Jaxon Smith-Njigba vs Nico Collins
Who should you start in Week 3? This week's matchups and projections.
Who to start in Week 3
Start Jaxon Smith-Njigba this week: a clear but modest edge of 2.0 projected points (19.4 vs 17.5).
Jaxon Smith-Njigba faces WAS, the 7th-friendliest matchup a WR can draw this week. Nico Collins faces IND, the 6th-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 Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and it isn't close: 31.4 points of value over replacement separate them (124.7 vs 93.4).
The draft market agrees: Jaxon Smith-Njigba goes first at ADP 5.9 vs 19.6 for Nico Collins.
Health note: Nico Collins carries an injury flag of Out (Hamstring), which is already reflected in his projection.
| Jaxon Smith-NjigbaSEA | Nico CollinsHOU | Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 3 opponent | WAS | IND | |
| Projected Week 3 points | 19.4 | 17.5 | Smith-Njigba +2.0 pts |
| Matchup rank (WR vs defense, of 32) | #7 | #6 | |
| Projected 2026 points (PPR) | 303.2 | 271.8 | Smith-Njigba +31.4 pts |
| Points per game | 17.8 | 16.0 | |
| Value over replacement (VBD) | 124.7 | 93.4 | Smith-Njigba +31.4 |
| Overall rank | #8 | #16 | Smith-Njigba by 8 |
| Position rank | WR2 | WR5 | |
| Market ADP | 5.9 | 19.6 | Collins +13.7 cheaper |
| Typical round (12-team) | Rd 1 | Rd 2 | |
| Bye week | 11 | 8 | |
| Injury flag | None | Out |
Should I start Jaxon Smith-Njigba or Nico Collins in Week 3?
Start Jaxon Smith-Njigba this week: a clear but modest edge of 2.0 projected points (19.4 vs 17.5).
Should I draft Jaxon Smith-Njigba or Nico Collins in 2026 fantasy football?
Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He projects 303.2 fantasy points with 124.7 value over replacement, vs 271.8 points and 93.4 for Nico Collins (WR, PPR).