Rashee Rice vs DeVonta Smith
Who should you start in Week 6? This week's matchups and projections.
Who to start in Week 6
This week is a coin flip. The model leans DeVonta Smith by 0.7 projected points (12.5 vs 11.8), close enough that either call is defensible.
DeVonta Smith faces CAR, the 7th-friendliest matchup a WR can draw this week. Rashee Rice faces LAC, the 23rd-friendliest matchup a WR can draw this week.
Season-long, the model still ranks Rashee Rice ahead. This is a matchup call for Week 6, not a change of heart about the rest of the year.
This-week points are each player's projected per-game scoring rate adjusted for the matchup.
The season-long call
This one is a coin flip. The model leans Rashee Rice by 1.2 points of value over replacement (27.6 vs 26.4), close enough that your roster build should break the tie.
The draft market agrees: Rashee Rice goes first at ADP 17.2 vs 29.1 for DeVonta Smith.
Health note: Rashee Rice carries an injury flag of Questionable (Hamstring), which is already reflected in his projection.
Health note: DeVonta Smith carries an injury flag of Questionable (Hamstring), which is already reflected in his projection.
| Rashee RiceKAN | DeVonta SmithPHI | Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 6 opponent | LAC | CAR | |
| Projected Week 6 points | 11.8 | 12.5 | Smith +0.7 pts |
| Matchup rank (WR vs defense, of 28) | #23 | #7 | |
| Projected 2026 points (PPR) | 206.0 | 204.8 | Rice +1.2 pts |
| Points per game | 12.1 | 12.0 | |
| Value over replacement (VBD) | 27.6 | 26.4 | Rice +1.2 |
| Overall rank | #46 | #47 | Rice by 1 |
| Position rank | WR16 | WR17 | |
| Market ADP | 17.2 | 29.1 | Smith +11.9 cheaper |
| Typical round (12-team) | Rd 2 | Rd 3 | |
| Bye week | 5 | 10 | |
| Injury flag | Questionable | Questionable |
Should I start Rashee Rice or DeVonta Smith in Week 6?
This week is a coin flip. The model leans DeVonta Smith by 0.7 projected points (12.5 vs 11.8), close enough that either call is defensible.
Should I draft Rashee Rice or DeVonta Smith in 2026 fantasy football?
Rashee Rice. He projects 206.0 fantasy points with 27.6 value over replacement, vs 204.8 points and 26.4 for DeVonta Smith (WR, PPR). It's close enough to let roster needs decide.