 | 10 | |
| Injury flag | Out | None |
Should I start Ladd McConkey or DeVonta Smith in Week 7?
Start DeVonta Smith this week: Ladd McConkey is on bye in Week 7.
Should I draft Ladd McConkey or DeVonta Smith in 2026 fantasy football?
Ladd McConkey. He projects 216.0 fantasy points with 37.6 value over replacement, vs 208.5 points and 30.1 for DeVonta Smith (WR, PPR).