Ladd McConkey vs Jaylen Waddle
Who should you start in Week 3? This week's matchups and projections.
Who to start in Week 3
This week is a coin flip. The model leans Jaylen Waddle by 0.9 projected points (10.9 vs 10.0), close enough that either call is defensible.
Jaylen Waddle faces LA, the 21st-friendliest matchup a WR can draw this week. Ladd McConkey faces BUF, the 29th-friendliest matchup a WR can draw this week.
Season-long, the model still ranks Ladd McConkey 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 Ladd McConkey by 2.3 points of value over replacement (14.7 vs 12.5), close enough that your roster build should break the tie.
The draft market agrees: Ladd McConkey goes first at ADP 38.8 vs 44.1 for Jaylen Waddle.
| Ladd McConkeyLAC | Jaylen WaddleDEN | Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 3 opponent | BUF | LA | |
| Projected Week 3 points | 10.0 | 10.9 | Waddle +0.9 pts |
| Matchup rank (WR vs defense, of 32) | #29 | #21 | |
| Projected 2026 points (PPR) | 193.2 | 190.9 | McConkey +2.3 pts |
| Points per game | 11.4 | 11.2 | |
| Value over replacement (VBD) | 14.7 | 12.5 | McConkey +2.3 |
| Overall rank | #58 | #64 | McConkey by 6 |
| Position rank | WR21 | WR23 | |
| Market ADP | 38.8 | 44.1 | Waddle +5.3 cheaper |
| Typical round (12-team) | Rd 4 | Rd 4 | |
| Bye week | 7 | 10 |
Should I start Ladd McConkey or Jaylen Waddle in Week 3?
This week is a coin flip. The model leans Jaylen Waddle by 0.9 projected points (10.9 vs 10.0), close enough that either call is defensible.
Should I draft Ladd McConkey or Jaylen Waddle in 2026 fantasy football?
Ladd McConkey. He projects 193.2 fantasy points with 14.7 value over replacement, vs 190.9 points and 12.5 for Jaylen Waddle (WR, PPR). It's close enough to let roster needs decide.