DeVonta Smith vs Tee Higgins
Who should you start in Week 3? This week's matchups and projections.
Who to start in Week 3
Start Tee Higgins this week: a clear but modest edge of 1.4 projected points (13.8 vs 12.4).
Tee Higgins faces PIT, the 3rd-friendliest matchup a WR can draw this week. DeVonta Smith faces CHI, the 18th-friendliest matchup a WR can draw this week.
Season-long, the model still ranks DeVonta Smith ahead. This is a matchup call for Week 3, 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 DeVonta Smith by 0.1 points of value over replacement (32.2 vs 32.0), close enough that your roster build should break the tie.
The draft market agrees: DeVonta Smith goes first at ADP 29.1 vs 37.1 for Tee Higgins.
Health note: DeVonta Smith carries an injury flag of Questionable (Hamstring), which is already reflected in his projection.
| DeVonta SmithPHI | Tee HigginsCIN | Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 3 opponent | CHI | PIT | |
| Projected Week 3 points | 12.4 | 13.8 | Higgins +1.4 pts |
| Matchup rank (WR vs defense, of 32) | #18 | #3 | |
| Projected 2026 points (PPR) | 210.6 | 210.5 | Smith +0.1 pts |
| Points per game | 12.4 | 12.4 | |
| Value over replacement (VBD) | 32.2 | 32.0 | Smith +0.1 |
| Overall rank | #44 | #45 | Smith by 1 |
| Position rank | WR15 | WR16 | |
| Market ADP | 29.1 | 37.1 | Higgins +8.0 cheaper |
| Typical round (12-team) | Rd 3 | Rd 4 | |
| Bye week | 10 | 6 | |
| Injury flag | Questionable | None |
Should I start DeVonta Smith or Tee Higgins in Week 3?
Start Tee Higgins this week: a clear but modest edge of 1.4 projected points (13.8 vs 12.4).
Should I draft DeVonta Smith or Tee Higgins in 2026 fantasy football?
DeVonta Smith. He projects 210.6 fantasy points with 32.2 value over replacement, vs 210.5 points and 32.0 for Tee Higgins (WR, PPR). It's close enough to let roster needs decide.