Zay Flowers vs DeVonta Smith
Who should you start in Week 3? This week's matchups and projections.
Who to start in Week 3
Start Zay Flowers this week, and it isn't close: 3.1 projected points separate them (15.4 vs 12.4).
Zay Flowers faces DAL, the 1st-friendliest matchup a WR can draw this week. DeVonta Smith faces CHI, the 18th-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 Zay Flowers, and it isn't close: 17.4 points of value over replacement separate them (49.6 vs 32.2).
The draft market agrees: Zay Flowers goes first at ADP 24.8 vs 29.1 for DeVonta Smith.
Health note: Zay Flowers 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.
| Zay FlowersBAL | DeVonta SmithPHI | Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 3 opponent | DAL | CHI | |
| Projected Week 3 points | 15.4 | 12.4 | Flowers +3.1 pts |
| Matchup rank (WR vs defense, of 32) | #1 | #18 | |
| Projected 2026 points (PPR) | 228.0 | 210.6 | Flowers +17.4 pts |
| Points per game | 13.4 | 12.4 | |
| Value over replacement (VBD) | 49.6 | 32.2 | Flowers +17.4 |
| Overall rank | #35 | #44 | Flowers by 9 |
| Position rank | WR12 | WR15 | |
| Market ADP | 24.8 | 29.1 | Smith +4.3 cheaper |
| Typical round (12-team) | Rd 2 | Rd 3 | |
| Bye week | 13 | 10 | |
| Injury flag | Questionable | Questionable |
Should I start Zay Flowers or DeVonta Smith in Week 3?
Start Zay Flowers this week, and it isn't close: 3.1 projected points separate them (15.4 vs 12.4).
Should I draft Zay Flowers or DeVonta Smith in 2026 fantasy football?
Zay Flowers. He projects 228.0 fantasy points with 49.6 value over replacement, vs 210.6 points and 32.2 for DeVonta Smith (WR, PPR).